The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, with millions of Americans hitting the roads, rails, and skies to visit family and friends. With such a surge in travelers, it’s no surprise that holiday journeys can be stressful and challenging. However, with a bit of planning and a few smart strategies, you can navigate this busy season with ease. Here are the top travel tips to make your holiday trips as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

1. Plan and Book Early

Procrastination can be costly—especially during the holiday season. Airlines and hotels often raise prices as the holiday approaches, and availability for the best flights and accommodations dwindles quickly. To secure the best deals and avoid last-minute headaches, book your flights, hotels, and rental cars at least two to three months in advance.

Pro tip: Use fare alerts on travel booking websites or apps to monitor flight prices. This can help you snag a deal as soon as prices drop.

2. Travel on Off-Peak Days and Times

Choosing the right travel dates can make a significant difference. While traveling on the actual holiday might seem counterintuitive, it often leads to shorter lines and fewer crowds. For example, flying on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Eve is usually less hectic than traveling on the days immediately before or after.

Pro tip: If your schedule allows, try to book flights early in the morning or late at night. These off-peak times often have fewer delays and are generally less crowded.

3. Pack Smart and Light

The key to stress-free holiday travel is packing smart and light. Overpacking can lead to hefty baggage fees and difficulties maneuvering through crowded airports or train stations. Stick to the essentials, and if possible, pack everything in a carry-on to avoid the risk of lost luggage during peak travel periods.

Here are some quick packing tips:

Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles.
Use packing cubes to keep your items organized.
Include a portable charger in your carry-on to keep your devices charged, especially if your journey involves long wait times or layovers.
Carry snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit in case you encounter delays or limited food options.

Pro tip: Wrap gifts once you arrive at your destination instead of packing them. If you must pack a gift, avoid wrapping it beforehand, as security may need to inspect it.

4. Be Strategic About Airport Security

Security lines are often the most dreaded part of holiday travel. Save time by preparing for security before you even arrive at the airport. Here’s how:

Wear easy-to-remove shoes and avoid wearing belts or excessive jewelry.
Pack liquids, gels, and aerosols following the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule to prevent hold-ups at security.
Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry if you’re a frequent traveler. These programs allow you to breeze through dedicated security lanes with minimal screening requirements.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with gifts, remember that TSA may ask to inspect wrapped packages, so it’s better to keep them unwrapped or use gift bags.

5. Stay Flexible with Your Itinerary

The holiday season is notorious for unpredictable weather and inevitable delays. While it’s essential to have a basic plan in place, staying flexible with your itinerary can make a world of difference. Always have a backup plan for delays or cancellations, and consider purchasing travel insurance if you’re worried about inclement weather or unexpected disruptions.

Pro tip: Download your airline’s app to receive real-time updates about your flight status and gate changes. It’s also helpful to have the phone numbers of your hotel, car rental agency, and travel agent saved in your phone.

6. Keep Calm and Travel Early

The earlier you start your journey, the better. Arrive at the airport or train station at least two to three hours before your departure time. This buffer allows for extra time to deal with crowds, long security lines, or unexpected hiccups.

Pro tip: For road trips, try to hit the road early in the morning or late at night to avoid heavy traffic. Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you navigate alternate routes to bypass traffic jams.

7. Utilize Technology to Your Advantage

Travel apps can be lifesavers, helping you find alternate routes, rebook flights, or keep you updated on gate changes. Here are a few must-have apps for holiday travelers:

FlightAware or FlightRadar24: For real-time flight tracking and alerts.
Hopper: For tracking flight and hotel prices and getting alerts on the best deals.
Google Maps: For navigating alternate routes and estimating travel times.
PackPoint: For organizing packing lists based on the length of your stay, weather conditions, and planned activities.

Pro tip: Take screenshots of important information (boarding passes, hotel reservations, etc.) in case of poor cell service or app glitches.

8. Prepare for Health and Safety Precautions

In the current era of travel, health and safety remain a top priority. Many airports and airlines have updated policies regarding hygiene and social distancing. Before you embark on your journey, check your airline’s policies on mask-wearing, sanitization, and in-flight services.

Pro tip: Bring along hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and extra masks for added peace of mind.

9. Stay Connected with Loved Ones

If you’re traveling solo or in a small group, keeping family and friends updated about your travel status can help alleviate concerns. Share your itinerary with a close relative or friend and keep them informed of any changes or delays. Having someone aware of your whereabouts provides an extra layer of safety, especially when traveling during unpredictable holiday weather.

Pro tip: Set up check-in alerts on your phone to remind yourself to notify your family at specific points in your journey.

10. Embrace the Holiday Spirit

Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday travel, it’s easy to become stressed and lose sight of the reason for the journey. Try to maintain a positive mindset and embrace the holiday spirit. Smile at fellow travelers, thank airport staff, and keep in mind that everyone is in the same boat.

Pro tip: Bring small tokens of appreciation, like holiday cards or candy, to give to airline staff, hotel employees, or even strangers who lend a hand. A small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day and foster a sense of holiday cheer.

Final Thoughts Holiday travel doesn’t have to be a source of dread. With careful planning, smart packing, and a little flexibility, you can navigate the busiest travel season with ease. By following these tips, you can focus on what really matters—enjoying your time with loved ones and making unforgettable holiday memories.

SUBSCRIBE FREE TO PALOS VERDES PULSE