Survival Tips for Holiday Travel

With so many people traveling during the holiday season, getting from one place to another can be trying, stressful, and more trouble than seems worth it. These helpful tips on how to avoid long lines at airports, avoid terrible drivers, how to pack, and how to save money can ease your pain a little bit. After all, the holidays are a time to celebrate with friends and family; don’t let some minor travel pains get in the way of having fun.

Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

If you want to avoid long lines at the airport, your best bet is to apply for TSA’s Global Entry program. The benefits of this federal program are many, and will be particularly attractive to frequent travelers. There are no processing lines and no paperwork, and you enjoy expedited entry benefits at major airports throughout the United States. So what are you waiting for? Apply today!

Buy Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may seem unnecessary, but this is a “survival” guide for holiday travel, so we would be remiss if we didn’t include it! In the event that your trip is canceled or interrupted for any reason, travel insurance can provide invaluable protection against financial loss. Best of all, because these policies are for short amounts of time, and are typically low risk, they tend to be affordable.

Find the Best Flight

Airfare during the holiday season tends to run the gamut, from surprisingly affordable to shockingly expensive. Don’t book your flight without first doing a little bit of research and cross-shopping. Use online tools like Google Flights or Kayak to find the best airfare deals. These platforms are easy to use, and could save you and your family hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Check-In Early!

If you’ve traveled in the last couple of years, you’ve probably noticed that it’s getting harder and harder to earn a coveted spot in the first boarding group. And that is because many, if not all, airlines now offer online check-in up to 24 hours before a flight departs. If you receive an email prompting you to check in early, do it! It’s better to board an empty plane than a full one.

Keep Your Devices Charged

Keeping your devices charged and ready to go will help you pass the time on the plane (or in the car), and allow you to text or make phone calls if necessary. If need be, use charging stations at the airport or buy a pocket-size mobile charger. You may also consider buying a smartphone or tablet with mobile processors featuring Quick Charging. Snapdragon processors, for example, can achieve five hours of battery life in just five minutes.

Travel During Off Hours

To avoid the crowds, consider traveling in off hours. If you plan on driving, consider leaving early in the morning or late at night. It’s also a good idea to travel several days in advance of the holiday itself, whether you are traveling for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years’ Eve, or another special occasion. With that being said, the time period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of the busier travel periods of the year, period, so don’t expect empty flights or roads.

Pack Smart

Before you start packing, consider where you are traveling to, for how long, and for what purpose. If you’re traveling to Honolulu from Boston for Christmas, you will likely be wearing a heavy parka to the airport, and shorts and sandals at your destination. Needless to say, accommodating for multiple climates can quickly fill up your bag. For this reason, consider limiting the amount of clothing that you bring in order to avoid paying extra baggage fees (to say nothing of making it easier on you and your family).

Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!

Don’t let the stress of holiday travel get to you. The holidays are supposed to be fun! Put these tips and tricks to use, and you will likely find that traveling is easier and less stressful than you had feared. Do your planning now so you can focus on the important stuff once the holidays arrive: family, gifts, and good food!

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This is a guest post by Jennifer Thayer.