If you’ve ever travelled during the holiday season, you know how stressful it can be. You must navigate busy airports and ensure everyone has their luggage and you can make it to the airport on time, avoiding traffic jams and potentially dangerous icy roadways. Flights can be delayed or cancelled, and with so many people trying to travel simultaneously, you need a few tricks to help you stay calm during the busy travel season. Here are a few tips for travelling during the holiday season.
- Don’t Check Bags
Thousands of people are checking bags, which means there’s a higher risk of your belongings getting lost. Not checking a bag can save you time because you won’t have to wait to pick up your belongings. Of course, depending on your holiday plans, you may have to check a bag, but try to avoid it whenever possible by bringing a carry-on. When you fly, you can leave all your liquids at home and purchase new ones when you get to your location, making it easier to get through the airport and switch flights when needed.
You can avoid checking bags by looking at the list of items that you can pack on your carry-on. For example, you can’t pack your razor with the blade; the blade will have to go into your checked luggage. However, knowing this information beforehand can help you determine what you can pack and what you can prepare for. In this case, for example, you can buy a razor when you get to your destination or have laser hair removal to prevent the need to bring a razor with you when you travel.
- Pack Smart
By not checking a bag, you’ll need to take advantage of the space you have in your carry-on, so don’t just throw all your clothes in. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help you save space. In addition, you should keep the items you’ll want on hand at the front of your bag, like your medicine, where you can easily access them when on your flight.
Additionally, travelling during the holidays means your destination will likely be colder. Ensure you bring the right clothing to keep you warm as you travel through different climates. So whether you’re travelling below the equator and need some sustainable dresses to emulate summertime style or travelling to the snow and need an insulated jacket, ensure you’ve got the clothing that you need.
Of course, before you head off to the airport, you must ensure your carry-on is the right size. Most airlines list their carry-on size requirements on their websites, and you can measure your bag at home.
- Consider the Day
When flying during the holiday season, try not to travel too close to the holiday since that’s when many other people and their families will be flying. However, flying on holiday may be okay since most people have already travelled. In addition, you can fly on Christmas and Christmas Eve to get cheaper tickets. Of course, this may not be ideal if you have somewhere to be, but if you’re going on a holiday vacation, it could be a great way to save money on your trip.
- Get There Early
Most people arrive at the airport a few hours before their flight to ensure they can make it through security. However, airports are packed during the holidays, so it’ll take longer to get through security and find your gate. Additionally, the closer you are to your gate, the faster you can get on the plane, giving you and your family enough time to settle in before taking off.
- Have a Backup Plan
Flights get cancelled a lot during the holidays due to the winter weather. However, you’re likely travelling to be with family, so you want to make it to your destination on time. You should always have a plan B when your flight is delayed or cancelled. Knowing what to do when your flight is cancelled can reduce stress and ensure you can make it to your destination. Also, don’t forget about your onward ticket since most countries require this important documentation for proof of travel.
- Check-in Online
As we’ve mentioned, the airport can be crowded during the holiday season, so you’ll want to save as much time as possible. Checking in online can help you avoid long lines at the airport, especially if you’re not checking any bags. In addition, most airlines will allow you to check in online even when you’re not at the airport yet, making it easier to get through all the different lines.
- Save on Hotels
You may need a hotel room if you’re not spending the holidays with your family. However, getting a room located in the center of a city can be expensive, especially during the holidays. So instead, consider looking for hotels farther away and renting a car.
- Book Early
If you plan to travel during the holidays, book your hotel and flight as soon as possible to help you save money and ensure room for you and your loved ones. Airlines can get booked quickly during the holidays, so if you know in advance where you’ll be spending your time, book as soon as possible. You should also book your hotel stay as soon as possible. Booking too late means that hotels may fill up quickly, and you won’t have anywhere to stay.
If you plan to rent a car while travelling, book that early, too! If you don’t book your car in advance, you could lose your opportunity to rent one since they go fast during the holiday season. Additionally, the closer to the holidays you book anything, including hotels, flights, and car rentals, the more expensive it will be.
- Use the Lounge
You can purchase airline lounge access, which will give you a place to relax and get away from the busy airport. Gates will be crowded, so the lounge could be a comfortable place to wait, especially if your flight is cancelled or delayed. In addition, if there is a problem with your flight, you can talk to someone in the lounge who can help you get on a different flight since many people outside of the lounge might be trying to do the same thing.