Traveling During the Holidays: 5 Helpful Holiday Travel Tips and Tricks
‘Tis the season!
We are right in the middle of the busy holiday season.
That means it’s time to make all of your holiday travel plans.
This can be a stressful time of year to travel but whether you’re off on a tropical getaway, checking out a magical winter wonderland, or simply visiting family, there are ways to keep your sanity.
Here are the top holiday travel tips and tricks to help you to enjoy holiday travel.
1. Avoid Popular Travel Days
The general rule of thumb for holiday travel is to hit the road or the skies on unpopular days.
The days surrounding Christmas will be insanely busy, consider extending your stay or arriving at your destination early. However, December 25 is one of the best days to travel as most people have already reached their destinations, and airports and roads are considerably less crowded.
2. Pack Smart And Light
If you are flying this holiday season avoid checking bags.
Holiday travel means crowded airports, which leads to more room for error when it comes to baggage. Also, you won’t have to wait for luggage at your destination. If you have to check a bag make sure to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case.
3. Don’t Fly With Gifts
It’s not a great idea to bring gifts on your flight, not only due to extra costs but also because they can be lost in your checked bags.
TSA recommends not flying with wrapped gifts because they may need to be unwrapped for inspections. Instead, ship the gifts to your destination weeks in advance to make sure they arrive on time.
4. Prepare For The Unexpected
The most essential of holiday travel tips are easier said than done but having a backup plan can save your trip. It’s a crazy time of year, unexpected things are sure to happen, and it’s smart to be prepared for anything.
If you are flying, leave extra time before flights and between connections. If you are hitting the road, be prepared for inclement weather and traffic. Make sure to pack snacks, bring backup chargers for electronics, map your road trip route, and confirm reservations.
5. Mentally Prepare Yourself – Inhale And Exhale
Take a deep breath in, and exhale! Holiday travel often means long lines, traffic, and cancellations, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the ride.
Be kind and treat people respectfully, particularly those who are working diligently to help you travel. Patience and flexibility will help in combating holiday travel stress and avoiding a Frosty-sized meltdown.
A Few More Holiday Travel Tips:
- Travel early or late in the day
- Check ahead for airline delays
- Pay attention to the weather on driving routes
- Make sure your cellphone is fully charged
- Verify your passport is updated some countries require a 6 month validation rule when traveling and have a valid signature on your passport.
Don’t let the crowds during the holiday season stop you from traveling. Although holiday travel is known to be difficult, using these holiday travel tips will ensure a relaxing and stress-free experience.
A Note About Pandemic Protocols
One more thing…
Research pandemic protocols at your destinations.
Be aware that you must wear a mask at all times in airports and on planes. It’s also a good idea to add hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to your packing list.
