[custom_adv] Visiting family during the holiday season can be a wonderful way to enjoy treasured traditions and catch up with far-flung loved ones. [custom_adv] But you may be nervous about cramped sleeping quarters, squeezing in quality time with everyone, and staying sane on someone else’s turf. [custom_adv] Traveling with kids during this busy time of year can add stress, too. Whether you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or the New Year, make sure your trip is as fun and carefree as possible with these six tips for visiting family and friends during the holidays! [custom_adv] Staying with family or friends can offer a sleigh-full of benefits. Being a houseguest makes it easy to engage in holiday activities like cookie baking and tree trimming. [custom_adv] It also gives easy access to gift wrapping necessities and a kitchen for food preparation and storage. [custom_adv] Plus, after children are tucked in for the night, parents are free to chat, watch Christmas movies, or play board games with hosts. When traveling with kids, all the better if your hosts are eager (or at least willing) to help out with childcare duties. [custom_adv] Most grandparents and other doting relatives are happy to babysit while you duck out for gift shopping or a much-needed night on the town. Whenever I stayed at my folks’ house when my children were little, my mom outdid the best nanny. [custom_adv] She helped with putting my kids down for naps, preparing meals, and she even did our laundry!