TIps for smooth traveling during the holidays
For most people, the holiday season is the time of year to reconnect with friends and family from far-flung places. While this opportunity is certainly something to look forward to, it also usually requires quite a bit of travel time. When you factor in all the other people that are traveling for the same reason, even shorter trips can go from simple to chaotic. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. By keeping a few things in mind before you venture off, you can make holiday travel easier. Test out the following tips during your holiday travels this year, and get to your destination with less hassle.
Ship the gifts ahead of time. It never hurts to get your holiday shopping out of the way early, and it can work in your favor especially if you are traveling during the holidays. Having your gifts ready early allows you to ship them to your destination before you arrive. This way, if you’re planning on flying there, you won’t have to deal with excessive baggage fees or the hassle of trying to carry too many things at once through a crowded airport. Even if you’re braving the roads this year, shipping the gifts gives you and your family more space in the car, for a more comfortable trip.
Account for worst-case scenarios when scheduling. Always hope for the best when traveling, but expect the worst. That means you should build time into your itinerary to account for inclement weather, delays, cancellations, and any other complications that may arise. If everything goes according to plan, then you’ll have extra time to relax or spend with loved ones, which is always a good thing around this time of the year.
Pack intelligently. It’s important to only pack the things you know you’ll use during your trip. By cutting down on excess, you reduce the number of bags you’ll have to bring with you, which can result in fewer baggage fees and less hassle overall. If you’re flying, be sure to bring the most necessary things with you in your carry-on. Medication, a change of clothes, your most essential electronic devices, and some sort of non-electronic form of entertainment are the main things that should be included. Also make sure you leave some extra room in your bags, as you never know what gifts you may receive from friends and family.
Charge up. Your electronic devices should be fully charged for your trip, as they allow you to monitor your progress and any external circumstances that can interfere with your trip. A phone with a full battery can allow you to check in early to your flight, monitor the weather and road conditions, and help you update your friends and family on your status. Be sure to bring the necessary chargers and adapters, as well–that way you’re not stuck with dead batteries the whole trip.
Stay positive! While the process of getting to where you need to go isn’t always the most fun, trust in it and try to relax as much as possible. Following the tips above should take some of the frustration out of traveling, and help you enjoy the season more.
26 Tips for Anyone Traveling During the Holiday Season [Cheap Flights]
10 Simple Tips for a Smoother Trip [Independent Traveler]
5 Tips for Smooth Holiday and Winter Travel [Bering Air]