Traveling during the holidays can be super stressful. If you are traveling with your family, or a large group it can be even more stressful. The weather can wreak total havoc on your plans as well as other unforeseen problems. To make holiday travel less stressful follow these tips.
Pack Appropriate Clothing
The first way to avoid holiday travel stress is to pack appropriate clothing for the climate you are leaving and the climate you will be arriving in. There is nothing worse than being too hot or too cold and not having the right clothes for the right climate. If you are flying, be sure to have to some cold weather gear in your carryon bags in case your luggage gets delayed. If you are going to a warmer climate, put a t-shirt, pair of shorts and some sandals in your carryon bag.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
It is a good idea to build extra time into your travel schedule to get where you are going. You don’t want to be rushing in bad weather if you are driving. Make sure you have the time you need to get where you are going without feeling rushed. There are awesome travel apps that you can use to help you get to our destination more quickly. Don’t forget a good old fashioned map or road atlas can be a great tool as well.
Book Direct Flights
If you are traveling at a time of year where airports get shut down for bad weather, book direct flights. While they can be more expensive, there is less chance you will get stuck in a strange city or continuously re-routed making a tough trip even longer.
Prepare for Delays
Whether you are driving or flying, delays are almost inevitable. You can prepare for them by building more time in your schedule. You can also make sure you have packed a carry on that will provide you with items like toiletries, a change of clothes, entertainment and snacks should you get delayed.
Pack Plenty of Snacks
It doesn’t matter how you are traveling, always pack plenty of snacks. If you are traveling with kids, this is probably the most important rule. Have plenty of snacks or money to buy snacks for everyone. If you get delayed or stuck, you may not know where your next meal will come from.
Have Alternative Plans in Mind
Last, but not least. If the worst happens and you get stuck, always prepare to have alternative plans. This can be having a back up plan for how to get to your destination It could also mean having a totally different set of plans in case you cannot get to your destination.
Traveling any time of year can be stressful, but it is always more difficult during the holiday rush.
Need more travel tips for packing and traveling with kids?
Check out these posts.
12 Items That Make Traveling with Kids Easier
15 Must Have Items for Flying with Babies and Toddlers
10 Tips That Will Make Flying Alone with Kids Easier
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