Traveling for the holidays may be fun, but it’s not without its challenges. It usually means heading off to see loved ones or heading to your dream vacation destination to end the year right. But, like millions of other people, it can be a pretty stressful experience at the airport, at the train station, or on the road.
In addition to crowding (not to mention booking flights during one of the most popular travel periods), other potential complications also arise, such as transporting gifts and food and dealing with bad weather. . But have no fear. We can help. Here are 15 tips to help you navigate the complexities of vacation travel. That way you can spend less time worrying and more time celebrating.
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Set price alerts and book your flights early.
If you are planning to travel during the holiday season, we recommend booking your flight tickets as early as possible. As previously reported by Travel + Leisure, the best time to book tickets for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays is usually September. If you’re still waiting to find the best deal, set up price alerts on sites like Skyscanner and click ‘buy’ when the price is right.
Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance.
Rental car rates vary widely, so it’s wise to book a car early (preferably with a company that allows free cancellation) and watch for price drops. If you want to save money, look for discounts through frequent flyer or membership programs. You can save money by renting away from the airport, choosing a smaller car or one with a manual transmission, and avoiding expensive add-ons like GPS navigation and satellite radio systems.
Be flexible about dates (and airports).
If you have some flexibility in when you travel, expand your search to include a few days on either side of your ideal departure and return dates. Certain days around the holidays, such as the Sunday after Thanksgiving, are notoriously crowded, so choosing to fly on a less crowded day can save you a lot of money on airfare. Is there another way to reduce costs when flying? Choose to depart from larger airports that offer more flights at competitive prices. According to travel booking site Going.com, large hub airports such as Los Angeles International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport are ranked as the best airports to land deals.
Consider destinations that are less visited.
If you are visiting family or friends, ignore this tip as you cannot change where they live. However, if you are thinking of heading off on vacation, try broadening your horizons. Looking for some fun in the sun during your vacation? Instead of heading to a super popular destination like Cabo, try another location that’s less crowded and potentially more affordable. please. For example, you can head to the equally charming Todos Santos, just an hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas. There, you’ll find a slower pace in a town with a more bohemian vibe, and plenty of vacation rental options to keep costs down. The same goes for winter ski resorts. Avoid the big ski mountains and look for spots less visited by tourists. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it still has all the powder stash you’re looking for.
Book at a discount with points.
The holiday season is the perfect time to use the points you’ve been accumulating on your credit card all year. And according to a pretty shocking Lending Tree study, a whopping 70% of reward credit card holders in the U.S. have unused rewards in the form of either cash back, points, or miles. , I know there’s probably a point in store. Some credit cards and loyalty programs may have blackout dates or other restrictions around holidays, so check their policies in advance.
Please select a direct flight.
Winter is an unpredictable season with snowstorms and delays. Always try to book direct flights to reduce the chance of missing your connecting flight. If you’re close enough to your destination, skip the flight and opt for a train or bus instead.
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Enjoy access to our luxurious lounge.
Airports are usually busier during the holidays, so try to arrive at least two hours before your flight. Instead of trying to find a seat in the crowds while you wait to board, use this as an excuse to splurge on admission to a premium lounge. First-class flights usually include lounge access, but for economy-class flights, you can upgrade, buy a pass, or check with your credit card to see if benefits are included. Even better, try out Priority Pass, an annual service that gives you access to some of the best airport lounges.
Please pack your gift in your carry-on baggage.
Losing checked luggage is, quite frankly, the worst. Now, imagine losing your checked luggage filled with all the gifts you’ve diligently purchased for your nieces, nephews, aunts, grandparents, etc. To prevent this from happening, pack the presents in your carry-on. Even better, if you can travel light, don’t check a bag at all. That way, you’ll reduce the chances of losing something along the way. Plus, you’ll get out of the airport faster since you won’t have to wait forever on the baggage merry-go-round.
Know the rules for flying with holiday items.
If you are traveling with a gift, leave it unwrapped. Otherwise, if your wrapped gift raises a red flag with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you’ll be forced to unwrap it at a security checkpoint, undoing all your hard work. You can also avoid this hassle by shipping your gift in advance. Additionally, some liquids, such as large amounts of gravy and cranberry sauce, are prohibited from being carried on board, so be careful when bringing food with you. Please check “What should I bring?” See the section on the TSA website to pack solid foods in clear containers for easy inspection at security screening.
Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
It’s Murphy’s Law. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Therefore, it is a good idea to create a backup when it comes to holiday travel. This starts with purchasing travel insurance, which can be purchased through airlines and various providers. First, check with your credit card provider to see if your purchase already includes your credit card. If not, we recommend exploring all your options to find the one that suits your needs, including our “cancel for any reason” policy and standard options that cover everything from flight cancellations to lost baggage. To do.
Next, try creating an alternate route to your destination in case your flight is cancelled. Check driving distances, check bus and train routes, and have completely different Plan B options for your holiday celebration (like a staycation) so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
Be sure to adjust it before driving.
Driving in the winter can be just as stressful as flying. Not only do you have to consider different weather patterns, but you also have to contend with millions of other people on the road. And the last thing you want is your car to break down at the wrong time. Before you leave for your vacation trip, make some simple adjustments.
Take advantage of all the apps.
You know what’s great about living in the 21st century? It’s all about the apps. This holiday season, take advantage of all the apps on your phone, from finding last-minute flights and hotels to your favorite streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more). Also, use a map app to stay on track. By downloading movies, adding flight information to your phone wallet, and having directions at hand, you can be prepared for anything and have fun even on long flights.
Check the opening hours of attractions in your destination.
You’re not the only one taking a vacation. The same goes for hospitality and attraction employees. Before heading to a must-see destination, be aware of holiday opening hours. Businesses often shorten business hours or institute holidays to ensure that staff also have time off.
Make reservations at all the restaurants you plan to go to.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: holiday travel requires planning, and that goes for restaurants too. Is there a place you’re dying to try? Make reservations during the holiday season to guarantee a place to eat.
Get ready to deal with stress and spread joy instead.
We hope this preparation helps you stay calm while traveling this holiday season. If you need a little relaxation, try downloading some meditation apps like Headspace or Calm to use while traveling. This way, you can overcome any stress and anxiety and focus on staying positive for yourself, your family, and all your fellow travelers trying to reach your destination.
