If you’re like many people this holiday season, you are looking forward to spending time with family but are dreading the thought of dealing with congested highways or crowded airports. It’s no secret that the week of Thanksgiving is the busiest travel time of the year. It’s estimated that a record 28.5 million people will be flying in the United States between the Friday before Thanksgiving and that following Tuesday. Millions more will be clogging the roadways traveling too. It won’t be possible to avoid all the problems associated with traveling during this time, but these pointers can make things a little less stressful, so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday season.
Travel Light
Whether you’re heading home to be with family or departing for a holiday getaway, try to pack light. Having to check a bag takes time and many airlines charge an additional fee for this. One way to minimize the amount of luggage you need, is to ship some items ahead of time to your destination, such as presents. Make sure to check your airline’s rules for carry-on baggage limits in terms of the number and size of the bags.
Plan Ahead of Time
Book your hotel at least 45 days before you plan to leave and the same with your flight. If you’re planning to drive to your destination, make sure that your vehicle receives any needed maintenance ahead of time. Ensure that all electronic devices are charged up before leaving and write a checklist of everything you need to bring.
Choose Travel Dates That Minimize Crowds
It’s best to leave several days before Thanksgiving or on the big day itself. If you have to work, leave early on Thanksgiving morning. Travel is light on that day since most people will already be at their destination and you will still get there on time for the big Thanksgiving feast. Black Friday is another great day to travel on since everyone is focused on being first at the shopping mall to score all the big deals. You can avoid the travel crowds this way and get good deals on Cyber Monday.
If you are flying, it is best to leave several days early since flights can be delayed or canceled, which means missing Thanksgiving dinner with the family. If you’re worried about crowds and long lines, don’t leave on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving, this will ensure long lines and maximum wait times. The Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving also should also be avoided unless you have to be back at work on Monday morning.
Take the Road Less Traveled
You may want to mix things up this holiday season, take your family to a vacation destination that the rest of the country is not heading for this time of the year. Depending on when you leave, you will still encounter lines during your departure, but things will be much smoother when returning home from an unusual destination.
Bundle for Maximum Savings
You may only have to drive 50 to 100 miles to reach family for a holiday celebration and you’re lucky if this is the case. On the other hand, if your travel plans require a flight, a hotel stay and a car rental reservation, this can all add up to a fair amount of money. In this circumstance, you will definitely need to plan ahead of time to bundle a deal. If there is a discount available by booking all of these things together through a travel website or agency, this may save you hundreds of dollars, this money can go toward enjoying yourself at your destination.
Beat Stress with Realistic Expectations
You might have to maneuver your travel plans around tight work schedules for you and your significant other, if you can’t leave on days that will have fewer crowds. You might not want to risk traveling last minute and having your flight delayed. If this is the case, simply realize ahead of time that you’ll spend a long time at the airport and make sure to get plenty of sleep the night before and bring snacks as well as a book, magazine or some portable entertainment to help the time pass faster.
