We are officially in the heart of holiday travel season. Though this can be one of the happiest times of year, it can also be one of the most stressful and frustrating. We’re here with a few tips to help make it a little more bearable so you can concentrate on enjoying time spent with your loved ones.
Holiday Travel Tips:
- Stay fueled. We’re all guilty of getting “hangry” at one time or another. Holiday travel usually causes a change in daily routines as well as additional stress, which may affect your eating schedule in one way or another. If traveling by car, make sure to pack (healthy) snacks and plenty of water for you and your family. And if traveling by plane, make sure to eat someting before boarding or at least get yourself a bag of trail mix at one of the airport shops ahead of time.
- Gifts for family and friends. Whether you are driving or flying, consider shipping your gifts ahead of time. This way you won’t have to worry about having enough room in your car or suitcase for additional items. If shipping ahead of time isn’t an option, try using a collapsible suitcase or duffle bag that can then be folded up and packed in your normal suitcase with your regular travel items for the trip home.
- Stay connected. There are a huge number of useful travel apps out there – and for good reason! You’re most likely on your phone while waiting in the airport anyways, you might as well have some helpful ways to find places to eat, buy necessary goods, or relax at a gate near you. Check out Afar’s list of 7 Amazing Airport Apps That Make Your Flight Suck Less.
- Avoid traveling during peak times. The day before a holiday is always going to be hectic. Consider flying in early that morning. You’ll most likely avoid long lines and traffic jams which will already make your holiday all around more pleasant. Or if flying in that day isn’t an option, consider flying in on the first flight out as it will be the least likely to get delayed or cancelled. And if driving, the best time to hit the road is when most people are sleeping – consider driving early in the morning or late at night.
- Pack a positive attitude. Sounds lame, but it can be very effective to begin your travels already accepting that there are going to be things that are simply out of your control. It’s the holidays – there are way more people traveling on the roads and through the airports, tensions are higher than normal, and weather can always be an issue no matter what part of the country you’re traveling to. The sooner you sit back and accept whatever hiccups your journey may hold, the happier your travels will be.
Good luck and happy holidays!
I’ll go even further regarding the gifts. When I lived in Poland quite awhile ago, it got to the point that I didn’t even want to bring the gifts I received back home with me on the plane. Not only was space tight on the plane but in my apartment. So I suggested to my family going to a “gift cards only” exchange that quickly became a “no gifts for adults” holiday. Talk about the joy of Christmas, not having to buy, return, regift, or store presents!