02 Nov 10 Holiday Tips to Travel Smart
It’s time to swap out the jack o’ lanterns for turkey decorations and we know what that means: holiday travel is upon us. Whether you’re going across town to grandma’s or traveling across the world, holiday travel can be stressful, chaotic, and expensive. Here are 10 holiday travel tips to bring out the happy in “Happy Holidays”!
1. Keep an eye on flight deals
By planning ahead and setting alerts on flights, you can be best prepared to get a great price on your flights. Sites like Google Flights allow you to set an alert on a specific time range so you can ensure the best deal.
2. Considering flying on off-peak days
It’s commonly known that flying on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or on Christmas Eve is hectic and busy. Consider flying before peak days or on the day of to maximize affordability and minimize traffic.
1. Keep an eye on flight deals
By planning ahead and setting alerts on flights, you can be best prepared to get a great price on your flights. Sites like Google Flights allow you to set an alert on a specific time range so you can ensure the best deal.
2. Considering flying on off-peak days
It’s commonly known that flying on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or on Christmas Eve is hectic and busy. Consider flying before peak days or on the day of to maximize affordability and minimize traffic.
3. Take shortcuts when possible
No one likes long lines, especially when at the airport. Take advantage of programs like TSA Pre✓® and Global Entry, to bypass the lines and expedite time on your feet. If you’d rather not join the programs, print out your boarding pass or download it on your phone so you don’t have to wait in the check in lines.
4. Make the drive fun
I spy with my little eye…a lot of miles on the road. In all seriousness, interacting and playing games during a long drive helps! Make fun music playlists, gather some trivia questions, or have some interactive games in your back pocket. It will surely liven things up and make the time go by faster.
5. Pack wisely
Hauling luggage through crowds is not enjoyable. When it comes to packing, be thoughtful about what you need and don’t need. Remember the liquid limit (3.4 oz for carry-ons and 100 milliliters for checked bags). Speaking of checked bags, don’t do it if you don’t need to.
No one likes long lines, especially when at the airport. Take advantage of programs like TSA Pre✓® and Global Entry, to bypass the lines and expedite time on your feet. If you’d rather not join the programs, print out your boarding pass or download it on your phone so you don’t have to wait in the check in lines.
4. Make the drive fun
I spy with my little eye…a lot of miles on the road. In all seriousness, interacting and playing games during a long drive helps! Make fun music playlists, gather some trivia questions, or have some interactive games in your back pocket. It will surely liven things up and make the time go by faster.
5. Pack wisely
Hauling luggage through crowds is not enjoyable. When it comes to packing, be thoughtful about what you need and don’t need. Remember the liquid limit (3.4 oz for carry-ons and 100 milliliters for checked bags). Speaking of checked bags, don’t do it if you don’t need to.
6. Gift smart
Don’t gift wrap as TSA agents may unwrap them for further screening if necessary. Instead, use gift bags or wrap the gift once you arrive. Another smart idea is to have gifts shipped to your final destination. Or better yet, gift experiences or activities for a lifetime of memories (hint: see #9 below).
7. Prevent hanger
This one is easy: pack some snacks for the road! Whether it’s a granola bar in your pocket or a PB&J, you’ll thank yourself later.
8. Don’t forget about self care
From the start of your trip to when you have to head back to work, your health is important. Make sure to take care of yourself during your travels. Items like ear plugs, eye masks, neck pillows, and vitamins go a long way in ensuring your comfort and wellbeing. In addition, breathing exercises (for example, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth), can help reduce stress and anxiety.
9. Plan activities ahead of time
Schedule activities prior to departure so you’re not scrambling for activities the day of. During the holidays, giving back is top of mind and also makes a great family & friends activity! Many volunteer projects require a multi-day commitment but if that doesn’t fit into your travel schedule, there are many one day volunteer opportu nities that you can find at Give A Day Global.
Don’t gift wrap as TSA agents may unwrap them for further screening if necessary. Instead, use gift bags or wrap the gift once you arrive. Another smart idea is to have gifts shipped to your final destination. Or better yet, gift experiences or activities for a lifetime of memories (hint: see #9 below).
7. Prevent hanger
This one is easy: pack some snacks for the road! Whether it’s a granola bar in your pocket or a PB&J, you’ll thank yourself later.
8. Don’t forget about self care
From the start of your trip to when you have to head back to work, your health is important. Make sure to take care of yourself during your travels. Items like ear plugs, eye masks, neck pillows, and vitamins go a long way in ensuring your comfort and wellbeing. In addition, breathing exercises (for example, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth), can help reduce stress and anxiety.
9. Plan activities ahead of time
Schedule activities prior to departure so you’re not scrambling for activities the day of. During the holidays, giving back is top of mind and also makes a great family & friends activity! Many volunteer projects require a multi-day commitment but if that doesn’t fit into your travel schedule, there are many one day volunteer opportu nities that you can find at Give A Day Global.
10. Have a great time!
This goes without saying, but enjoy yourself and have fun with your loved ones. Even though it can be hectic, ‘tis the season to reflect on the year and look forward to the year ahead.
Safe travels!
To learn more about Give a Day Global and the wonderful nonprofits around the world where you can volunteer for a day, click the button below.
This goes without saying, but enjoy yourself and have fun with your loved ones. Even though it can be hectic, ‘tis the season to reflect on the year and look forward to the year ahead.
Safe travels!
To learn more about Give a Day Global and the wonderful nonprofits around the world where you can volunteer for a day, click the button below.
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