7 Common Sense Ways to Survive Holiday Travel
There is no doubt that holiday travel can be stressful. With so much going on and so many things to do, adding a flight or a road trip to the equation can push some people over the deep end.
To avoid having your holiday travel plans fall apart, it’s important to take a step back, approach things the right way, plan ahead, and have the right attitude.
Survive holiday travel this year with these must read tips:
1. Take a deep breath and relax
Attitude is everything when travelling. If you are stressed before you even leave for your trip, you increase the odds of overreacting and letting things get to you while travelling. Travel plans often have hitches – you just need to accept it. So if your flight gets delayed by an hour or there is traffic on the highway, just take a deep breath and accept it. There is nothing you can do to change it, so don’t dwell on it.
2. Book direct flights
Delays and issues are very common when travelling during the holidays. One delay could throw off your entire trip, especially if you have a tight connecting flight to catch.
If possible, book a direct flight, even if it costs a few extra bucks. Only having to check in and board a plane once can really simplify your plans. It also makes air travel less stressful.
3. Pack your suitcase and check it twice
Nobody likes to forget things, but it happens all the time. In your rush to pack, tie up loose ends before you leave, and make sure you have all your travel documents. It can be easy to forget to pack things.
To avoid this, try to give yourself ample time to pack, and focus on travelling light. The fewer things you have to travel with, the easier it will be for you.
4. Keep the kids busy
Kids add a completely new dimension to holiday travel. If you are travelling with kids it is vital (yes, vital) to keep them occupied. Load up their favorite books, toys, movies and games. Keeping the kids busy can make all the difference in the world to your stress level.
5. Try to travel on a less busy day
The closer it gets to Christmas, the busier it will be. Understand that if you plan to travel on Christmas Eve, then expect longer lines, delays and traffic. If possible, book your travel plans on less busy travel days to make your trip as smooth as possible.
6. Get travel insurance
Having a good travel insurance policy is even more important during the holidays, and we are not only saying that because we are insurance brokers. You should have travel insurance during the holidays because anything and everything could go wrong. A snow storm could hit your area, you could get a flat tire, your trip could get delayed, and any number of other unforeseen things could occur.
7. Leave early if driving
If a road trip is part of your holiday plans, make it point to leave early in the morning. Many people also drive during the night to avoid traffic. It’s also a good idea to plan an alternative route, check the weather ahead of time, and make sure you have a GPS to help you if you experience traffic or unforeseen detours.
Is travel something you dread during the holidays? How often do you travel over the holidays? Where do you go? How do you survive the trip?