The holiday season is one of the busiest times for travel. Millions of people journeying by plane, train, and car to celebrate with loved ones or escape to a winter getaway.
To help you navigate Holiday Travel this year, we asked two travel experts in the field their tips.
Neil, a commercial pilot with 8 years of experience, and Schae, a former flight attendant turned travel connoisseur weigh in on what to prioritize this holiday.
Here’s their best advice (along with a few tips of our own) to help make your holiday travel as smooth as possible:
1. Booking Early
The holiday season brings with it high travel demand and increased prices. However, with careful planning you can secure deals that won’t break the bank. One of the most effective ways to get the best rates and the widest range of options is to book early.
According to Schae Lewis, “Booking early is the key to getting the best rates and having the biggest selection to choose from. In most circumstances, once you know your travel dates, go ahead and book your transportation (flight, car rental, train, bus). Even if you are not 100% sure of your travel dates yet, you can book a ticket that is refundable or exchangeable for an additional cost. Locking in that early bird rate but still giving you the flexibility you need.”
When it comes to flying, consider looking at smaller airports near major cities where rates may be lower. Adjusting your travel dates by just a day or two before or after peak times can help you avoid crowds and find more affordable fares.
2. Budget-Friendly Travel Strategies
Some travelers believe there’s a specific day to get the best flight deals, but as Neil points out, “It’s kind of a myth that there’s a best day to purchase tickets. It’s really all about planning and continuously checking prices because they fluctuate based on demand. I recommend something like the Hopper app that will help you track prices and tell you when the best time to buy is.”
If you have travel rewards points or credit card perks saved up, consider using them around the holidays. Many credit card programs offer seasonal promotions and points boosters that can help reduce costs.
3. Packing Wisely for the Holiday Season
With how busy everyone gets when it comes to traveling, many times we often forget to pack the most important things.
“Gifts,” Schae Lewis reminds us, “If you are traveling for the holidays, you may need to bring your gifts with you. Consider packing the gifts unwrapped, especially if you are only bringing carry-on bags. Wrapped gifts should not be brought onboard in case they require further inspection by TSA. Bring gift bags and tissue with you to complete the wrapping process or purchase the wrapping supplies once you arrive at your destination.”
Additionally, packing essentials like snacks, entertainment, and an extra outfit will prepare you for potential delays. For families, a few extra activities for children can be invaluable during extended wait times.
4. Smart Travel Decisions
Staying organized can make a world of difference, and Schae has a great solution. “I create a Google Sheets spreadsheet for each of my trips. This is the perfect place to drop all of the information I gather as I do my research and book things. I include links to websites, costs, notes, and more.”
Your Google Sheets spreadsheet is a great place to track:
- Trip Expenses
- Things to do (attractions & food)
- Confirmation numbers
- Tasks that need to be completed (visa applications) and any associated deadlines
For travelers looking to avoid the usual holiday crowds, Neil suggests seeking destinations that aren’t in high demand, like Denver or other mountainous areas, where you can enjoy winter activities and a festive atmosphere with fewer tourists.
“Pro tip, I’ve always found that traveling on Christmas is actually less hectic than the days surrounding.”
5. Preparing for Unexpected Changes
Holiday travel is often affected by delays, weather issues, and last-minute changes. Planning alternate routes for road trips, or traveling a day earlier than planned to account for possible delays, can help reduce the stress of the unexpected.
Having travel insurance can be a valuable safety net, especially for those with international plans or higher-priced bookings. “While I do not ever buy travel insurance, I can understand why some people need it,” Schae notes.
“If you are dealing with uncertain circumstances like an ailing family member, are traveling internationally or have sprung for a luxury travel experience, travel insurance may give you peace of mind that your investment is protected, no matter what. Just check the fine print to ensure the policy addresses your individual needs.”
Neil also likes to remind travelers, “Flight crews (pilots, flight attendants) may be working a trip several days before, during, and after the holidays. We’re sacrificing our time to see friends and family for the holidays so we can safely get you to yours!” Keeping this in mind, a little kindness and patience can go a long way when interacting with flight crews who are working hard to get everyone to their destinations safely.
Holiday Travel Recap
Holiday travel can be hectic, but a bit of planning goes a long way. Book early to secure the best rates and options, and stay flexible with dates and nearby airports to find savings. Pack smart, especially if bringing gifts, and be ready for delays with essentials like snacks and an extra outfit.
Keeping your travel details organized and having a backup plan in place can reduce stress if things don’t go as expected. With these simple strategies, you’ll be better prepared for a smoother, more enjoyable holiday journey. Safe travels!
For more tips, check out this month’s YouTube video: How 2 Plan for Holiday Travel
What’s your top tip for stress-free holiday travel? Share with us!
