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Between the overabundance of family togetherness, relatives who overstay their welcome, and delayed flights, the holidays are stressful. But you can make your travels hassle-free by taking a few simple steps. Step back, take a deep breath, and dive into the holidays with these 8 Holiday Travel Tips for a Hassle-Free Vacation.
Holiday Travel Tips
1. Check for flight delays before you leave
Call your airline or check online before you leave the house to see if your flight is delayed or cancelled. If it’s cancelled, you might have a better chance of getting rebooked on the phone than in person — especially if you’re a frequent flier. Either way, it’s helpful to know what to expect when you arrive at the airport.
2. Get to the airport (extra) early
Even the smallest airports are incredibly busy during the holidays. Last year I almost missed a flight in my hometown because I assumed the airport would be less crowded that it was. Account for things that could go wrong on the way (traffic, late train or bus), leave the house early, and be prepared to wait in long lines once you arrive at the airport.
3. Bag your toiletries
Save time in line by putting your travel-size toiletries in a plastic baggie before you leave the house. Keep the bag in accessible spot so you won’t hold up the line while frantically digging through your suitcase in search of your deodorant and toothpaste. For a green toiletry option, Tom’s of Maine has some great environmentally-friendly travel-size products
image source: jetalone
4. Wear shoes that slip on and off easily
We’ve all been in line behind that guy who wore lace-up boots that took 20 minutes to remove. Don’t be that guy. If you want to wear shoes with laces, loosen the laces while you’re waiting in line so you can slip your shoes off quickly when you get to the front of the line.
5. Know airport screening requirements
Airport security lines are slowed down even more during the holidays by inexperienced travelers. Being prepared by knowing requirements will help you get through security without a hitch. In the U.S., you can’t have liquid bottles that are larger than 3 oz, all liquids have to go in a plastic baggie, you must remove your shoes and coat, and you have to take your laptop out of its bag.
6. Pack snacks
Who wants to wait in line for 45 minutes to buy a bland, $10 sandwich? Bring snacks from home and you’ll save money and avoid hassle. For snack storage, a Wrap-n-mat
7. Bring a water bottle
Avoid the $4 bottles of water and opt for a green alternative — your own reusable bottle. The folks at Hydrasip were kind enough to send me a Hydrasip stainless steel bottle, which has become my new favorite. I like the contoured shape that fits comfortably in my hand.
8. Pack light
The overhead bins are fuller than ever around the holidays, so be prepared to check a bag if you don’t pack light. Packing light is better for the environment and easier on your stress level. Plus, most airlines in the U.S. now charge for checked bags. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Packing Light for tips and tricks to lighten your load.
Happy holidays and safe travels!
jessiev says
what a great list! thank you!
Vi @ Travel Tips says
Pack light, but don’t forget put some warmer clothes in your carry-on bag.
Nomadic Matt says
great list! its all about organization
Chris says
You have a very good advices here, I like the point n.8:traveling light.
As you mentioned it is environmentally friendly and if you have to travel for long time, you do not really want to carry extra weight.
John says
Thanks a ton for sharing these vital tips with the travelers out here. I completely agree with Matt that it’s a ll about organization,however, somewhere down the line I also think that while traveling these tips should be retained by all the travelers so that they can end up enjoying their holidays thoroughly. Apparently, nowadays, most of the people go for the holiday packages because it reduces their pressure of organizing a trip to I firmly believe that the travel operators must suggest some imperative travel tips especially with the naive travelers. I’m saying this because being an enthusiastic traveler I’ve approached myriad travel arrangement companies for packages but very few came up with the suggestions and fortunately one of those few. I taking Zapbooking’s name because they’re eminent in the industry and the way they treat their clients is simply marvelous. I can proudly say that I’m one of their satisfied customers. And finally, thanks a lot again for sharing these tips.
Thanks & Regards
John
All Inclusive says
Great post, and comments. Thanks for the tips!
Outrigger Vacations says
Great tips! Thanks for posting these.
kusadasi beach says
Thank you for the great travel list. its useful for us.
Kimberly says
Thanks for the great comments and additional tips!
Brandon Scott says
What is the best website on the internet that provide travel tips to Thailand ?*,”
pine bay holiday resort says
We stayed in kusadasi pine bay holiday resort hotel and it was one of the best holiday of my life..We will meet again as soon as possible!. thanks for all.
ephesus tours says
What is the best website on the internet that provide travel tips to Thailand ?*,”
you need to try thomson…
Anna Begum says
What other websites offer free travel tips in South America?”::
bahamas travel says
Ohh really nice post.Thanks for that.I think it help to spend my holiday
Cheap hotel rooms London says
great tips dear, specially when we traveling with our children – I appreciate that you posted them!
Thanks for the tips!
san says
Great list ,It’s really nice post. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Travel Agents In Artesia says
This is a great post full of excellent information! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!
Mauro Gordineer says
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buty damskie says
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?