Since the big travel day is only a couple of days away, you probably have most of your travel arrangements made. But there are still some things you need to consider. Holiday travel, by airplane or car, can be both exciting and stressful. Here are some holiday travel tips that you can use to make your trip more comfortable.
Pack Your Patience
Expect delays with holiday travel. If there are no delays, then think of it as an extra holiday gift. Try to be flexible. Remember to breathe. Everyone is trying to get to their destination at the same time as you. Which brings us to the next point.
Dress For the Occasion
Dress comfortably on the day of travel. Wear comfortable footwear that’s easy to get off or on at the airport or in the car. Pack a hooded jacket, sweatshirt, large scarf or small blanket. Each can do double duty of keeping you warm and can be rolled up like a pillow.
Snacks Are King
Pack your favorite snacks for the trip. Throw in some high protein snacks for the long haul. Don’t forget gum or lollipops to help with the change in cabin pressure on flights. They’re also good if you get motion sickness during the road trip. And remember to hydrate!
Expect the Unexpected
Leave much earlier than normal. If you’re flying, check with airline before you leave. Remember those delays that can happen during the holiday travel rush. Buy trip insurance or see if your credit card company offers that feature. If you are renting a car, put your flight information in the rental car reservation. This helps prevent a cancellation of your rental car reservation if you don’t show up on time due to a flight delay. For the road warriors, pre-set your navigation system with your directions and adding any stops you want to make along the way. But double check for detours as you go in case you encounter heavy traffic.
Breeze Through Security
Sign up in advance for expedited airport security screening programs Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Clear. In some cases, it may make sense to even combine them. For instance, spend an extra $22 on Global Entry and you get PreCheck for free. Before you head to the airport, check airport security wait times through the TSA app or airport websites. Give yourself extra time to get to the airport. Parking lots may be full so if you can, make a reservation in advance for your airport parking spot. Remember, travelers that don’t normally travel and are not familiar with updated travel rules are traveling during the holidays. Account for infrequent travelers increasing the wait times in the security line and throughout the airport.
Did You Say TSA?
The goal is to get through TSA security as quickly and with the least disruptions as possible. Before leaving the TSA security checkpoint, triple check that you have all of your belongings. A tip is to put your small loose items, like a wallet, cellphone, travel documents, passport, driver’s license, boarding pass, jewelry, inside a carryon bag or a pocket of your jacket. This way you don’t forget these loose items in the screening bin. You must put your jacket in a bin anyway, so putting these loose items in a jacket pocket will keep them safe and readily available once you’re through security.
There’s An App For That
Now there are apps for pretty much all that we do. You probably already downloaded the apps for your hotel or Airbnb, airline and rental car company. But there are some you may have missed. Gas Buddy reports the cheapest gas on the road. PlugShare has locations for EV charging stations when searching for the nearest plug in for your electric car. AAA is not only a go to for roadside assistance, but their app also has info on the cheapest gas and EV charging as well. There are even apps to help you find the cleanest bathrooms on a road trip. Toilet paper brand Charmin even has one, SitorSquat. It’s the one to know…when you have to go.
Just Pass Go
Make sure you have an E-ZPass or similar electronic toll collection device that will help you roll through tolls on bridges and highways. You should pack it if you’re flying as well. Many of these programs operate in multiple states. Once you get to your destination, attach your device in your rental car to save on some fees. Just be sure to take it with you when you return the rental car.
Entertainment Anyone?
Bring your own in-flight (or in-car) entertainment and don’t forget the headphones. Bring books, music, games, or dare I say, catch up on some work. Make sure you download movies and podcasts before you leave home. Sometimes your in-flight entertainment TV monitor doesn’t work, and these will come in handy. Note, if that does happen, notify the flight attendant. They may be able to reboot the system. If not, they may give you a nominal flight credit for the inconvenience.
Gifts Gifts Gifts
Holiday travel tips that are sometimes not considered include how you travel with your gifts. Don’t wrap your gifts in advance of flying. TSA may need to inspect them and unwrap the gift wrapping. Also, hide the gifts in the trunk during road trip stops. No need to draw attention to the gifts you are bringing to your family and friends while you take a break at the rest stop.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Kids
No matter what mode of transportation you will use, expect the proverbial, “Are We There Yet?” Have activities ready for the kids. Let them pack an item or toy that will keep their attention during the trip. Also, make sure you download the Stay For Vacay Activity Book. It’s a 12-page activity booklet that contains coloring pages, puzzles and games including Word Search, Connect the Dots, Sudoku, Tic Tac Toe and even a couple of mazes. It’s a free download! Our holiday gift to you.
Now remember to breathe. Take these holiday travel tips, and enjoy your time! To get information on other travel tips and resources, check out Stay For Vacay’s social media. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter, and tell us which of these holiday travel tips worked for you.
