Traveling during the holidays can be quite a challenge. From traffic concerns to overcrowding to delays, there’s a lot to plan for. See below for some of the best travel tips to keep you safe, sound, and stress-free while traveling during the holidays:
Give Yourself A Few Days to Play Around With
If you’ve got somewhere that you absolutely need to be, don’t plan to get there the day of or hours before. Delays can happen at any time for any reason. Don’t miss your best friend’s Christmas-time wedding because your plane was delayed.
Send Gifts Ahead
It’s one thing for the TSA to lose your luggage, but it’s another thing if they lose your gifts for loved ones. Consider shipping them ahead of you or having them delivered directly.
Bring Your Masks, Sanitizers, Etc.
It is safe to assume that you will need your PPE, no matter the destination. Packing everything you might need eliminates the hassle of having to acquire it later on. And don’t forget your vaccination card if you have one.
Arrive Early
One thing that is always a given in the holiday season? Lines. Whether it’s for security at the airport, to pick up your train ticket, or to get the keys to your rental car, expect to wait. And if you know that you don’t have too much time to wait, arrive early.
Charge and Download
Whether it’s for entertainment, correspondence, or an actual emergency, charge up all your electronics before you depart. The same goes for downloading content. Download movies and shows for the plane at home. Some airlines offer WiFi for free, for a cost, or not at all.
Pack Some Essentials in Your Carry-On
On any given day, there is always the chance that your luggage may get lost on the way to your destination. During the holidays, when travel is at its peak, that chance grows. Pack a spare change of clothes, your toothbrush, and any other toiletries you might need on the chance your suitcase doesn’t immediately meet you at your destination.
These are just a few pointers for holiday traveling. Check out this article for even more ideas!