You Won’t Believe What’s in holiday travel tips

/ Articles / By Sarah Rothschild

Traveling during the holidays can be fun but also stressful. Whether you’re driving or flying, there are many tips to make your trip better. This article will share key tips for packing smart, saving money, and more to make your holiday travel enjoyable.

Key Takeaways

Domestic flights usually start boarding 30 minutes before they leave, while international flights start an hour early¹
Get to the airport at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international flights¹
Carry-on luggage can make going through airport security faster¹
Think about one-way flights or smaller airports to cut down on costs¹
Buying travel insurance can protect you from unexpected holiday travel issues¹

Pack Smart for Holiday Travel

When packing for holiday travels, being strategic is key. Wear your heaviest items like boots, coats, and sweaters to save space in your luggage. This makes your bags lighter and frees up space for other essentials².

Also, think about getting travel-sized items for your toiletries from local stores. This way, you can carry just what you need without overpacking³. Try to stick to a carry-on to dodge the trouble of checking bags and waiting at baggage claim².

Wear Your Heaviest Outfit

Wearing your bulkiest clothes saves space in your luggage. It helps you avoid overpacking and keeps you comfy during your trip².

Pack Travel-Sized Items

Choose travel-sized toiletries and essentials to save space and weight. This lets you bring only what you need without carrying heavy items³.

“Packing light is the key to smooth holiday travel. With a little planning, you can enjoy your trip without being weighed down by heavy bags.”

Money-Saving Tips for Holiday Travel

Traveling during the holidays can be pricey, but you can save. A top tip is to bring your own snacks and drinks to the airport⁴. You can carry a small bottle of alcohol through security for a cheap BYOB experience⁵. Also, fill up a reusable water bottle at fountains to dodge expensive bottled water.

Bring Your Own Snacks and Beverages

Carry your favorite snacks and drinks to skip high prices at airport shops⁴.
For those 21+, a small bottle of alcohol (3.4 oz or less) is okay through security for a budget-friendly BYOB⁵.
Use a reusable water bottle and refill it at fountains to save on water costs⁴.

Credit Card Perks	Benefits
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	2X miles on all eligible purchases, 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals, and 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars through the Capital One Travel portal⁵.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® card	Up to $100 every four years to cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees⁵.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, worth over $750 toward travel through Chase Travel℠⁵.
American Express® Gold Card	New cardholders get 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months⁵.
World of Hyatt Credit Card	Up to 9 points per Hyatt stay, 4 Bonus Points per $1 at Hyatt hotels, and 5 Base Points per $1 for Hyatt members⁵.
Citi Premier® Card	3X points per $1 at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and on travel, and 1X points on all else⁵.

Using a credit card without foreign transaction fees can save you money abroad⁵. Booking flights early can also lead to cheaper tickets⁵. Bringing food from home can be cheaper than buying at the airport⁵.

“Packing light makes travel easier and avoids the need for pricey taxis, encouraging the use of cheaper public transport.”⁶

holiday travel tips for Healthy Holiday Travel

Staying healthy during the holiday travel season is key. Before you go, think about getting a flu shot to keep you safe. This is especially true if you’ll be around many people⁷. Also, consider taking supplements like Emergen-C, Airborne, or Zicam to fight off colds and flu⁷. These steps can help you enjoy your holiday without getting sick.

While traveling, don’t forget to use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. UV rays are strongest in summer, near the equator, at high places, or between 10 am to 4 pm⁷. If you’re at the beach or by a pool, you’re unlikely to get heatstroke. But, remember that bugs like malaria and Zika are more common in warm weather⁷.

Here are some tips to stay healthy on the move:

Book a telehealth visit with your doctor before your trip to talk about any health worries⁸.
Keep up with your health by setting daily goals, like taking walks or stretching. Use apps like Calm, MyStrength, and Headspace Care to help⁸.
Bring a small first-aid kit with things like bandages, painkillers, and any needed meds⁷.

By focusing on your health during holiday travel, you can relax and make memories with your loved ones.

Traveling with Kids During the Holidays

Traveling with kids during the holidays can be fun and a bit tough. With good planning and organization, you can make it smooth and fun for your family. Start by making a detailed packing list on your phone to not forget important items for your kids⁹. If you’re unsure, just pack it! You can easily check your stroller, car seat, and other items at the gate.

