It’s that time of year again, the season when all of the highways and airways are extra crowded. Though traveling throughout the final months of the year may lead to stress, it can also lead to great things! Here are some tips to help tackle the journey that brings you to family, vacation, holidays and fun.
Consider what mode of transportation would best suit you
Depending on where you are going, there may be an option that fits your travel best – whether that be a car, plane or train. There are a lot of things to consider when deciding: gas, space, time, money. For example, would a car trip be better with the number of things you’d need to bring? How about making a road trip out of the process! A car could mean spending less time sitting in an airport and more time soaking in the journey there.
Think about whether you’d prefer the plane that gets you there faster but with more regulations, or a car that allows more space and experience but requires more time and prep. Keep in mind rules for both and how you would need to prepare differently for each.
Regardless if you’re ultimately taking a car the whole way or just driving to the airport, gas up the night before you travel. If not, leave enough time in your plans to fill up on gas on the way to the airport or before you hit the road.
Look out for peak days and specific times
For the air travel passengers, consider when you’ll make your trip. Peak travel days may bring lots of stress and unnecessary money spent. At Thanksgiving, the Wednesday before is the day to avoid. Traveling on the day of Thanksgiving may not be ideal, but it is a lot smoother and cheaper — or at least consider leaving a handful of days in advance. And on the way back, flying home on the Sunday after Thanksgiving Day is definitely not suggested. You will pay less if you travel on any other day, and you’ll avoid the long lines and large crowds hustling and bustling.
At Christmas and New Year’s, the peak holiday travel dates change depending on the day of the holiday. In order to approximate when will be the most expensive and busy, think about the days that would allow a long weekend without sacrificing a lot of the week to work. Not only should you consider carefully the day you leave but also the specific time.
The best time of day is the time most people would be at home and/or asleep. Those early mornings and late nights bring fewer delays and stress. They may even be quite peaceful for you!
Be aware though that processes like check-in may move slower in the morning depending on the employees and atmosphere. So leave yourself time, and allow yourself patience. Know the airport so you’re comfortable and don’t spend your time stressing!
Be aware of the size of the airport and planes usually used. Smaller airports have fewer flights and therefore fewer delays. Consider the lines it would have and the number of people your choice airport tends to house; the tendencies of crowds and the set up of the building could be a factor in your experience.
Give a lot of consideration to connection flights
Consider having layovers with a significant amount of time between flights. This will come in handy if the first flight becomes delayed and/or weather changes things up. That way you won’t have to sprint across terminals or risk missing a flight.
Also, consider finagling the schedule to allow you with a connection somewhere that experiences fewer delays; consider the area’s weather and location.
Ultimately, the ideal decision would be no connecting flights at all. That way you won’t have the threat of the all-too-often cruel delays that find a way to hit you right at the connection – a place where you don’t have family, friends or knowledge of the area.
Keep in mind packing rules
It would be great to only have a carry-on or two to travel with, but with the regulations, it may not be possible. Liquids and gels in 3.4 ounces or less are allowed in a carry-on, and you’re also allowed to bring any liquids purchased after security onto the plane.
If you need to check a bag, you must keep in mind that most airlines are charging a fee for checking bags. Don’t over pack the checked bag, as full bags that are opened for a security check are harder to repack.
In terms of the holidays, do not wrap gifts — especially if they are going on the plane with you. There is a possibility that they will be inspected and therefore unwrapped, regardless of being in a carry-on or checked bag. If you want to wrap them ahead of time, it is suggested to use gift bags instead of wrapping paper.
If you’re traveling with gifts, you should keep them with you in a carry-on so there isn’t a risk of being lost if your checked luggage is misplaced in the system.
Minimize stress in the car
Driving can be stressful when it comes to anything such as car maintenance, watching out for “the other guy,” gauging the weather, keeping an eye on gas, and remaining focused on the road. It would be smart to allow time to have some fun on the trip! Minimize stress by playing games in the car. These games can include I Spy, finding as many state license plates as possible, finding a word that starts with every letter of the alphabet on passing signs, car karaoke, etc. I also recommend making the best playlist to grace the highway ahead of time.
Also, consider looking into fun places to stop along the way – something more than getting out of the car to straighten the legs and then hopping right back in. Take scenic routes to allow a more interesting background (and this may, in turn, help avoid major traffic).
Take Care of Yourself
If you’re hungry while traveling, eat. Waiting to eat until you “have more time” or until you get to the destination will not help as much as you think it will. Nothing will seem right if you’re hangry.
Come prepared with things you know can de-stress you or calm you in situations that you believe may overwhelm you. For example, making sure you have working earbuds or your favorite book/just a book, in general, can really make a difference in keeping you happy and distracted.
Consider yourself before you travel too, not just the process.
Remain calm, cool and collected
Things can go wrong when the roads and airways are busy, so it is important to remain focused and patient. There may be delays with new travelers learning the ropes and taking up some time, or there could be delays in wintery weather and storms brewing.
Regardless of the circumstance, make sure you remain polite. Even if the situation isn’t pleasant, try your best. Any positivity you can muster will help you tremendously. And keep in mind that, yes, things can get overwhelming and irritating when traveling, but remember that it’s stressful for everyone else as well. You’re all going through this together.
If things go wrong, take a breath and remember where you are going. You are going to get there sooner or later, and it will be so great. Always keep the end goal in mind, it will serve as a strong motivation when tackling hurdles. Consider the stories you’ll have and experiences you’re gaining and learning from by navigating traveling difficulties.
If you get a flat tire or if the car breaks down, use it as a chance to visit the city or town you’re currently stuck in. Visit the nearest diner and have a nice chat with the employee. Meet people from somewhere new and really be in that new place for a second. Traveling may bring stresses, but it does not have to be stressful. Overall, traveling is a journey and can bring many learning and growing experiences. That plane, car or train ride can quite possibly provide memories that you embrace for the rest of your life. Remain open and focused throughout the process. The holidays are for fun and being with others, the traveling during them can be just the same.
May you have nourishing and happy holidays.