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The holiday season can create stress but when you leave things to the last minute. You will lose out on deals if you wait to get a flight at the last moment but more importantly, you may not have a seat or worse get really bad connections. Lastly, pick travel times wisely, flying first thing in the morning means you’re less likely to get bumped from a flight – and more likely to get on a later flight if you do.
- Consider the others. And by others, I mean your pets. Book the kennel or doggy-daycare early. Or book a university student to stay with your pets and stay at the house for security reasons. Don’t forget to make a special visit to older loved ones before you go to let them know you’ll be away. Lastly, let the neighbours know your house will be sitting empty just in case.
- Keep up to date with travel advisories. If you are going to France this year, the Canadian government is heeding a warning to be cautious. With that warning comes the knowledge that you went there when we told you not to. Want to know what help they will provide for you?
- Know the rules. Re-familiarize yourself with the size and weight restriction of your baggage(carry-on restrictions differ from airline to airline). Understand security procedures (pack liquids in less than 100 ml bottles, don’t pack Swiss arm knife, check how long security clearance may take). There is nothing worse than a person cutting line because their flight ‘leaves in 10 minutes’.
- Get the letter. If you are a parent travelling with a child under 18 and the other parent is not present, have that letter saying it’s o.k. to take them out of the country. Same goes for Grandparents. Or service animals. You need special identification to prove it is helping you with a medical condition not because they’re your pet.
- Ask for help. If you need extra help (as one often does with inter-generational travelers), book the wheelchair for easier access. That means boarding early or getting off last. It is well worth it as it will reduce stress for you and your companion.
- Timing is everything. Give yourself extra time by printing your boarding pass and checking in online. Get there extra early to avoid rushing or panicking when the line-ups are super long. Use curbside baggage check-in if it is available to you. Take advantage of an airline lounge to relax, have a beverage and pick up reading material. That extra time will always help.
- Pick a different date. For years we have avoided travel during peak season. Christmas, March Break, Easter – never. We never liked to travel when half of humanity wants to travel too. However, if your heart is set on seeing your family, try to travel early and leave early. If you can fly out on Wed. or Thursday and return on Tuesday or Wednesday, you are likely to find cheaper flights and fewer people. Avoid Friday to Mondays if possible. Review black-out dates because this will be THE most expensive time to travel and you will be very unlikely to get a flight if you are bumped!
- Buy Insurance. Health insurance is a given but do consider trip delay or trip cancellation insurance. It may make the difference on getting back home in an emergency or if you need to take another airline home. This little peace of mind is well worth the extra cost.
- Pack snacks & water bottle. There is nothing worse than a HANGRY adult or child. Have food handy that is easy to eat (so avoid sandwiches) and think trail mix, granola bars and juice boxes (less than 100 ml – see tip #3). Make sure you have cash to purchase food if you absolutely have to in the terminal but remember, most airlines only take credit cards.
- Keep in the loop. Last spring a freak ice storm in April gave us grief. We had to make changes to our flights (after the airline changed our departure date to 4 days later). We had to travel to the larger hub and stay overnight. One of the benefits of social media and signing up for text messaging is we get plenty of warning — major traffic congestion, government travel advisory or inclement weather. Checking the airport twitter feed or subscribing to airline alerts can be very helpful in making alternate plans or leaving earlier.
- Keep in contact. Make sure you have left all of your travel information with a trusted person (especially if you are crossing borders). Leave a copy of your passport and driver’s license – just in case. Leave a copy of your itinerary also if you are moving around often. If its Tuesday, I’ll be in Bali… You will also need to set up a system should a large natural disaster occur. Where will you call to confirm that you are o.k? If something happens to your home (forest fires?) make sure people will be able to get a hold of you because they know to call your brother/sister/parents/BFF.
- Get your Bank on-board. If you are travelling abroad and need cash, order it from your bank and have it shipped to you or your branch. My bank likes a heads up when I am ordering Euros or other currency (the US is usually available easily). Also notifying them that you will be making purchases abroad helps withholds or denying charges.
- Bring Entertainment. Many airlines require you to use your tablet or phone to access movies or TV programming. Be sure and download the app before the flight takes off or you will be out of luck! Create that playlist you always wanted. Download a few podcasts or movies. There are so many ways you can use your electronics to keep the kids and yourself sane in an airplane or on a long layover. Don’t forget the power of an e-book or an actual book. Sudoku or guidebooks are also awesome reads while you wait.
- Don’t forget the plugs. I always travel with extra cords and a small 3 outlet power cord. I’ve been very popular in an airport when plugs are few and far between. Also, YOU are not hogging all of the outlets because you have your laptop, tablet and phone charging. Traveler’ tip: label your cords and plugs so there is no confusion.
- Keep Making Memories. Remember why you are going through the trouble of traveling. You want to make memories for yourself and your family. Don’t let this be the one memory that your child has: mom or dad melting down at the airport. That’s just not pretty. Expect hiccups. Have a few Plan “B” “C” and “D”. Try and enjoy your time together.
There are so many reasons to travel during the holidays but there is no need to panic. Stress-free travel is almost impossible but you will be able to avoid frustration if you plan ahead. It will save you time and money. You won’t be paying for last-minute flights, purchasing phone chargers or buying a $10 bag of peanuts. The journey is half the fun, don’t ruin it with unforeseen holiday travel hassles.
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🥾 Explore: Tours & Experiences
🏡 Where to Stay: Top Accommodations
🚙 Hit the Road: Car Rental Deals
🛫 Get Away: Find Flight Deals
🎒 Shop: Travel Essentials
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.