Travel Tips for a Happy Holiday Season

No matter where you choose to go, traveling during the holidays comes with a specific set of challenges. Whether you’re escaping to a secluded ski chalet in the mountains, ice skating beneath the Rockefeller tree in New York City, or singing Mele Kalikimaka from a beach in Hawaii, the first step to your happy holiday is actually getting there.

From airport arrivals to double-checking reservations and packing gifts, these tips offer a few easy ways to help make your holiday travels as seamless as possible.

Holiday travel is notoriously hectic: larger crowds mean longer lines and a higher risk of missing flights. Getting to the airport early is a small price to pay for the stress it eliminates. It’s recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and at least three hours before international flights during the holidays. This allows for ample time to check your bag, pass through security, and get to your gate. If you are a U.S.-based traveler, you may want to look into trusted traveler programs to help streamline your TSA experience. If you are traveling internationally, be sure that you are aware of all passport and visa requirements for that specific destination.

One easy way to expedite the airport process is to check into your flight online or on the airline mobile app. Most major airlines offer this service and are incredibly efficient and user-friendly. This way, all you have to do is print your baggage tag when you arrive and drop your bag. Or, if you are not checking a bag, you can go straight to security. Because airports and flights are more unpredictable this time of year, try to avoid layovers when you can. One less airport means one less potential obstacle in the way of your holiday vacation.

Plan out what you will need additional tickets and reservations for. Anything from museums and local guides to restaurants and rental cars should be booked well in advance to avoid missing out. Especially if your destination is known for specific holiday events, such as New York City’s Radio City Christmas Spectacular, they will likely be sold out quickly, or prices will rise astronomically. Although this may involve some extra planning, it will be worth it to secure spots and evade last-minute stress.

It also proves to be incredibly helpful to book your airport transportation in advance. The arrivals terminal at any airport will be teeming with crowds all trying to do the same thing: leave. Whether you schedule an Uber or Lyft, purchase bus or train tickets, or book private transportation, it will make a large difference when all you want to do is get to your destination.

As with all travel, some things are simply out of your hands; the holidays are no different. With busier airports, the likelihood of luggage getting misplaced also increases. When possible, packing only a carry-on is a great way to ensure that your belongings make it safely to your destination. If you check a larger bag and it does not arrive at your carousel, try checking the oversized baggage area before filing a report at the airport. It is also important to file a claim with the airline as soon as possible. In some cases, if you need to purchase clothes or toiletries, the airline will reimburse you if you hold onto your receipts.

While you may not be able to prevent lost luggage from happening altogether, there are ways to be prepared if it does. For starters, pack a spare change of clothes and toiletries in your carry-on, along with all essential documents such as passports, visas, IDs, and credit cards. This way, in the off-chance that you do get separated from your luggage, you will be prepared for at least a couple days without it. It is also incredibly helpful to put a tracking device, such as an Apple AirTag, into your luggage so you can track its whereabouts.

Packing for any trip can be a struggle, and with the holidays comes a whole new list of things to consider. When traveling with gifts, keep them unwrapped in case TSA needs to inspect them and be sure you are aware of prohibited items, as well as regulations with food and drink. Consider packing more expensive gifts in a carry-on to avoid losing them and wrap any fragile gifts in bubble wrap to avoid breakage. For those expecting to bring gifts home (or those planning on doing some holiday shopping) consider bringing a lightweight duffel or foldable carry-on that you can pack in your checked luggage.

Despite the challenges that may come with traveling during the holidays, there is one thing that is for sure: it is always worth it.