The holiday season is the busiest travel time of the year. With over 120 million people expected to travel before the year ends, holiday travel can be stressful. Large airport crowds, high demand for flights and accommodations, and unpredictable cancellations often add up to a lot of stress. To make your holiday travel as smooth as possible, here are some essential tips and tricks from travel experts to help you navigate the busiest travel time of the year.
Plan and Book Early
The earlier you start planning, the better your chances of getting the best deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars. History has shown that flight prices rise considerably as the holiday season approaches. Booking at least one or two months ahead of time can help you avoid those higher prices and limited seat availability.
Booking hotels early helps ensure that you get your desired room, or bed type. Popular destinations often fill up quickly during the holidays, so if you have your eyes on a specific hotel or vacation rental, locking it in early gives you peace of mind.
Be Flexible with Travel Dates
Holiday travel generally peaks just before and after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. By avoiding peak travel days, you can often save both time and money. For shorter flights, most experts say you will save the most by traveling on the holiday itself, still giving you time with friends and family.
You Might also consider flying mid-week, when prices tend to be lower, and plan for off-peak hours such as very early morning or late-night flights. This can help you to avoid longer lines at security and give you a better chance of finding a flight that isn’t completely full. If your schedule and budget allow, consider taking a slightly longer trip that includes the less-crowded shoulder days before and after the holidays.
Pack Smartly
Efficient packing can make all the difference, especially if you’re traveling with gifts or bulky winter clothing. Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space in your suitcase. If you’re bringing gifts, consider shipping them ahead to avoid extra baggage fees and the hassle of carrying them through the airport. If you do pack gifts, it’s best to leave them unwrapped, as TSA may need to inspect them.
Make sure your liquids and electronics are packed in easy-to-access locations, so you can quickly remove them if needed. Also, review TSA guidelines to ensure your carry-on items comply with current regulations, reducing the likelihood of delays or confiscated items.
Moreover, if you’re heading to a cold-weather destination, wear some bulky clothing items on the plane, such as boots and a winter coat, to free up space in your luggage. Once onboard, a coat can go on top of carry-on bags in the overhead bin without counting as a carry-on item.
When packing your carry-on, keep essentials like medication, chargers, travel documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked baggage is delayed. Your carry-on should also contain snacks and a portable charger to keep you comfortable in case of unexpected delays at the airport.
Be Ready for Weather-Related Disruptions
Winter weather can throw a wrench in a carefully planned holiday trip. Even when traveling from Arizona, snowstorms, ice, and fog from inbound flights can lead to flight delays or cancellations. Stay informed about weather forecasts for both your departure and arrival destinations. Many airlines and hotels have their own apps that allow you to check in, access boarding passes, and provide updates on potential delays or gate changes. Most of these apps also allow you to communicate with customer service representatives if needed.
Keep a Positive Mindset
Finally, a successful holiday trip often comes down to maintaining the right mindset. Crowded airports, long security lines, and busy roadways are par for the course during the holiday season. Realize that there are circumstances beyond your control and try to remain calm during potential disruptions.
Holiday travel can be challenging, but careful planning and preparation can alleviate many of the typical stressors. By booking early, packing efficiently, staying informed, and leveraging technology, you can enjoy a smoother travel experience. Safe travels and have a happy holiday season!