Create a Packing List

Go for the “family who brings the whole house” idea but with careful planning. Many airports, like Sea-Tac, have great private nursing pods at almost every gate. Make sure to download the Mamava app for more info⁹.

Embrace the “Family Who Brings the Whole House” Vibe

To keep your kids happy on the flight, try downloading the Alaska Airlines Vooks app. It has fun books and games⁹. Also, use the airline’s fast Wi-Fi to stream their favorite shows or movies⁹.

Airport Amenities for Families	Description
Private Nursing Pods	Many airports, like Sea-Tac, offer these for nursing mothers in a private space.
Mamava App	Helps find and use these private nursing pods at airports.
Vooks Inflight Entertainment	Alaska Airlines provides interactive books and games for kids on flights.
Fast Satellite Wi-Fi	Alaska Airlines offers this for streaming entertainment for kids during flights.

Plan ahead, pack smart, and use airport amenities to make your family’s holiday travel easy. With some prep, you’ll enjoy the trip as much as the destination⁹¹⁰.

“Traveling with kids during the holidays can be a challenge, but with some planning, you can make it a smooth experience.”

For holiday travel with kids, focus on flexibility, patience, and a positive attitude¹⁰. By being family-friendly and using what’s available, you can make great memories with your loved ones this holiday⁹¹⁰.

Plan Ahead for Smooth Holiday Travel

Planning for holiday travel is key to a smooth trip. Booking flights and accommodations early is a must¹¹. Popular spots and flights get booked fast, so don’t wait. Also, give yourself enough time, no matter how you’re traveling¹².

Arrive at airports or stations early to avoid delays and long lines¹². Being early helps make your holiday travel stress-free.

Book Early

Booking early saves time and money¹². Traveling during off-peak times means fewer crowds and better deals¹³. Also, book your rental cars with your flights to save time¹³.

December 22, 23, and 26 are the busiest travel days, so plan around them if you can.

Give Yourself Enough Time

Arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international ones¹². Holiday lines at check-in and security are long, so plan for extra time¹¹. Over 17 million people will be screened at airports this week, a record¹¹.

Traveling to or from Bush or Hobby Airport? Expect a lot of people. Thursday afternoon or Friday after morning rush is the best time to leave¹¹.

Don’t check a bag to easily switch flights if needed¹². Think about getting travel insurance for unexpected delays or cancellations¹¹. It’s a good idea for flights, hotels, and trips abroad.

Reserve parking at Bush or Hobby airports early for discounts¹¹. Use airline apps for TSA wait times and get digital boarding passes¹¹. If lines are long, use the tram to get to your gate quickly¹¹. Arriving early to pick someone up? Wait in the cellphone lot to avoid traffic.

Pack smart to stay organized on your trip¹³. Make sure your carry-on has everything you need¹³. Bring chargers and copies of important documents to be ready for anything¹³. Families, bring games and snacks to keep everyone happy¹³.

Conclusion

By following the holiday travel tips in this article, you can make your vacation unforgettable. You’ll learn how to pack smart, save money, and stay healthy. These tips will make holiday travel easy¹⁴.

Traveling by plane, train, or car? Stay flexible, give yourself plenty of time, and keep the holiday spirit alive¹⁵. With the right preparation and a positive outlook, your holiday travels will be joyful.

Use the travel hacks and trip planning advice from this article for a smooth and budget-friendly holiday trip. So, begin planning your next adventure and enjoy every moment of your vacation.

FAQ

What should I consider when packing for holiday travel?

Start by wearing your heaviest items like boots and coats. This saves space in your luggage. Also, pack travel-sized toiletries and aim to bring only a carry-on to skip the baggage claim hassle.

How can I save money on holiday travel?

Pack your own snacks and drinks for the airport, but make sure the alcohol is under 3.4 oz. Also, fill up a water bottle at a fountain to save money on bottled water.

How can I stay healthy during the holiday travel season?

Get a flu shot before your trip, especially if you’ll be around many people. Taking supplements like Emergen-C or Zicam can also boost your immune system against colds and flu.

What tips can you share for traveling with kids during the holidays?

Make a packing list on your phone to avoid forgetting important items. If unsure, pack it. You can gate check items like strollers and car seats. Embrace the “family who brings the whole house” vibe, but plan carefully.

How can I plan ahead for a smooth holiday travel experience?

Book flights and places to stay early, as they get booked fast. Also, plan enough time for your journey and arrive at transport hubs early. This helps avoid delays and long lines.

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