How can I possibly survive a holiday flight? This was what I was thinking when my hubs suggested we go visit my family for Thanksgiving with our 3-month-old twins. It was a little bumpy but, travel during the busy holiday season doesn’t have to be a rough experience. Here are a few of my tips to help you through it.
1. Plan ahead
That first year we were living on a wing and a prayer (is that the saying?). But we learned quick to PLAN! For instance, I booked this year’s Thanksgiving trip the week after Thanksgiving last year. Think that’s crazy? I don’t think so! Travel in peak holiday season is extra busy and extra pricey. I recommend considering your travel plans 9-12 months in advance. This way you can get the best availability and it alleviates some of the stress as you get closer to departure date. Hint: you want the least amount of stress as possible.
2. Travel on off-peak days
Don’t travel the day before the holiday! I mean, unless you want to be stressed. lol But seriously, you want to plan for extra time – weather can be bad, causing delays and headaches. Give yourself breathing room if you can. If necessary, traveling early on the actual holiday might save you some money but weigh that against the stress if things get delayed.
3. Pack a sleep mask and earplugs
I never leave home without a sleep mask. Period. It is my best friend when traveling. When sleeping in an unfamiliar location you don’t know if there’s a street light outside of your window or you are sharing a room with people who need a light on. A mask really does block out the light. Earplugs will be your friend on noisy flights or when you find yourself sharing a room with someone who snores. Did you know 3-year-olds can snore? yup, they sure can.
4. Ship your gifts or…
Save frustration with trying to keep your suitcase under the weight limit and avoid the chance of gifts being opened for inspection. Instead, ship your gifts to your destination in advance. Or, better yet, set expectations that your “presence” is their “present.” I know these might not be the right answer for your family, so I suggest packing the gifts into your suitcase first. You can then pack other things around them. I also prefer to have one suitcase where I pack most/all of the gifts so I can easily remember where I put Auntie Carol’s present when I’m out of sorts at my location and feel like I can’t find anything.
5. Remember your sense of humor
With everything on your mind, all the packing, keeping track of kids and furry family, etc., don’t forget to bring your sense of humor. Ok, do you hate me for this one? But really. Even if you can’t find it in the moment, remember to breath and it will all seem funny when you recount it in five years time. I had a trip that went sideways from. the. beginning. It was terrible. At least it was on the way home from the vacation but still, so bad. It was epic. In the moments (yes, there were SEVERAL bad moments), it was really bad but taking it out on my travel companions, the people I love the most, would not have helped. So I kept my head, took deep breaths, cried during take-off when no one is looking, and now we laugh.
6. Call your travel advisor
You might think, ‘hey you said you followed these tips…’ Yes, I did. I got started with my business because I experienced the value a travel advisor brought to me and my family while planning a complicated trip (Disney!). Then I realized that I like helping people have the best possible experiences. So, stay calm and call your travel advisor. They can help you find the best value and make sure your travel plans are smooth during the holiday season.
We hope these tips help spark ideas of how you can have a great travel experience during any holiday season.
We wish you a wonderful travel experience that is filled with love and laughter.
