Let's be honest: holiday travel is a full-contact sport. Between TSA lines that stretch to infinity, kids who suddenly need to pee at the worst possible moment, and the pressure to make everything Instagram-perfect, it's a miracle any of us make it to our destination with our sanity intact. So, we called in reinforcements—Ashley Graham, supermodel, mom of three, OLLY Brand Ambassador and certified holiday travel veteran who's survived more airport meltdowns than she can count.
The Goods Inside
- Pack Like a Pro: The “Plane Pouch” That Changed Everything
- Beat Jet Lag with This One Simple Rule
- Why Being Present Beats Being Perfect
Her advice? Ditch perfection, pack the essentials (yes, including snacks for every pocket), and give yourself permission to just get through it. Here's how she makes it work when chaos feels like the only thing on the itinerary.
Q: Holiday travel with a family of five sounds intense. What's the hardest part for you?
Ashley: Honestly? The logistics. It's like packing for a mini army. Three kids, three different moods, a million "must-have" comfort items. Getting out the door is an Olympic event.
And let's be real, during the holidays, self-care is usually the first thing to go. You're so focused on keeping everyone else happy and meltdown-free that you forget to check in with yourself. I've learned to ask for help when I need it and to let go of perfection. If your toddler is screaming through the terminal, you're
not alone. We've all been there.
“If your toddler is screaming through the terminal, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there.”
Q: How do you protect your mental health when your schedule is packed?
Ashley: I try to take advantage of the little breaks I do get, even if it's just 10 minutes to step outside, stretch, and breathe in some real air. Lately, I'm trying to be more honest with myself about how much I can handle. I've been working on saying "no" to more things, so I don't overcommit or burn out.
Choosing rest and protecting my energy has made a big difference. And when things do get chaotic, having the right people around helps keep me grounded (and laughing).
Q: Any packing hacks that you swear by?
Ashley: I swear by the "plane pouch." It's a small zip bag with everything I need for the flight—lip balm, hand sanitizer, headphones, gum, moisturizer. It's perfect so I'm not digging through a black hole of a tote at 30,000 feet.
For the kids, each one gets their own backpack with snacks, water, and whatever keeps them busy. They feel independent, and I'm not the only entertainment source the whole flight. Lately, I'm obsessed with vacuum-packed bags. Total game changer. I can fit way more into my luggage and still have room to bring stuff back.
Q: How do you deal with jet lag?
Ashley: The biggest mistake I used to make? Crashing for a nap the second I landed. Now I force myself to stay awake until local bedtime, even if I'm cross-eyed by 7pm. A good walk, some sunlight, and powering through that first day makes all the difference. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Q: What does your post-travel recovery look like?
Ashley: I try to go full hermit mode after a big trip. No meetings, no social plans, nothing that requires leaving the house or putting on real clothes. If something's optional, it gets shifted. To be my best self for my team and my family, I have to reset. Even just one day of quiet, fresh air, a little movement, and a 9pm bedtime makes a world of difference.
Q: How do you set boundaries during the holidays?
Ashley: I've learned the hard way that saying "yes" to everything is a guaranteed recipe for burnout. Now, I try to be intentional with my time. It's beautiful to celebrate with extended family, but sometimes the most memorable holidays are the quiet ones with just the five of us, doing something cozy and low-key. Whether it's a little trip or staying home in pajamas all day, I remind myself: the holidays don't have to be big to be meaningful. And no is a complete sentence.
“The holidays don't have to be big to be meaningful. And no is a complete sentence.”
Q: What do you always pack in your wellness routine?
Ashley: I keep everything organized in my carry-on using little mesh pouches. One is fully dedicated to wellness. It's stocked with my essentials: supplements like my OLLY Women's Multi and Sleep gummies, calming essential oil, hand sanitizer, moisturizer, and a good lip balm. For the kids, their Kid’s Multi Pro gummies are a lifesaver—it's a ritual they look forward to, and I love knowing they're getting that extra support while we're on the go.
Q: Best advice for someone feeling overwhelmed by holiday travel?
Ashley: Focus on the essentials. I always ask myself: what do I need to stay warm, go to dinner, chill with the kids, or run around on an adventure? That's your base. You don't need ten outfits a day. I also keep a running list in my Notes app of past packing wins and things I know I always forget, so I'm not starting from scratch every trip.
Q: Any mantras that help you through the chaos?
Ashley: Absolutely. I'm big on giving myself permission to not be perfect. I'll literally say to myself, "You're doing your best," or "Rest is productive too." Especially during the holidays when everything feels nonstop, I remind myself that being present is more important than being perfect. The kids won't remember if every bow was tied just right, but they'll remember how you made them feel.
“Being present is more important than being perfect.”
Q: One piece of advice for anybody trying to enjoy holiday travel?
Ashley: Let go of the pressure to be perfect. Whether your kids are the ones having a meltdown on the plane, or your itinerary goes totally off the rails, it's okay. You're doing your best and that's enough. And if you really want to be present? Delete your social media apps for the trip. The memories will still be there when you're ready to share them but staying in them while they're happening is the real gift.
The Goods Inside
- Pack Like a Pro: The “Plane Pouch” That Changed Everything
- Beat Jet Lag with This One Simple Rule
- Why Being Present Beats Being Perfect
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