The Holiday season is well underway now. Flights and roads are packed, and planning a successful and hassle-free trip will require a little bit of extra planning. Furthermore, stressed airline staff and crowded airports will add to the havoc of the whole experience. But not to worry, a good holiday trip is not hard to pull off. The following planning tips should make the process a little easier to deal with.
Look For Deals
Be resourceful when it comes to searching for flight tickets. Travel search engines like Expedia and Priceline are especially useful in this. Also, be sure to check out the airline’s website directly, as sometimes you’ll find deals there that you won’t anywhere else. Book online once you find the deal you want. Look for early morning or late evening flights, as these are usually less crowded. Check back on your online itinerary the day prior to your flight to make sure all is in order before you set out.
Invest in Good Luggage
You never want to have to deal with the airport meltdown that comes with suddenly having a suitcase zipper breaking or a luggage back falling apart. Invest in good, durable luggage, and try to pack stuff in duffle bags and compact cases so that you can take as much as possible with you as carry-on (i.e. free) luggage.
Try Off-Site Airport Parking
If you’re driving to the airport, consider parking in off-site lots. These are usually near the airport and offer free shuttle rides to and from the terminals. They are also cheaper and let you avoid the hassle of driving through airport traffic during the holidays.
Always Get There Early
Being ready for a worst-case scenario is always a good idea when it comes to holiday travel, and a big part of this readiness is getting to the airport early. It’s something that seems like it should go without saying, except for the fact that a lot of people ignore this tip, or miscalculate just how early they have to get there. When it comes to holiday season trips, it’s best to be safe than sorry. Arrive at least an hour before your boarding time. To kill time, bring a good book.
Ship Your Presents
Instead of lugging space-consuming Christmas presents with you on your flight, ship them to your destination, via UPS or FedEx. Even if you have them shipped overnight, you could still save money, plus you avoid the hassle of having to carry all that extra luggage. Look for special holiday shipping discounts.