As you surely know, the holiday season is the busiest travel time of the year. It’s very possible that you’ll be traveling over the next couple of weeks. To ensure your travels are as stress-free as possible, here’s what you should know:
Don’t travel on the busy days. To no surprise, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the busiest travel times of the year—specifically the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and December 24th. This year, AAA predicts that over 40 million Americans will travel during Christmas break. But it’s not only Christmas you have to worry about. Generally, the first Monday after any holiday weekend is the busiest time to travel. As far as what to expect over the next couple of weeks, travel experts predict the worst days will be December 27th, December 31st, January 2nd and 3rd. To avoid heavy traffic or overcrowded airports, try leaving early on the day of the holiday if possible.
Plan ahead. Aside from crowds, traffic, and delays, another way to reduce stress is by planning ahead as much as possible. Schedule your hotel, airfare/transportation, and even places you want to visit well in advance. But in addition to determining the general details of your trip, it’s also not a bad idea to get down to the nitty-gritty. If there’s an exhibit or theater performance you’d like to see at your destination, for example, buy tickets in advance. Or if you’re taking a cruise, book your excursions ahead of time so you don’t miss out. The more you have planned, the more you’ll get out of your trip.
Organize important documents. These include your photo ID, passports/visas, electronic tickets, confirmation numbers, etc. Make sure you have all necessary paperwork together at least a week before, and of course, confirm you have a valid passport months before departure. Additionally, keep your travel materials in a folder or binder and consider separating your documents by category (e.g. Tickets, Itinerary, Maps, etc.) so they’ll be easily accessible.
Do everything ahead of time. If you can, print your boarding passes, luggage tags, and check-in online beforehand. This will save you time at the airport and ultimately, additional stress. It’s also not a bad idea to weigh your luggage to make sure you meet the weight limit; moving personal items around into other bags will be much easier in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Pack smart. Bring a spare set of clothes, plenty of toiletries, and a mini first aid kit in case of an emergency. You never know when you might need a band-aid, ibuprofen, or Pepto-Bismol, and you’ll appreciate not having to run out and find it!
Get travel insurance. In case your trip gets delayed or cancelled, trip protection will ensure you get your money back. Travel health insurance is also a good idea in case of a medical emergency. You won’t want to pay those sky-high medical bills, and travel insurance can ensure you get the health care you need at a lower cost. Think of it as peace of mind.
Photo from Travel Sort.