I’m going to give you 10 tips for your holiday travel success.
But first questions:
Have you ever flown on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving? I have!
Have you ever driven on I-95 on the Sunday after Thanksgiving? I have many times, and it’s brutal!
Read on to make your holiday travels smoother and avoid my past travel transgressions.
Avoid flying on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving! How about flying out early Thanksgiving morning? You’ll have one less night with your favorite relatives or one less hotel night and the fares and crowds might just pleasantly surprise you. For returning home – after Friday, Saturday and Sunday get more expensive and more crowded. (Although, I have flown back on the weekend after Thanksgiving and sometimes Sundays aren’t bad.)
Don’t wait too long to book airfare as our airline friends are notorious for jacking fares over holidays. PS they know when all of the Spring Weeks occur and will jack fares for those weeks too. Book those flights sooner than later! *Top secret tip*: some of you may already know that you can book airfare out to a maximum of 11 months in advance.)
Select direct flights if at all possible as connections are not super fun and even less fun during peak travel periods.
Leave extra early for the airport, train, or highway. And, please fill up your car prior to leaving; while you’re at it, check the oil and tire pressure.
Try to pick a very early flight as airports are only going to get more crowded and potentially backed up as peak travel day traffic progresses.
Pack lighter than you think you need. Bring less stuff and attempt to ship gifts out early so you don’t have to travel with them. BONUS TIP: If
English: TSA Lock with Symbol and General Key Access Deutsch: TSA Schloss mit Logo und Generalschlüsselzugang (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
flying with your gifts do NOT wrap! You don’t want to watch the TSA ripping the wrapping paper off of your gifts!
If flying, check in and get your boarding passes prior to leaving. Many airlines now let you get your boarding passes on your smart phone be it Android or iOS. For you Blackberry and Windows phone users, please check for availability.
While I’m on the subject of smartphones, there are various apps to help you navigate busy airports and find places for your favorite eating, drinking and shopping.
Traveling with kids? On a plane? No problem (hopefully)! Have a backpack with lots of games and activities for the kids; break out new stuff as they lose their interest in the current activities. The great John T Peters, even advises carrying a bunch of Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts cards to pass out to the people in front, to the side, and behind you, as a token of good faith in case your little ones draw too much attention.
Travel Insurance!!! Do I end all of my lists with Travel insurance? Trips don’t necessarily go as planned. Think you’ll never have to cancel a trip or have an issue? I’m the one that works with your travel vendors and trip insurance provider to help get back as much of your money as possible. Please don’t travel unprotected.
That’s it for this list. If you found this helpful, please share!
Have any comments or suggestions, please share your thoughts?
Ready to plan that trip? Contact me today!
