The holidays should be a time of joy and celebration, not stress and frustration. But if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in an airport terminal with delays or crowds, you know that holiday travel can test anyone’s patience. Whether you’re visiting family or taking a seasonal getaway, these holiday travel tips will help you navigate your trip with less hassle and more peace of mind.
1. Leave early to avoid peak holiday travel days
One of the most useful holiday travel tips is to steer clear of the busiest travel days. It’s usually best to avoid the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after, since they’re typically the most crowded. Additionally, it’s best to stay away from traveling on December 22, 23, 26, and 27, as they are among the most popular travel days. If your schedule allows, try traveling on the holiday itself or earlier in the week.
2. Book your holiday travel plans early
When it comes to holiday travel tips, this one’s a classic for a reason: the earlier you book, the more options you’ll have. From flight times and seats to hotel rooms and car rentals, booking in advance gives you better choices and often better prices. Plus, checking this off your list early can help reduce pre-trip stress.
3. Pick early flights to avoid delays
Flights that depart early in the morning tend to be more reliable. That’s because delays often stack up as the day goes on. Starting your day early might not sound appealing, but it can help you avoid the domino effect of later flight delays, which could lead to you changing your ticket and incurring fees.
4. Arrive early to the airport or station
Of all the holiday travel tips, this one might be the easiest to control — give yourself extra time to get through security and handle any unexpected issues. Airports and train stations can be hectic during the holidays, so arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 for international ones. And if you happen to breeze through the airport’s checkpoints, why not use the extra time to do a quick year-end financial checkup at Best Egg Financial Health.
5. Travel light with carry-on luggage
Want to skip the baggage claim and save on baggage fees? Pack light and stick to a carry-on. This holiday travel tip helps you avoid long lines, reduce the risk of lost luggage, and makes navigating airports easier. Just be sure to follow TSA rules for liquids and review your airline’s size restrictions.
6. Ship gifts to your destination
Packing those holiday gifts in your suitcase could mean losing them with your bags, extra cash spent on overweight luggage, or worst of all, arriving broken at the hands of a disgruntled baggage handler. Instead, ship gifts directly to your destination. Many retailers offer gift wrapping and delivery options during the holidays, so your packages can arrive on time, look festive, and remain intact.
7. Have a backup plan in case of holiday travel disruptions
No list of holiday travel tips would be complete without reminding travelers to plan for the unexpected. Weather delays, cancellations, and missed connections can happen—especially during the winter. Consider travel insurance, review your airline’s policies, and have a few alternate options ready just in case.
8. Stay updated on travel requirements
From TSA regulations to health and safety guidelines, it pays to stay informed. Check your destination’s entry requirements, keep your ID and documents handy, and make sure you’re up to date on any advisories. Staying informed is a holiday travel tip that could save you a boatload of frustration.
9. Look at alternative airports for holiday travel
Sometimes, the best holiday travel tips are the least obvious. Flying into or out of a smaller airport can mean shorter lines, fewer crowds, and sometimes even cheaper fares. Compare flights and travel times to see if an alternative airport nearby makes sense for your route.
10. Choose nonstop flights when you can
While they may be more expensive tickets, whenever possible, try to get a direct flight—fewer connections mean fewer chances for delays. Even if it’s a redeye flight, choosing a nonstop will reduce the risk of missed connections and the stress of tight layovers.
11. Sign up for security screening programs
If you’re a frequent traveler or just want to breeze through security, programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can be a big help. Enrolling well ahead of your trip can save you time and reduce your holiday travel stress.
12. Use your credit card’s travel perks
Many credit cards come with travel-related benefits like lounge access, seating upgrades, travel insurance, or reimbursements for TSA PreCheck. Take a moment to review your credit card’s perks and take advantage of them—they might help you save money and feel more comfortable while traveling.
Final thoughts on holiday travel tips
While life may be about the journey, not the destination, holiday traveling is the opposite. With a bit of planning and the right strategies, your holiday travels can be more enjoyable and less chaotic. Keep your eye on the prize and you can plan smarter, save more, and enjoy every moment of your trip.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide financial, tax or legal advice. You should consult a professional for specific advice. Best Egg is not responsible for the information contained in third-party sites cited or hyperlinked in this article. Best Egg is not responsible for, and does not provide or endorse third party products, services or other third-party content.
