Thanksgiving travel can get hectic, especially with kids in tow. Between packing, flying, and family gatherings, it’s easy to feel like you need to bring your whole house along for the trip.

At Our Little Suitcase, we’ve helped families navigate holiday travel since 2012. Each November, we meet parents and grandparents at Tampa International Airport who tell us the same thing—we brought too much.

If you’re planning to spend Thanksgiving in Tampa this year, here’s how to keep things simple, stress-free, and light.

Pack Only The Essentials

When traveling with kids, less really is better. Bring what you’ll need for the first day or two—clothes, diapers, wipes, snacks, comfort items, and medications. You can always restock once you arrive.

Everything else, car seats, cribs, strollers, high chairs—can wait for you here. We deliver clean, inspected baby gear right to the airport, your hotel, or your family’s home. You’ll skip baggage claim chaos and save room in your luggage for what really matters.

Skip The Airport Stress

Tampa International Airport gets busy during Thanksgiving week. Between Wednesday and Sunday, thousands of travelers pass through every hour. Families with kids often face longer lines, crowded terminals, and tired little ones.

We meet you inside the main terminal with your gear ready to go. No rental counters. No waiting around. You can go straight from your flight to your ride, ready for the family dinner ahead.

Dress for Tampa Weather

Even in late November, Tampa stays warm. Highs often sit in the 70s and low 80s, so heavy coats and thick sweaters will only weigh you down.

Pack light layers instead—cotton shirts, shorts for daytime, and one light jacket for evenings. Most families tell us they never touch their cold-weather clothes once they arrive.

Plan For Comfort at Family Gatherings

If you’re staying with family, space can get tight fast. That’s where renting baby gear makes a difference. A pack-n-play, crib, booster seat, or stroller can make the visit smoother for everyone.

We deliver gear directly to your relatives’ home and pick it up when you’re done. That way, your hosts don’t have to rearrange furniture or worry about storage once you leave.

Enjoy the Break

Thanksgiving in Tampa means sunshine instead of snow, and beach walks instead of shoveling driveways. Once you’ve unpacked and settled in, make time to explore. Visit ZooTampa, stroll along the Riverwalk, or spend a morning at Clearwater Beach.

You’ll enjoy your trip more when you’re not managing extra luggage or bulky gear.

Our Role in Your Family’s Thanksgiving Trip

Since 2012, we’ve helped families travel lighter and stress less during the holidays. We clean and inspect every piece of gear before each rental, deliver it wherever you need it within our delivery area, and are available if you have any questions while you’re here.

Whether you’re visiting grandparents, friends, or hosting family in Tampa, our team is ready to make your Thanksgiving travel easier.

Explore our Products or see How It Works before you fly in.

FAQ: Traveling with Kids in Tampa

How far ahead should I book baby gear for Thanksgiving week?

We recommend reserving at least two weeks in advance. Thanksgiving is one of our busiest times of the year.

Do you meet families at Tampa International Airport?

Yes. We meet you inside the main terminal so you can skip extra stops and start your holiday right away.

What if I’m staying with family instead of a hotel?

No problem. We deliver directly to homes, vacation rentals, or hotels anywhere in the Tampa Bay area.

Is the gear cleaned between uses?

Always. Every item is deep-cleaned, sanitized, and inspected after each use.

What’s one thing most families forget to pack?

A few favorite toys or books. Familiar items help kids settle faster in new places.