Tips and Tricks for Stressfree Travel this Holiday Season

This might be the merriest time of the year, but for the millions of travelers taking to the roads and air to head out for the family, stressors are sure to happen. While we can’t predict weather delays, staffing shortages, and issues outside our control, there are things each of us can do to minimize the stress. Here are just a few reminders and tricks to get through the holiday travel nightmares with sanity intact, ready for a great holiday gathering on the other end of your travels.

Morning Flights Equal Better Odds

Since holiday travel will likely exceed summer travel numbers, frustrations of canceled and delayed flights and lost luggage will continue. Knowing this, you can prepare ahead to ensure that this nuisance doesn’t cause you overnight and lengthy layover headaches by booking morning flights. Some destinations may have only one flight per day, but if you have a choice of flights, getting the first flight out means if it’s canceled, you might be able to snag a seat on another flight that day. That strategy has saved many people overnight hotel stays or long nights camping out in airports during holidays. While it may be tough to get up early, the strategy works.

Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind

While it may seem counterintuitive to spend more money on travel insurance, insuring a trip can be a very affordable way to give travelers peace of mind. Suppose something unexpected occurs, and a trip is canceled for a covered reason under the policy. In that case, policyholders can be reimbursed for pre-paid and non-refundable trip costs that were at risk. This peace of mind from cancellations due to COVID, Flu, or other life changes can make unexpected occurrences much less stressful.

Skip Gift Wrapping

Traveling with Christmas gifts? Don’t wrap them, regardless of whether you’re putting them in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage, advises Liberty Travel’s, Christina Pedroni. If the TSA decides to inspect your items, they will have to unwrap them. And, says Pedroni, “if you plan to give bottles of wine as a gift, make sure to pack them in your checked baggage, as they will exceed liquid limits for carry-on bags and be refused at security.” FYI, the same goes for snow globes.

Food for Travel

Packing your snacks has a few benefits. F st food lines are long this season, as travelers are looking for something quick to keep them on the road. N t to mention, restaurant prices have skyrocketed in recent months and are only looking to keep climbing through the winter. Check out “4″ No-Cook Meals for Your Next Travel Adventure” “or a few ideas on road trip treats. Packing food can minimize stops and expenses and help keep everyone happy and content along the road.

Ensure Technology Needs Are a Go

When traveling, you might experience delays. Ensuring you have the correct chargers and technology to keep you informed, entertained, and in touch is critical. Y u dodon’tant to be fighting a million other people in some of the airports for the few charging stations available? Carry along charging devices and family hotspots, and getting all devices fully charged before leaving can ensure happy travelers – even if the itinerary doesn’t exactly plan.

Are you ready to take on those holiday travel plans? W ether you get your fill of snow up north or head south for rest, these tips can help. The waits, lines, and congestion on the roads might not be the funniest part of this season – they can produce memories for years to come. M ke it a trip no one is sure to forget, for all the right reasons, and have a very merry holiday.

Happy Travels, Suncoast

Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos