9 Ways To Prepare For Holiday Travel

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The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of stress—especially when it comes to travel. Between buying plane tickets, packing your bags, and dealing with airport security, it’s no wonder that so many people dread holiday travel. So how do you prepare for holiday travel?

But it doesn’t have to be that way! With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make your holiday travel experience a breeze. Here are some tips on how to do just that.

Here are my 9 tips for being prepared for Holiday Travel:

1. Start Early

The early bird gets the worm—or in this case, the best deals on airfare and hotels. If you wait until the last minute to book your travel plans, you’ll end up paying through the nose. So start looking for deals as soon as you know you’ll be traveling. You can even set up fare alerts so you’ll be notified as soon as prices drop.

If you waited, you don’t have to take out a second mortgage in order to get where you need to be. The best advice to prepare for holiday travel is to get help from the experts. Your travel agent can help you search for some last-minute deals. Just know, that you might have to be accommodating with your dates as well as some of the flight times.

2. Make a List. When You Prepare for Holiday Travel… Check it Twice

Packing for a trip can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to do it at the last minute. To avoid this, make a list of everything you need to pack well in advance of your trip. That way, you can slowly add items to your bag over time, rather than trying to cram everything in at once. And don’t forget to double-check your list before you leave so you don’t forget anything important!

With the need to arrive early to air and train terminals during the holiday season, don’t forget to bring your device chargers and even a travel charging brick as a backup.

3. Leave Time For Security…and Then…Leave Some More

We all know how it is. Any mention of the state of airport travel today — especially the lines and the TSA — will inevitably elicit groans of frustration, eye rolls, and a raft of stories of security nightmares. How do you prepare for holiday travel at the airport?

It’s true in many ways that traveling by plane in 2022 lacks much of the glamour and carefree effortless elegance of, say, 50 years ago. We live in a different world with much more complex problems that need to be addressed.

But since you have to go through the lines and security no matter what — how about making it as painless as possible? Here are some easy tips to help you breeze through your next security screening.  

• Get organized. Sounds like stock advice, right? Here are some specifics that can shave precious minutes and hassle off your wait time.

• Check your flight status before you get ready to leave your house, or download a smartphone app like TripIt that will automatically notify you of any changes to your itinerary.

• Check in to your flight online. This is especially helpful if you are not checking any bags! 

Ed Hewitt, the features editor for The Independent Traveler, offers this: Before you leave for the airport, put everything essential you need to check in and get through security–your ID, credit card and boarding pass, etc. –in an easily-accessible part of your wallet or bag.

“This way, you don’t waste your (and other people’s) time fumbling around for them at the moment you need them.” Then he says, “Pack out of reach anything that you will not need between your front door and your airplane seat.
Clutter is the enemy of smooth passage through the airport.”

 

• One savvy traveler recommends this trick: If you’re staying over in a hotel and have an early morning flight, take your watch or any jewelry, loose change, and any other small items you’d have to take out anyway (like portable electronics), and just put them in plastic baggies in your carry-on.

That way, you save time having to remember and gather them while in line, and they’re all together in one place when you’re through. TSA agents also reportedly appreciate this kind of forethought. They will appreciate that you’ve prepared for holiday travel and might help you out in a sticky situation.

3B. Don’t Be THAT Person In the Security Line

While in line, make a mental note of how many bins you’ll need. Take a few seconds to plan out the most efficient way to get your stuff on the belt so you can go through, get dressed, and get out. Yes, you HAVE to take your shoes off, so go ahead and complain, but just do it.

• Get on the list. The TSA has a trusted traveler program called TSA Pre✔️ ^® (https://www.tsa.gov/precheck) that is now available in many airports across the country. It has perks like not requiring shoe or laptop removal for a speedy trip through security.

4. Troubleshoot Like a Pro…Show Everyone How You Prepare for Holiday Travel?

When things don’t go as planned and you get delayed or a late flight means a missed connection — don’t panic. Here’s what you can have on hand to help make a messy situation much more bearable:

• If you have a smartphone, make use of it. Find helpful apps (such as TripIt) that keep all your info organized, that keep you informed, and that have helpful names and numbers (like mine!) at your fingertips when you need them.

