Whether it’s “off to Grandmother’s house you go” or you’re spending Christmas in Paris this year, travelling over the holidays can be a real bust. This holiday season, we hope you’re able to depart your corporate housing San Diego home away from home and be with your family- even if it does mean battling the invasive security scanners, terrible drivers and long lines at the airports. Avoid a Frosty the Snowman-style meltdown and check out these tips to survive the holiday travel season.

  • Do your research. Know any and all alternative routes before hitting the road to avoid any overwhelming traffic. Look for a scenic drive that might be longer but have less traffic and try to break up a long drive by finding a few places to stop, especially if you’re traveling with children. If you’re flying, make sure to check the airline’s restrictions ahead of time for carry-on luggage and fees for checked bags.
  • Stay connected. Download all the latest travel apps to your smartphone before leaving home. Flight Status gives you real-time updates on delays, baggage numbers and more, and TSAwait gives you approximate times you’ll spend in security. If you’re driving, fiind the cheapest gas and cleanest bathrooms on the road with Cheap Gas! and SitOrSquat.
  • Pack light. Avoid checking bags altogether if you can. You won’t have to wait for your luggage on the conveyor belt, and you won’t have to worry any of your Christmas gifts getting lost in airport baggage limbo. If you do have to check your luggage, make sure you have any medications and important documents along with a change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case your luggage does get lost.
  • Pack earplugs. Turn the volume down on your stressful surroundings with earplugs. The crying baby sitting in his mother’s lap in the seat next to you on the plane is no problem with your trusty set of earplugs. And as long as you’re not driving, bring an eye mask along for complete and total travel relaxation.
  • Don’t go hungry. When your stomach is empty, you are unable to concentrate and you could accidentally end up in the wrong line, take the wrong turn, or even upset an innocent flight attendant. Pack plenty of healthy snacks and drinks, so you and your family will be nourished on your road trip. If you’re flying, make sure to eat before you board the plane, so you won’t have to rely on crummy airline food.
  • Ship your gifts or give gift cards. TSA suggests to ship wrapped gifts or wait until you reach your destination to wrap them, as they might have to unwrap a present to inspect it. Ship your gifts ahead of time or bring a stack of gift cards to shower your family with; the gift that fits all sizes!
  • Travel on off-peak days when possible. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the biggest travel day of the year and should be completely avoided if you can. Leaving early on Thanksgiving Day is a great way to avoid the record traffic the night before. If you fly on the actual holiday itself you’ll still be avoiding the long lines and most of the travelers.
  • Travel early or late in the day. Flight statistics show that planes traveling earlier in the day are more likely to arrive on-time. And if your flight is cancelled, you will be in a better position to take a flight later in the day. Also, there will most likely be fewer lines at security. Early morning or late at night are the best times to leave if you’re driving, just take advantage of a quick nap when you reach your destination.
  • Expect the unexpected. If you have a short layover between connecting flights or are flying in or out of a snowy city, think ahead and plan accordingly. Give yourself plenty of extra time before flights to deal with security, extra time between connections and, for road trips, pack tire chains, flashlights, and a first aid kit, just in case.
  • Breathe deep, seek peace. The chatty person next to you on the plane, the missed flights, the lost luggage that fell off in the middle of the highway? Don’t loose your cool; it really will make a great story at the dinner table with your family. After all, stressing over holiday travel is just as much of a tradition as standing in line to return your gifts the day after Christmas.