The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year to travel. With everyone rushing home to see family and friends, airports and train stations can be crowded and chaotic. But don't worry – there are a few things you can do to make your holiday travel experience as stress-free as possible.
Here are a few tips:
Plan Ahead
The first key to reducting your holiday travel stress is to plan ahead. The earlier you start planning your trip, the more likely you are to find good deals on flights and accommodations. And when you have everything booked in advance, you can relax and know that you're all set. Last minute deals between now and the beginning of January are unheard of, so today's price will most likely be the lower than tomorrow.
Be Flexible
It pays to be flexible with your travel dates. If you can, avoid traveling on the busiest days of the year, such as the day before Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve. If you do have to travel on one of these days, try to book early morning or late night flights to avoid the crowds. Sometimes you can find cheaper flights and better availability on the actually holiday, so if you don't need to be at your destination before the presents are unwrapped, try flying in on Christmas morning.
Pack Light
The less luggage you have, the easier it will be to get around. Overhead space on the airplane will be in high demand and the lines around the baggage carosuel will be long. Try to pack only the essentials and wear layers so you can adjust to the temperature. If you can fit everything into a backpack, you may even be able to keep your bag under the seat during your flight.
Arrive Early
Get to the airport early. This will give you plenty of time to check in, go through security, and find your gate. If you drive to the airport, you'll also have more time to find that elusive parking space. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of flight delays or cancellations. You can check the TSA security wait times one most airport websites or on the MyTSA phone app.
Pack Your Patience
The busy holiday season is stressful for everyone so be patient and understanding. Everyone is trying to get home for the holidays. Being kind and patient with the other travelers and the airport staff goes a long way to making the travel more bearble for everyone. Many people only travel during the holidays and a good number of families will be trying to navigate the airport with small children. Remember that everyone is just trying to get to their destination safely.
Here are a few additional tips for The Traveling Lucys:
• Traveling with a group of friends or family can make the travel experience more enjoyable and less stressful. You can help each other out with luggage, navigate the airport, and keep each other company.
• If you're traveling for a long distance, be sure to take breaks along the way. When driving, plan on a stop every couple of hours. Stop at well populated rest stops or popular gas stations or truck stops. On long flights, get up and move around, stretch your legs, and have a snack or drink. Water is always a good idea over sugary soft drinks or alcohol.
• Don't forget to relax and have fun! The holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy time with loved ones. So don't let stress take over. Take some time to relax and enjoy the journey.
And finally, a few specific tips for navigating air travel during the busiest season:
•. Use mobile apps. There are a number of mobile apps that can help you make your travel experience more seamless. For example, you can use an app to check flight status, track your luggage, and find your way around the airport.
•. Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. These programs can help you speed through security at the airport. If you allow time before your depature flight, many airports offer TSA Precheck enrollment. Check the TSA website for more information.
•. Take advantage of airport amenities. Many airports offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and restaurants. Take advantage of these amenities to make your wait more comfortable.
•. Be prepared for delays and cancellations. Even the best-laid travel plans can go astray. Keep an eye on the weather, both at your home airport and your destination. Sometimes airlines will allow you to reschedule to avoid possible delays and cancellations due to weather. Always have a backup plan and pack a carry-on bag with essential items including prescription medicines and some clothes incase you get stranded for a night.
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