Can you believe that the holidays are coming? They seem to arrive too quick each year! We always try to plan before the trip when it comes to the holidays so that we don’t get so overwhelmed.

Here are the top 7 tips for traveling during the holidays.

1. Don’t Travel on Peak Days

Peak travel days are the worst! Traveling the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after will greatly increase your chance of travel woes. Consider adjusting your dates by just one day.

2. Leave Lots of Extra Time

Ample time is always important. It doesn’t matter how you are traveling; you need to make sure that you allow extra time. Things do come up; traffic happens all the time, flights change, etc. So, plan as much as you can. Relax and read or listen to music while you wait for your plane.

3. Pack Lightly

I know this is the hardest for me to do. It can be difficult if you are traveling from hot to cold places or vice versa. However, you do not need more than two pairs of shoes. You can pack lightly, I promise. If you have kids to pack for, they are the more important ones. Also make sure your luggage is functional.  Sorry, but true.

4. Have a Backup Plan

You can’t predict travel problems. If you’re driving, know alternative routes so you can adjust if traffic is bad; GPS is handy for finding different ways. If you’re flying, be aware of the alternative flights and connecting cities.

5. Have Fun

It’s the holiday season, after all; don’t feel so rushed. Remember to take snacks, games, books, magazines, ipads, etc. to pass the time regardless of how you are traveling.

6. Use Your Phone

You can track your flights and even track your travel with a GPS. You can see a lot of what’s happening right from these two simple elements. Use your smartphone to your advantage! Keeping up with changes and alerts are why it is so important to make sure your phone is fully charged and holds all the numbers you might need.

7. Holiday Gifts

Get small presents and try to ship large packages to the final destination beforehand. If you do take gifts along, keep them little and packable.

Traveling for the holidays can be a fun time, as long as you know the basics and prepare ahead of time. Try to plan as much as you can and adjust accordingly.

 

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