Tips for visiting family abroad at Christmas

Visiting family abroad during the Christmas season is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones, experience unique holiday traditions, and create lasting memories. Here are some tips for visiting family abroad during the festive season.

Get organised

Keep your documents and travel essentials in one easy-to-access spot to avoid a last-minute scramble at the airport.

  • Essentials at hand Place all documents (passports, boarding passes, accommodation details, travel insurance policy etc.) in a travel wallet or folder. This way, you have everything ready if you need to show proof of ID or answer quick questions at check-in.
  • Backup digital copies Photograph or scan your passport, travel insurance, and tickets. Storing these on your phone or email offers a quick backup if anything goes missing.

 

Streamline packing

For a trip focused on family, resist the urge to overpack and focus on what you’ll need—and fit in gifts!

  • Plan your wardrobe Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack layers to stay adaptable. Limit outfits to a few essentials that mix and match easily, especially if you’ll have access to laundry facilities.
  • Pack gifts thoughtfully If you’re bringing Christmas presents, keep them unwrapped for easier customs checks and save space with smaller items or consider shipping gifts in advance.
  • Bring small touches of home If there’s something that makes you feel festive, like mince pies or a Christmas pudding, pack it for a familiar taste to share with family abroad.

Plan festive activities

Since you’ll likely spend time indoors, a few planned activities can keep everyone entertained and foster festive cheer.

Bring along items like a deck of cards or plan an activity such as making paper snowflakes. You could research a local supermarket to your destination to grab some bits to bake cookies together. These small moments can add a lot of joy without elaborate planning.

If weather allows, plan a short outing, like a walk or a nearby market visit, to break up indoor time and give everyone a chance to recharge.

Prioritise downtime

Holidays can be intense, especially when you’re spending extended time with family you may not see often. Carving out a little downtime can help you relax and avoid burnout.

  • Schedule breaks Even short family trips can feel busy, so remember it’s okay to take a little time to recharge. Go for a walk, read a book, or take a nap—small breaks can help you feel fresher for the next gathering.
  • Manage expectations Not every holiday moment needs to be structured or picture-perfect. Accept that some downtime or quiet time will be part of the rhythm and keep plans flexible if you can.
  • Set up a special day for just a few people If you’re visiting a large family, carve out a few hours to spend one-on-one time with a relative you’re especially close to. This is a lovely way to deepen connections without feeling overwhelmed.

 

Stay connected

While you’re busy celebrating abroad, a few small gestures can help you stay connected with friends at home who may be celebrating without you.

  • Arrange a quick catch-up call Check in with close friends or other family in the UK, especially those you might normally spend Christmas with, for a festive chat.
  • Send digital greetings Share a few photos or videos and wish friends a Merry Christmas via WhatsApp or social media, giving them a glimpse of your time abroad.
  • Share holiday highlights Whether it’s a new recipe you tried or a family photo, let friends know a few of the holiday highlights so you can share the experience.

 

Travel time

Holiday travel often involves delays and longer waiting times, but there are ways to make it a bit easier.

  • Plan for airport downtime Whether it’s downloading a film, starting a new book, or listening to a podcast, come prepared to relax while you wait at the airport.
  • Dress comfortably for travel Wear layers and pack essentials like a neck pillow and hand sanitizer. A bit of preparation can make long flights or layovers more bearable.
  • Stock up on snacksAirport shops can be limited during peak times, so bring some favourite snacks or treats from home.

 

Be present

Finally, as hectic as the holiday season can be, try to fully embrace the time spent with family. Whether it’s exchanging stories, sharing meals, or learning about their traditions, focus on being present and enjoy the togetherness.

  • Limit screen time Consider setting aside phones and devices for a portion of each day to stay focused on family. Use technology to capture memories but try not to let it distract from face-to-face time.
  • Take photos, but not too manyDocument a few special moments, but avoid feeling pressured to capture everything. Enjoying the experience can often be more memorable than documenting it.
  • Practice gratitude Reflect on the opportunity to spend this time with loved ones, savour the unique elements of celebrating abroad, and appreciate the season.

 

Travel insurance

Good to go insurance can help you with travel insurance for your trip. Good to go can cover all types of existing medical conditions and has no upper age limit. Remember to buy travel insurance as soon as you've booked your trip to ensure that you have cancellation cover in place straight away. Good to go includes cancellation cover on Gold, Platinum and cruise policies.

Don’t let your age or medical conditions hold you back. For travel insurance you’re good to go!

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