As the holiday season approaches, travelers are preparing for busy air travel despite expected huge crowds. We have some trip tips for holiday travelers to avoid vacation stress during this busy time.
Airlines have faced a rapid return in demand which has put a strain on their services and caused an overall disruption (and high prices!) to air travel this year. A little patience is a must for getting through it all.
For those looking to minimize the stress of holiday travel, we have compiled a series of tips to help avoid flight delays, cancellations, and common problems during air or road trips.
Following these guidelines allows travelers to enjoy a smoother journey and arrive at their destination on time.
Happy holiday traveling!
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Table of contents
- Tips for Flying
- 1. Book Earlier Flights
- 2. Book Direct Flights Whenever Possible
- 3. Travel During off-peak Days
- 4. Sign Up for TSA PreCheck or Clear
- 5. Pack Lightly
- Tips for Those Driving
- 1. Make Sure to get an Oil Change
- 2. Book Your Hotel Stays Ahead of Time
- 3. Book Hotels With Free Breakfast
- 4. Load Your Car with Essentials
- 5. Know Where the Rest Stops are Located
- 6. Fill Your Gas Tank Early
- 7. Avoid Driving During Rush Hour
- Bottom Line on Trip Tips for Holiday Travelers to Avoid Vacation Stress
- More Great Travel Tips Articles To Read
Tips for Flying
Flying during the holiday season has perks, but there is also the risk of dreaded delays or cancellations. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for airport travel this year.
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1. Book Earlier Flights
Flight data platform OAG has reported that departing before 3:00 pm will likely reduce the risk of a flight being canceled. Flights that depart after this hour carry an average 50 percent greater chance of being removed from the schedule.
2. Book Direct Flights Whenever Possible
Booking direct flights, also known as non-stop flights with no connecting flights, can help reduce the risk of flight interruptions. When multiple flights are scheduled to reach a final destination, there is an increased likelihood that one of them may be delayed or canceled. By opting for a direct flight, travelers can reduce this potential travel disruption.
When booking connecting flights, travelers should consider flying through hub airports in the southern United States. This may help prevent disruption due to winter storms, which can be more common in more northern hubs during the late fall and winter months.
3. Travel During off-peak Days
For those looking to save money on their next flight, consider flying on off-peak days. Traveling days right before and after a holiday are often the most popular. However, those looking to avoid queues and enjoy lower airfares should consider arriving earlier or departing later than the peak dates.
With Christmas Day occurring on a Sunday this year, many individuals are expected to take to the skies on Thursday and Friday. Interestingly, Christmas Day itself is typically a low-volume travel day.
Those looking to travel on Christmas Day may find it beneficial to shift their holiday celebrations to another date, as doing so could lead to fewer crowds in airports and more affordable airfare.
4. Sign Up for TSA PreCheck or Clear
TSA lines are a madhouse this time of year! It is definitely worth it to try and speed things up a bit.
We have saved so much time by having Global Entry and TSA Precheck over the last several years! It has even saved us from missing a flight or 2 because the wait time was much less than if we tried the regular security line. Some credit cards even offer reimbursement for paying for TSA Precheck, Clear, and Global Entry as part of the card benefits so make sure to check yours and see if you have the credit available!
TIp: Some U.S. airports (such as Denver) are now offering travelers the option to make “fast pass” reservations in order to skip to the front of the security line at no cost if they do not currently have a TSA PreCheck or Clear membership.
Select U.S. airports now offer travelers the option of reserving an expedited line pass at no cost to bypass the security lines. Read this article from Afar for the details on the airports that provide this service for travelers without TSA PreCheck or Clear credentials.
5. Pack Lightly
Travelers should plan to pack light when preparing for their flight. Due to airport security and the possibility of lost luggage, carrying minimal carry-on items and avoiding checked baggage is highly recommended.
To avoid the hassle, consider shipping holiday gifts to the desired destination ahead of time so they are ready upon arrival.
Packing lightly is a great tip for road trips too! It’s better to travel light and not be too loaded down with extra things.
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Tips for Those Driving
When planning a road trip, it is essential to account for essential safety and comfort measures. These tips are designed to ensure that you reach your desired destination safely and pleasantly and avoid holiday stress.
