With the holidays just around the corner many travellers are taking to the skies or hitting the road to visit family and friends. But with all the last minute trips to the mall and passive aggressive stand offs with relatives, one can easily become distracted from travelling smart. These holiday travel tips will ensure you have the safest, smoothest trip possible. Sorry, no tips on how to deal with the relatives – surprisingly, I’m no expert on that front.
Do…
Be careful what you pack. Just because it’s a holiday gift, doesn’t mean it’ll get through airport security. Better yet, ship gifts in advance, send gift cards or purchase experiences to be enjoyed at a later date.
Pack anything containing liquid in its own individual plastic bag. You know why.
Pack an extra set of clothing in your carry-on or handy in the car. Bonus points for storing in its own bag, so what’s dirty or soiled can be contained.
Take toiletries that can do more than one job. You’ll need the space, so opt for 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, baby wipes and a lip/blush combo (Benetint is the bomb!).
Wear layers and travel in your bulkiest clothes to save space in your suitcase.
Stay connected. Download the AMA Mobile App or GateGuru so you know what amenities are available in your terminal and your connecting flight status.
Start pounding Astragalus and other immunity boosters. The last thing you want to be on your holiday is sick.
Treat yourself. It’s Christmastime after all and travel is stressful. Pony up for a 20 minute airport massage, splurge on that hardcover best seller and pack some treats to perk up those Grinches you’re travelling with.
Don’t…
Be in a hurry. This is the busiest time of the year for travel. Expect delays, inclement weather and slow walkers blocking your path. Inhale, exhale. Namaste, bitches.
Travel at peak times. The weekend before Christmas is always a crazy one. Can you leave on the actual holiday itself? The best time to hit the road is when everyone else is asleep. Consider driving early in the morning or later in the evening if road conditions allow.
Pack gifts such as toy guns, gels or peanut butter in your carry-on unless you want to lose it.
Be tempted to pack too many different outfits. Stick with the basics and realize you can wear pants or a skirt several times on one trip. Or shop hard at your destination.
Get hangry. If ever there was a time to stock up on snacks, holiday travel would be it. Assume you’re going to be delayed a least a few hours and pack munchies accordingly.
Get spread too thin. Everybody wants to see you, so try to cram as many people into one visit as possible. Arrange for a group girlfriend dinner or get multiple family members together for coffee. It’s your holiday too, so alternate visiting days with chill days, where you get to do what you actually want to do.
And remember, holiday stress is just as much of a tradition as is getting inappropriate at the office Christmas party. The most unfortunate situations tend to make the best stories when you eventually arrive at your destination.
What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you when travelling over the holidays?
