Holiday Travel Made Easy

The holidays are a time for enjoying special moments with family and friends, which for many people means traveling to another city or state.
In fact, AAA projects each year that over 50 million people will travel at least fifty miles for Thanksgiving, with more than 110 million doing the same for the year-end holidays.

Such a journey can be exciting, but the logistics can also bring stress thanks to all the factors you have to plan for and all the challenges that may arise. Whether you’re traveling by plane, car, or train, these tips may help make the process a little easier, safer, and more budget friendly.

Plane preparations
From long security lines to complicated baggage rules, there are seemingly endless hoops you have to jump through to make your flight. That’s why one of the most important things you can do when traveling by plane is give yourself plenty of time to navigate the process. TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international ones, though that number can vary from airport to airport. This should help ensure that you don’t have to rush, allowing you to easily get through any check-in and security lines before boarding your flight.

As for luggage, you can avoid expensive baggage fees by packing only a carry-on bag and a personal item. If your trip is less than a week, consider bringing just a handful of items you can rewear or wash rather than an outfit for each day. But be sure not to pack any liquids larger than 3.4 ounces to avoid hiccups going through security. In addition, include snacks and an empty refillable water bottle in your bags so you don’t have to buy food or drinks at the airport, which can save you from having to both spend extra money and wait in another long line.

Though valuable for any excursion, it may be especially important to consider purchasing travel insurance when flying. The holiday season can often be unpredictable with illnesses that keep you grounded and inclement weather that leads to flight cancellations, making it potentially worth the extra investment to protect your trip. Many airlines offer insurance at the time of booking, but you can buy additional coverage through a third party like a travel agency; your credit card company may also provide free coverage as long as you book your flight with your card.

Car considerations
Road trips are a staple of the holiday season, but such long drives can put a strain on your vehicle, so you’ll want to have it serviced before you go. Check the tire pressure, brakes, fluids, wipers, and lights, repairing or replacing elements as necessary. Even if everything seems in tip-top shape, make sure your car has a spare tire or tire-inflation kit as well as jumper cables, a flashlight, and a basic tool kit in case of an unexpected incident.

When gathering your trip essentials, take care to avoid overpacking since you could end up overloading your vehicle. This can put extra strain on the engine, make it harder to maintain control and brake, and lead to increased fuel consumption. And if you’re bringing presents for your loved ones, keep them out of sight throughout your journey, such as by putting them in your trunk or placing blankets or bags over them. This is especially important if you’re traveling a long distance and will be making frequent stops; such potentially valuable items may be tempting to opportunistic thieves.

Before leaving, check the weather forecast and carefully plan your route, including rest stops and fuel stations. An app like Waze or Google Maps can help you find the fastest routes and avoid traffic, while one like GasBuddy can show you the cheapest fuel along the way. Just remember that anything can happen the day of, so always be prepared to adjust course when necessary.

Train tactics
The holidays are a whirlwind of activity, and navigating crowded airports and busy highways can quickly drain the festive spirit. With its less chaotic stations and delightful window scenery, train travel offers a unique opportunity to unwind and embrace the journey. However, there are still a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure that the ride goes as smoothly as possible.

To start, aim to arrive at the train station at least forty-five minutes before your departure; there’s no security line to worry about, but with increased traffic during the holidays, you’ll want to leave ample time to find your platform and check any bags. Make sure to verify, though, that the latter is an option for your station or train and if there’s a specific check-in time.

Amtrak has a more generous baggage allowance than airplanes, typically allowing each passenger to check up to four bags (two of which are free) and bring one personal item and two carry-ons with them on the train. This means there’s no need to stress about packing economically. Even more, you can bring your own food and drinks on the train, allowing you to avoid paying for an onboard dining experience.

Although most trains have Wi-Fi onboard, it isn’t always the most reliable. So before your trip, download any movies, audiobooks, or podcasts to your phone, tablet, or laptop for some offline entertainment—you’ll definitely want something to pass the time, especially if you’re traveling a longer distance or overnight. In addition, you may want to bring a neck pillow or lightweight blanket to make your journey even more comfortable.

However you’re traveling this season, preparation is key to preventing any major snafus. By following these strategies, you can focus more on the joy of the holidays and less on the challenges, helping to ensure a memorable and stress-free experience with those closest to you.

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