17 Tips For Planning Travel Around The Holidays
Traveling during the holidays can be equal parts exciting and stressful. While there’s the thrill of visiting loved ones, celebrating in new places, or simply getting away from it all, the crowds, delays, and unpredictable weather can throw a wrench in your plans if you’re not prepared. If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to catch a flight, stuck in long security lines, or dealing with delayed flights during the holiday rush, you know exactly what I’m talking about!
But don’t worry—holiday travel doesn’t actually have to be a nightmare.
With a little planning and some smart strategies, you can breeze through your journey and actually enjoy the trip (yes, even the airport part!). Whether you’re heading home for the holidays, jetting off to a tropical escape, or just planning a long weekend getaway, there are plenty of ways to make your travels as smooth and stress-free as possible.
And that is all why today I’m sharing 17 tried-and-true tips for planning your holiday travel like a pro. From booking your flights at the right time, navigating airport chaos, and avoiding common pitfalls, these tips will help you save time, money, and sanity during the busiest travel season of the year.
So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to master the art of holiday travel with ease!
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17 Tips For Planning Travel Around The Holidays
How to plan a trip during the holiday season:
1. Book Early
Holiday travel is one of the busiest times of the year, and flights, accommodations, and rental cars fill up fast. Booking early helps you secure the best prices and ensures you have more options to choose from. Plan your trip months in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes.
You also will have more time to plan for potential closures of restaurants and activities around the holiday dates. And fun additional local holiday events too!
2. Be Flexible with Dates
If possible, avoid peak travel days like the day before Thanksgiving or the Friday before Christmas. Traveling on off-peak days, such as mid-week, can help you find better deals and avoid large crowds. Even shifting your travel by a day or two can make a big difference.
3. Consider Alternate Airports
Major airports are often busier and more expensive during the holidays. If it’s an option, look into flying out of or into a smaller, nearby airport. Alternate airports can offer cheaper flights and less congestion, making for a smoother travel experience.
Often, flying out of a smaller airport can take a little longer but overall be a way less stressful day. If you are traveling with kids that can be a life changing difference!
4. Set Fare Alerts
Airfare can fluctuate greatly, especially around the holidays. Use fare alert tools like Google Flights or Hopper to track price changes for your destination.
These alerts will notify you when it’s the best time to book your flights, helping you snag a deal because holiday travel pricing can really jump around.
5. Travel Light
Packing light is essential when traveling during the holidays. Airports are busy, and weather delays can mean gate changes or long walks between terminals. Traveling with carry-on luggage only can help you avoid baggage fees, long waits at baggage claim, and the possibility of lost luggage.
We did the trip pictured below with a carry on and personal backpack for a week in NYC during the holidays. It’s challenging but so worth it!
6. Prepare for Delays
Holiday travel is notorious for delays, whether it’s due to weather or congestion. Build extra time into your itinerary to account for potential delays, and be patient. Make sure to download entertainment like books, podcasts, or movies to keep yourself occupied if you get stuck.
7. Check Weather Forecasts
Winter weather can throw a wrench in your travel plans, especially if you’re flying to or from regions with snow and ice. Keep an eye on weather forecasts in the days leading up to your trip and stay prepared for possible cancellations or delays.
Make sure to keep the weather in mind when booking a lot of back to back travel. Giving yourself a little cushion room is helpful.
8. Use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
If you’re a frequent traveler or traveling with a group, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can be a huge time-saver. These programs allow you to speed through security with shorter lines and less hassle, which is especially valuable during busy holiday travel periods.
9. Have a Backup Plan
With holiday crowds and the possibility of weather delays, it’s smart to have a backup plan. Whether it’s knowing alternate routes or keeping a list of nearby accommodations in case of a missed flight, having a Plan B can save you from a lot of stress.
10. Consider Traveling Early in the Day
Morning flights tend to be less affected by delays compared to later in the day. Early flights are often more affordable and leave more room for flexibility in case of cancellations or rescheduling. Plus, arriving earlier gives you extra time to settle into your destination.
11. Stay Organized
Keep all your travel details—flight confirmations, hotel reservations, car rental bookings, and any necessary documentation—organized and easily accessible. You can use apps like TripIt to consolidate your travel plans, or simply keep a printed copy of all your important info.
12. Ship Gifts Ahead of Time
If you’re traveling with gifts for the holidays, consider shipping them ahead to your destination rather than bringing them with you. This helps you avoid extra baggage fees, potential TSA issues, and the hassle of lugging around extra items. Just make sure to leave enough time for shipping.
13. Download Travel Apps
Apps like your airline’s app, Google Maps, or FlightAware can make holiday travel smoother. Airline apps allow you to check in early, track flight status, and download boarding passes. Navigation apps can help you find alternate routes or restaurants near your gate, and flight tracking apps keep you updated on possible delays.
I swear by google flight alerts personally!
14. Take Advantage of Lounge Access
If you’re expecting long layovers or delays, having access to an airport lounge can make a huge difference. Many credit cards offer complimentary lounge access, or you can purchase a day pass. Lounges provide comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, free snacks, and sometimes even showers, helping you relax during the chaos of holiday travel.
15. Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is always a good idea during the holidays. Unexpected weather, canceled flights, or lost luggage can put a damper on your plans. Travel insurance helps protect you from these unforeseen circumstances and offers peace of mind that you’ll be covered if something goes wrong.
16. Leave Early for the Airport
During the holidays, expect longer lines at check-in, security, and even getting to the airport itself. Leave earlier than you normally would to avoid the stress of rushing. It’s better to have extra time to grab a coffee or relax at the gate than to worry about missing your flight.
17. Stay Calm and Be Patient
Holiday travel can be stressful, but keeping a calm and patient attitude can make a huge difference. Expect delays, busy airports, and the occasional frustration, but try to stay positive and flexible. With the right mindset, you can make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Korra The Explorer
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