Insider guide to Surviving Holiday Travel

Surviving Holiday Travel

According to airline reports, over 48 million people are expected to fly around the world this year on U.S. Airlines over the holidays.  Let's face it, holiday travel can be stressful and can make even the most optimistic traveler arrive frazzled.  As long-time travel advisors as well as road warriors ourselves, we have prepared these Holiday Travel Survival Tips to help you get ready and relief stress for your holiday travels.

​Feel free to share and let us know your own tips. 

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Did I what?

Pre-Trip:

• --Make a list and check off everything you have to do. 
  
• --Turn off the water to your dwelling to avoid any flooding or water damage with a water pipe leaking or bursting when your gone.
• --Request a hold mail to the post office to save your mail until you return (can do this online)
• --Contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know your travel dates and destinations so they do not put your credit or debit cards on hold 
• --Make advance airport transportation arrangements via parking or ride reservations. 
• --Ship gifts or give gift cards or online vouchers.  TSA suggests you ship wrapped gifts or wait until you reach your destination to wrap them, as they might have to unwrap them to inspect it.
• --Travel early in the day.  Flight statistics show that flights leaving earlier in the day have a better on-time performance.  And if your flight is cancelled, you will have more options of taking a flight later in the day. Airports are also much cleaner and not as crowded first thing in the morning. 

• --Plan for the unexpected. Download and update the specific airline(s) mobile app for your flights so can constantly monitor your flights' status and rebook flights if necessary
• --Take pictures of your packed luggage in case your bags are lost or stolen. This will expedite the claim process

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Always Pack Light

At Airport:

• --Arrive early. The roads and parking areas will be congested
• --Pack light and carry on
• --Don't pack valuables in your checked luggage and always lock your checked luggage with a TSA approved lock
• --Pack earplugs and better yet, noise reducing headphones to find your "zen" onboard
• --Pack and use sanitizing wipes for seats, headrest, serving trays, bathrooms, etc., no need to get extra germs and get sick over the holidays


• --Bring your own water bottle and snacks
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• --Travel on off-peak days and times for best deals

• --Charge all your devices before you leave and bring a charged power pack 

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Pack your patience and smile

Finally, Pack your patience, maintain a positive attitude and always smile as it is the holidays.  Remember, life is a journey and not a destination and we are all in this together.

What are your travel tips? Wishing you happy and safe travels.  

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