Let’s be honest: Holiday travel can be insanely chaotic. As someone who attended college out of state, I will never forget riding a crowded Amtrak train home just before Thanksgiving or waiting in long security lines during winter break in December. This time of year is very crowded as everyone goes home for the holidays or goes on winter break. It can be quite stressful, especially if you’re not an experienced traveler, but being prepared can help make your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible. Take a deep breath and read some holiday travel tips for the busiest time of the year.
1. Sign up for TSA PreCheck
Airport security lines should be one of the main sources of anxiety for travelers, especially during the holidays. One way to streamline this part of your air travel journey is to enroll in TSA PreCheck. If approved, you’ll save time and hassle with perks like dedicated airport security lines (which are often short) and the ability to keep your liquids and laptop in your carry-on bag while wearing your shoes. You can save money. The registration fee is $78, and membership is valid for five years (just under $16 a year). If you travel regularly, it’s worth it. The application process includes an in-person interview, so apply now to prepare for your holiday trip.
2. Travel on off-peak days whenever possible
According to the TSA, the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the day before Christmas Eve are some of the busiest days of the year for travelers. If you don’t mind traveling on the holiday itself or a few days before, you can avoid the crowds (and potentially save on airfare) by booking your trip during off-peak times. For example, rather than leaving on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, choose to leave earlier in the week and on Black Friday to avoid the weekend rush. Traveling over Christmas and New Year’s may not be your first choice, but the crowds will be much less than the few days immediately following the holidays. If you must travel over the holidays, try to leave earlier in the day to minimize crowds.
Source:@yunah.lee
3. Leave the gift unwrapped or ship it instead
I personally love wrapping gifts that look straight out of a Pinterest board, so it would be a shame if all my work was wasted due to airport security. If you’re traveling with a gift in your carry-on, wait to wrap it until you arrive at your destination. Although the TSA does allow security screening of wrapped gifts, you may be asked to unwrap them if something appears unusual, so save yourself time and effort just in case. Other options? Pack it in checked baggage or ship it in advance if possible. When you don’t have to worry about traveling with gifts, you have more space to store not only your essentials but also the gifts you’ll be returning home with.
4. Make sure the car is working properly
If you’re planning on going for a road trip this season, take care of your car beforehand. Make sure all lights are working, check tire pressure, and change the oil if necessary. While you’re at it, take some precautions to prepare for winter weather. Consider installing new wiper blades to handle rain or snow during your drive. Also, keep things like booster cables, ice shavers, extra blankets, and an emergency kit in your trunk just in case.
5. Queue and download playlists and podcasts
Whether you’re driving or flying, music and podcasts are essential. There’s nothing more disappointing than reaching cruising altitude, settling in, and then realizing you didn’t download anything beforehand (I speak from experience!). To avoid wasting data on your phone, download all your playlists and podcast episodes the night before so they’re ready to go when you’re driving or flying.
Source: @simplytandya
6. Be as prepared as possible
Traveling during the holidays can be stressful, so make sure you’re prepared with everything you need to stay calm and comfortable. If you’re flying, download the airline’s app to your phone and opt-in for text alerts so you don’t have to rely on announcements if your flight is delayed or changed. Pack an extra phone charger and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated (you’re allowed to bring ice through security if you want to keep your water cold). And no matter what mode of transportation you’re using, pack some snacks and wear clothes that will keep you comfortable.
If you’re easily overwhelmed by crowds or anxious about flying, noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver and worth the money. The Superhuman app also has great travel-themed meditations to help you calm your mind. Download it in advance so you can listen to it anytime without relying on unstable Wi-Fi or unreliable service.
7. Don’t panic if your flight gets cancelled
For many people, a canceled flight is a worst-case scenario, but knowing what to do if it does happen can help you stay calm in a particularly stressful situation. First things first: don’t panic. If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, take a breather and get in line for customer service, and while you’re waiting, call the airline and chat with the customer service representative you have first access to. Rebook with the same airline if possible, but feel free to book with a different airline if necessary. And don’t be afraid to share competitor prices when chatting with a customer service agent on the phone or in person.
It’s also important to know that if your flight is cancelled, you have a legal right to a full refund, including all taxes and fees. The U.S. Department of Transportation also has a very useful Airline Customer Service Dashboard that outlines what compensation you can expect if your flight is canceled or delayed, depending on the airline you fly. . This includes hotel accommodations, meal vouchers, and transportation to and from the airport if an overnight stay is required.
8. Breathe, be patient, and practice kindness
When traveling for the holidays, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll encounter some challenges along the way. Even a short road trip or flight can be stressful, and you can’t control the weather or what those around you are doing or feeling. Remember to be patient and kind to everyone you interact with, including fellow travelers, flight attendants, and customer service agents. Everyone wants to get to their destination as quickly and safely as possible. Take slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system and be kind to others as well as yourself.
