While we would like to title this STRESS FREE Holiday Travel, that might be going a little too far. Some might say the solution is to not travel, but this is a travel blog so NO BUENO on that suggestion.
Since the holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year between visiting family and friends and taking that winter ski trip or tropical vacation to somewhere sunny and warm.
With the rush can come stress but with the right preparation and a few smart strategies, you can minimize hassles and enjoy a smooth, relaxing holiday journey regardless of your destination.
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Here's 7 Tips that will help to make your holiday travel MORE Joyful and LESS Stressful
1. Plan and Book Early
Booking flights, accommodations, and any rentals well in advance can save money and help secure the best options.
Tip: Set a reminder to double check those reservations a few weeks before you leave and make sure that you're still getting the best deal (unless you booked the non-refundable prepaid rate of course). We've seen hotel prices in December drop dramatically when maybe it didn't book up like they were expecting. I either modified the booking to the better rate they were offering or rebooked it and cancelled the first reservation. Again, just be sure that you booked a cancelable reservation. I typically like to do this just in case and as it gets closer can go back and choose the prepaid rate if it is still less and still available.
Need to book it last minute?
Tip: Use fare alert services, such as Daily Drop Pro and booking tools like Google Flights to find deals and options that suit your budget and schedule. Be sure to swap to calendar view on Google Flights or on the airline's booking site to see how the fares vary when you change the departure and arrival days (this is how I was able to score us a great deal in Business Class on our flight home from South Africa by being flexible with our travel plans and getting a fare half the price by leaving a day earlier).
2. Choose Travel Days Wisely
Besides being less expensive, some days are significantly busier than others during the holiday season.
Tip: Travel on off-peak days, like mid-week, to avoid the biggest crowds. Early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and shorter lines at security.
3. Pack Smart and Light
Overpacking can slow you down at check-in, security, and baggage claim. We were spoiled when we lived in Atlanta because typically by the time you could get to baggage claim your bags would be waiting for you. There have been several times that we checked bags and waited forever to retrieve them (we joke that even with that Priority Tag they attach to it when you have status with an airline means they put it on first but it comes off last!) When airports are going to be super busy, try to carry it on (in the appropriate sized bag please) to avoid delays and lost luggage.
Tip: We know it is tempting to throw it all in but try to stick to your favorite clothes you are most comfortable in, a couple (no more than three) pairs of shoes (wear the heaviest ones on the plane), other essentials and use packing cubes to stay organized. Try to fit everything in a carry-on to avoid the checked baggage wait (and extra cost) and risk of lost luggage. Scott recently went to India for a very short trip (he was there only five days and his colleague was without her luggage for the first three days of the trip).
4. Keep Essentials Handy
Having important items within reach can save time and ease stress in busy airports or long drives.
Have a place for your ID, passport, phone, tickets (plane, train, etc), charging cords, battery packs, headphones, snacks, water bottle (don't forget to have it empty going through security), medicines and supplements, kindle, tablet, pen, lip balm, tissues or wipes, hygiene products, glasses and sunglasses, and anything else you'll need in the airport, on the plane, or in the car before you can get to your larger luggage.
Tip: Pack a smaller “travel essentials” bag that you can easily fit into (and remove from) your carry on to have handy on the plane so you don't have to get into the overhead bin but won't lose things between the seats or leave them behind.
I love my phone's pop socket wallet for holding my ID and a few cards. I use this when traveling and at home and it makes it easy to hold onto my phone when taking photos and videos.
I use something similar to this bag that slides easily into my carry on and contains everything I might need or want while I'm on the plane (I can't stand to have to get something out of the overhead bin).
See all our favorite travel gear here.
5. Prepare for Security Checkpoints
Holiday travelers can create longer lines at security. A lot of people travel at the holidays who aren't experienced travelers which can cause delays at check in and at security.
Tip: Wear slip-on shoes (without large metal buckles and yes I'm speaking from my experience because I love my oversized buckle Birkenstocks and yes they will set off the security and you'll still have to take them off even if you have TSA Pre-check) and minimal jewelry, and keep liquids organized. If you travel often, consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to speed up the process and if flying a new airline make sure your ticket shows PreCheck if you have it or you won't be able to go through that line (or you'll have to remove everything) if it doesn't show up on your ticket. That designation comes from your ticket so be sure it shows. it. Also keep in mind that regulations at every airport are different so just be ready to comply with whether or not they want laptops and tablets out and in their own bin.
If you're traveling in Europe with kids, there's often Family Security Lines (or they will put you in the front of the line) which can be SOOOOO helpful when traveling with little ones so be sure to look out for these and take advantage of them. We have lots more tips on traveling with kids here.
6. Be Ready for the Unexpected
Delays and cancellations are common during the holiday season for lots of reasons.
Tip: Download your airline’s app to get real-time updates. Have a backup plan for alternate routes and don't always accept their flight rebooking until you've looked and asked the airline for other options yourself. Scott had a recent flight delayed and their rebooking would have gotten him home 24 HOURS LATER! NO THANK YOU! He was able to talk to the airline who routed him through another city instead. Only home 3-4 later than his original flight schedule instead of a whole day. New rules for delays are cancellations in the US are now in effect so it's a good idea to be familiar with them so you'll know your rights and your options.
Bring extra snacks, chargers, and entertainment just in case.
7. Manage Your Mindset
A positive, flexible attitude can make the journey much easier. I always remind Scott of this.
Tip: Practice mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing, especially in the security line (they have those don't harass TSA worker signs for a reason guys) and try to hope for the best. View delays as part of the adventure. I remind Scott of this too!
If your flight is delayed, explore the airport or enjoy the lounge (don't forget to check your credit card benefits ahead of time and sign up for Priority Pass if it's included in your benefits so you will be able to get in).
If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, try to make the most of the situation (once I got to go to Disneyland Paris for the day when my flight from Paris home was cancelled and rebooked for the next morning plus I got snacks, meals, and a hotel for the night so I tried to make the most of it by checking off something on my bucket list).
Holiday travel doesn’t have to be stressful, it's all about your preparation and mindset. With a little preparation and a few smart choices, you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Here’s to safe and happy travels this holiday season! Oh, and we'll be traveling alongside of you too! We are headed to Arizona with the family for the holidays so be sure to follow us on Instagram!
Let us know where you are headed this holiday season!