Program the numbers of your travel agent, airline, car rental service, hotel, and any other contact info into your phone. You can even temporarily organize them all under one name — for example, assign the “last name” of each item as “California Trip 2022,” and they’ll all appear listed in one spot in your contacts for easy access.

This way, if a logistical emergency occurs, you have the ability to reach me so I can help you find additional flights, make cancellations, reschedule pick-up/drop-off times, or notify hosts or a front desk of late arrival. This and many more are the advantages to using a travel agent. If you want to know more check out my blog post on why you should use a travel agent here!

5. Bring Your Own Entertainment

Whether you’re flying or driving, there’s a good chance you’ll be spending some time on the road this holiday season. And while road trips can be fun, they can also be long and boring if you’re not prepared. To avoid this, bring along some entertainment for the journey—whether it’s books, magazines, music, or podcasts. That way, you can kick back and relax while you travel instead of counting down the minutes until your trip is over.

• Pack earplugs and a sleep mask. Earplugs will be your friend on noisy flights and a sleep mask can help you get better sleep while in unfamiliar hotel surroundings.

6. You Don’t Have To Bring EXTRA of Everything

If you can manage it, I personally recommend you try packing a carry-on suitcase only. This will help you avoid long lines to check-in luggage and will let you keep your items with you should you have any flight or train schedule changes.

I know there are some of you who will want to pack for “just in case.” As a mom, I understand this feeling. But, here is my advice. YOU DON’T NEED IT. And in the event that you do, you can 95% of the time buy a new one, or even better, you can contact your travel agent and have them ship directly to you from amazon! (Yes, I have done that before for a client)

My go-to travel suitcase is the Platinum® Elite Compact Carry-On Expandable Hardside Spinner.

7. The Airlines and Airport Staff Cannot Control the Weather, and Neither Can You.

One of the most frustrating things about holiday travel is dealing with weather-related delays. Unfortunately, there’s not much that the airlines or airport staff can do about it. And while it’s tempting to blame them for your woes, the truth is that they’re not in control of the weather, and neither are you.

So the next time you find yourself stuck at the airport, try to remember that it’s not personal. It’s just the way things are sometimes. And who knows, maybe you’ll even make some new friends while you’re waiting for your flight.

8. Make Sure You Budget For A Backup Plan

Travel in peak holiday season can be extra busy and priced at a premium. We recommend you consider your travel plans six to nine months in advance to find the best deals for air and accommodations.

Travel on off-peak days. Avoid traveling the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas. Traveling early on the actual holiday can often save you frustration and money. I’ve found some amazing deals flying into your desired location on the actual holiday itself. You might arrive late, but your wallet will thank you.

Save frustration with trying to keep your suitcase under the weight limit and avoid the chance of gifts being opened for inspection. Instead, ship your gifts to your destination in advance. That way, if there was an issue, you’ll know at least the gifts have arrived!

Set aside an emergency contingency fund. In case you have to extend or divert your trip, you’ll want to make sure that you are able to take care of unexpected expenses. Remember to keep your travel agent’s number handy! They might be able to help you extend your stay or find you alternate accommodations.

9. Get Zen – Or Whatever Your Version of That Is

When you have everything organized, and you know you’re ready to go, and all there is left to do is wait in line, make the most of it. Focus on the excitement you feel about your trip. Talk to your kids. Take deep breaths. If you’re not self-conscious, do some pre-tiny-airline-seat stretches.

Strike up a conversation if you feel like it. Listen to a podcast. Get your mind in a place that’s positive and productive and set the tone for your trip to focus on what’s working and what you’re thankful for.

And, we know it’s tough sometimes, but don’t forget the one travel essential you cannot live without patience. Everyone is in the same boat; everyone wants to get through. A smile and a “thank-you” never hurt, either.

I’ve known many people, including myself, who’ve gotten unexpected happy surprises (baggage fees waived, bump up) just for being polite when everyone else was falling apart. See where it gets you!

Are You Prepared For Holiday Travel?

With a little bit of planning and preparation, you will be. Holiday travel doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these simple tips, you can make sure your holiday travels are smooth sailing from start to finish. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

Contact me today to help you plan your stress-free holiday travel! We will be your best guide on how to prepare for holiday travel.