Traveling this Winter vacation? Rent an RV for that perfect winter vacation trip!
1. Make Sure to get an Oil Change
One way to avoid stress during the holidays is to give your car an oil change. By keeping up with regular car maintenance, you can prevent any potential problems while out and about during the holiday season.
An oil change is a simple task to help ensure your car runs smoothly and efficiently. While at the shop, you can also ask the technicians about the condition of your tires and brakes so you can leave for your holiday trip with peace of mind.
Also, If you often travel via car, purchasing a Portable Tire Inflator for your car tires is highly recommended and can save time when if you happen to need it.
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2. Book Your Hotel Stays Ahead of Time
Planning your road trip itinerary as much as possible before you leave is important. Book your hotel stays outside of major cities so you can avoid the traffic, crowds, and paying extra for parking. Great hotel options are usually located in the suburbs or along the major interstates.
You can usually sign up for a rewards program through several hotel chains and have access to numerous perks. Hotel loyalty programs allow you to earn points when you make reservations through any of their hotel chains.
Save with Family Hotel Offers!
Another great option is to book a short-term rental so that you have more of a “home-base” feel on the trip. VRBO offers amazingly affordable options almost everywhere and you can usually find enough room for even large groups. Check out VRBO’s 7 Day Stays for Less! Get a discount by staying for a week
3. Book Hotels With Free Breakfast
Stay in a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast with your reservation. This will save you so much time in the morning, and you can fuel your body for the next several hours of driving! Most hotels will serve eggs, sausage, bread or bagels, yogurt, oatmeal, and cereal, and sometimes they have waffle makers too. So pick your favorite breakfast foods and eat up!
It is also a great meet-up area for families and friends traveling together to start the day!
4. Load Your Car with Essentials
Take the time to shop for water, snacks, and sandwiches. This will make your road trip much easier to handle when you’re not trying to figure out where your next meal will come from.
Restaurant drive-throughs and shopping complexes are busy throughout December, so avoid them altogether by bringing your own food. You can even have a picnic at most rest areas off of the interstate while stretching your legs!
Tip: Save money on your trip by using a USA Sightseeing Pass to save money on many attractions!
5. Know Where the Rest Stops are Located
While you’re planning your route, take note of where the rest stops are located. These are located right off the freeway and usually have plenty of parking so that you can save time. Rest stops are typically located every 40-100 miles away from each other so keep that in mind.
If traveling with young children, you may need to take a break at every rest stop along your route. The bathrooms may only sometimes be super clean, so have your own hand sanitizer to use when you’re done.
6. Fill Your Gas Tank Early
It can be tempting to wait until the last minute to fill your gas tank. The fewer stops you make, the better right? Well, there’s nothing more stressful than getting stuck in a traffic jam with less than a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle. Depending on the car you’ll be driving, it’s a good idea to fill up every 300 – 400 miles that you drive. It’s better to be safe than get stuck on the road!
7. Avoid Driving During Rush Hour
You’re most likely to experience traffic from 8 am to 9 am, the lunch hour, and 4 pm to 6 pm. Traffic is worse in the bigger cities, so if you plan accordingly, you can drive in the more rural areas during the peak traffic hours. This strategy will save you many headaches while traveling on the road!
TIP: If you don’t want to fly or drive this holiday season and your hometown has a cruise port, why not take a holiday cruise? A cruise fcan be less stressful because you don’t have to drive and all of the fun is contained right outside of your cabin! Find Last Minute Deals on Cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico – book now on Cruise Critic.
Bottom Line on Trip Tips for Holiday Travelers to Avoid Vacation Stress
Traveling during the holiday season can be an incredibly stressful experience, with long lines at airports, crowded roads, and often unpredictable weather. However, by following a few simple tips, travelers can minimize their stress and make sure they enjoy their holiday journey.
From preparing in advance to planning extra time for unexpected delays to setting realistic expectations, travelers can make sure their holiday trips run as smoothly as possible. Ultimately, by following these tips, travelers can minimize their stress during the holidays and enjoy their journey.