Traveling around the holidays usually isn’t the highlight of the season – packed airports, stressed out families, inclement weather, and overbook flights are just the beginning. This time of year can be even more stressful for seasoned business travelers who are impeded by the rush of holiday traveling and those who might have lost the Christmas spirit and just want to get home. But whether you’re an air travel pro or you’re headed back home on your yearly flight with a new baby in tow, here are a few airport tips for holiday traveling that will make your saga a little more merry!
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- Ditch baggage claim. Keep your valuables and belongings close at all times by making sure to pack light and streamlining into a carry-on. Especially during the mad rush of the holidays, and really any short trip, it’s important to minimize the possibilities of any mishaps that might occur by releasing custody of your luggage.
- Pre-ship. Stick to your carry-on only policy by pre-shipping your presents back. Next year, ask a dear friend or relative to wrap your online purchases that you had shipped to your holiday destination. Instead of worrying about more things in transit, save yourself the grief and check that item off of your list before you show up at the airport.
- Snack. Hunger and dehydration are dangerous ingredients for any holiday travel cocktail. With so many variables and unexpected mishaps requiring last minute decisions and quick problem solving, it’s crucial to make sure you create the most favorable circumstances you can. Since you can’t control any outside surprises, the only thing you can realistically manage are your own basic needs and self care.
- Just in case goodies. Be prepared for the worst case scenario by stashing a few just in case items in your purse or carry-on bag. From gum and hand lotion to a neck pillow and a sleeping mask, these high priority items are different for everybody, but the one thing they have in common is that they have the power to make the best of any less than ideal situation. Since the weather might leave you stranded at the airport, or your plane might be delayed, it’s always a good idea to bring a few comfort items to make your stressful holiday travel a little more merry.
- Bring the cheer. With so many exhausted and frustrated holiday travelers arguing with so many overworked, understaffed and harried airline employees, a gracious and warm smile has the power to turn the tides in your favor. If there is anything an airline ticket agent can do, a positive outlook and genuine interaction can be the difference between a bathroom seat and an aisle seat, or at the very least, could turn into an extra bag of peanuts.
What are your holiday travel tips? Share with us!