Traveling during the holidays can be joyful, but it also presents challenges. This is the time of year when people visit their loved ones or go on vacation to wrap up the year – and so do millions of others. This can make for a rather stressful experience in airports, train and bus stations, or on the road.
Along with the crowds (not to mention the difficulty of booking flights during one of the busiest travel periods), other potential complications include transporting gifts and food and dealing with bad weather. But don't worry – we've got 15 tips to help you navigate the intricacies of holiday travel more easily, so you can spend less time worrying and more time celebrating. Let's get to the point!
So how can I avoid holiday travel hassles?
1. Book flights early and set price alerts
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The holiday season is a busy time for air travel. If you're planning to fly during this period, it's best to book your tickets as early as you can. As reported before, the ideal time to book flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas is typically in September. If you're still waiting to find the best price, set up price alerts on websites like Skyscanner. Then, buy the tickets when the price is right for your budget.
2. Reserve your rental car in advance
Rental car prices can fluctuate significantly, so it's smart to reserve your vehicle early (preferably with a company that allows free cancellations) and then keep an eye out for any price drops. To potentially save even more, look for discounts through your frequent flyer or membership programs. You can also lower your rental costs by picking up the car from a non-airport location, choosing a smaller or manual transmission vehicle and avoiding expensive add-ons like GPS navigation and satellite radio systems.
3. Be flexible with dates and airports
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, consider expanding your search to a few days before or after your ideal departure and return dates. Certain days around the holidays like the Sunday after Thanksgiving are very busy, so choosing a less crowded day to fly can save you money on airfare. Another way to reduce costs is to fly out of a large airport with more flights and competitive prices. Busy hubs like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) are often good options for finding deals.
4. Explore less-visited destinations
If you're visiting family or friends, you're stuck with their location. But if you're planning a vacation, try looking at alternative destinations. Rather than going to ultra-popular spots like Cabo, consider less-crowded places with potentially more affordable options. For example, you could visit Todos Santos, just an hour from Cabo San Lucas, where you'll find a slower pace and more bohemian vibe, plus plenty of vacation rental choices to keep costs down. The same idea applies to winter ski destinations – instead of the big mountains, try lesser-known spots that may not have all the bells and whistles, but still have great powder.
5. Cash in on those points
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The holidays are the perfect time to use the rewards points you've been accumulating on your credit card all year long. It's quite surprising, but a LendingTree study found that a whopping 70% of US rewards card holders have unused rewards, whether in the form of cash back, points, or miles. Just be aware that some credit cards and loyalty programs may have blackout dates or other restrictions around the holidays, so check your policy ahead of time.
6. Prioritize direct flights
Winter weather can be unpredictable, with snowstorms and delays causing travel headaches. To minimize the risk of missed connections, try to book direct flights whenever possible. And if your destination is close enough, consider taking a train or bus instead of flying altogether.
7. Treat yourself to lounge access
Airports tend to be busier during the holiday season, so you'll want to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight. Rather than jostling for a seat in the crowded terminal, use this time to splurge on access to an exclusive airport lounge. First-class tickets often include lounge access, but even economy passengers can sometimes upgrade, purchase a pass, or check if their credit card offers this perk. An even better option is to get a Priority Pass, an annual service that grants you entry to some of the best airport lounges.
8. Carefully pack gifts in your carry-on
Losing a checked bag is a real bummer. Imagine losing a bag full of gifts you carefully picked out for your loved ones. To avoid this, pack your presents in your carry-on. Better yet, if you can travel light, skip checking a bag altogether. This way, you're less likely to lose anything along the way. Plus, you'll be able to get out of the airport faster since you won't have to wait at the baggage claim.
9. Familiarize yourself with holiday travel rules
If you're bringing gifts, leave them unwrapped. If a wrapped gift sets off any alarms with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), they'll have to unwrap it at security, undoing all your hard work. To avoid this hassle, you could ship your gifts ahead of time. Also, be careful with food items. Some liquids like large amounts of gravy or cranberry sauce aren't allowed in your carry-on. Check the "What Can I Bring?" section on the TSA website and pack solid food items in clear containers for easy inspection at security.
10. Have a backup plan in case things go wrong
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Life can be unpredictable, and that's especially true when it comes to holiday travel. That's why it's smart to have a backup plan in place. Start by considering travel insurance, which you can purchase through airlines or other providers. Check with your credit card company first to see if they already offer this coverage. If not, explore your options, including "cancel for any reason" policies and standard plans that cover everything from canceled flights to lost luggage, to find the one that best suits your needs.
In addition, try to map out an alternate route to your destination in case your flight gets canceled. Look into how long the drive would be, check bus and train schedules, or even have a completely different backup plan, such as a staycation, so you don't feel disappointed if your original travel plans fall through.
11. Ensure your car is winter-ready
Driving during the winter can be just as challenging as flying. You need to consider various weather conditions and share the roads with countless other drivers. The last thing you want is for your vehicle to break down at an inconvenient time. Before embarking on your holiday journey, get your car tuned up to ensure it's in top shape.
12. Use all the apps
Living in the 21st century has its perks, and one of them is all the amazing apps available. This holiday season, make the most of the apps on your phone. From finding last-minute flights and hotels to streaming your favorite shows (Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more), and using map apps to stay on track, there's an app for everything. Download movies, add your flight info to your phone's wallet, and keep directions handy. You'll be prepared for anything and stay entertained, even on long flights.
13. Check holiday hours
It's important to remember that you're not the only one on holiday break. Hospitality and attraction workers are also taking time off. Before heading to your must-see destinations, be sure to check the holiday hours. Businesses often have reduced hours or are closed on certain days to give their staff a well-deserved break.
14. Make restaurant reservations
Traveling during the holidays requires planning, and that includes making reservations at restaurants. If there's a spot you've been wanting to try, make sure to book your table for the holiday season. That way, you'll have a guaranteed place to enjoy a meal.
15. Get ready to handle stress and spread joy instead
With a bit of preparation, you can stay calm during your holiday travels. If you need some help managing holiday stress, consider downloading meditation apps like Headspace or Calm to use on your journey. This way, you can take deep breaths and focus on staying positive for yourself, your loved ones, and all the other travelers just trying to reach their destinations. An added bonus? Reducing stress can also help you avoid getting sick while traveling during the holidays.
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