The holidays are a wonderful time to get away and visit family and friends. But, they can also be a hectic and stressful time. Planning and packing for a trip can be a daunting task, especially during the holidays. Here are a few tips to help make your holiday travel a little less stressful whether you are traveling during the summer months or the winter holidays.
1. Know the Best Time to Buy Tickets
Ticket prices can be much higher when you are buying them around the holidays. Most airlines have their schedule out in advance and you can purchase tickets up to 11 months before your flight. It is great to confirm your flight information early, but if you do purchase your tickets far in advance be aware that changes to flight times may occur. Although, you do not need to purchase your flight that early in advance to get the lowest ticket prices. According to this article, flights for Christmas travel avered around $430 per ticket which is a dramatic increase from ticket prices in 2021 and 2019. If you are buying your tickets last minute, it is important to purchase them as soon as possible and not wait any longer. When purchasing flights try out different dates and different times to learn all of your options and their different price points.
When purchasing your tickets this holiday season, it is recommended to purchase your tickets one to three months in advance for domestic flights and two to eight months in advance for international flights. You can learn more about booking cheap airfare for holiday travel here.
2. Allow Extra Time for Security
Airport security lines are usually unpredictable, but you can expect them to be busy when traveling during the holidays. The last thing you want when on your way to your holiday vacation is to miss your flight due to long security lines. TSA predicts that they will screen at least 20 million passengers during the winter holidays. With the increase in passengers, you can expect longer lines at security. During the holiday season, TSA suggests arriving at security two hours before a domestic flight and three hours if you're traveling internationally. Peak times for security are 5-7 a.m and 4-6 p.m, so if you are traveling during those times it is great to take that information into consideration and be prepared for long lines in security before getting to your destination.
Although security wait times are out of your control, there are a few options that may speed up your time in security. You can consider looking into services like TSA Precheck or Clear to help save time and patience at the airport. These services can reduce the time you spend in line and may be worth it if you are traveling with kids or travel often.
3. Know How to Pack your Gifts
Depending on when you are traveling, you may have gifts to bring with you for your loved ones. You may want to consider devoting a checked bag to pack your gifts. You will also want to take into account the size and weight of the gifts. If you are traveling by air, make sure that the gifts are small enough to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. You will also want to make sure that the gifts are protected to avoid any damage during travel.
According to this article, TSA does allow wrapped presents in your luggage, but they can inspect them which would mean unwrapping your presents. This is more likely to happen if you bring your presents in a carry-on but can also occur if they are in your checked bag, so it is recommended to wait to wrap your gifts until you get to your destination. You can also choose to get your gifts shipped directly to where you are traveling to so you do not have to take your chances transporting them with you.
4. Make Sure you Have Airport and Travel Essentials
You will be showing up at the airport earlier than when you are normal when you are traveling for the holidays, so it is important that you have the essentials to keep you entertained while you are at the airport. To make checking-in and security a breeze, make sure you have all your documents on hand including your ID, passport, and boarding pass. Make sure you have essential prescriptions and vaccinations so that you will not get sick or be in an emergency situation during your travels. You will be around a lot of people during your travels, so you will want to be protected against getting sick. You can view some holiday travel safety tips here.
It is always smart to have entertainment for the airport and plane so you can download content through whatever streaming services you prefer before your trip to the airport. You will need to make sure your phone and computer have power, so make sure you have your chargers packed in your carry-on bag for easy access.
5. Secure Parking for your Holiday Travels
If you are driving yourself to the airport while traveling for the holidays this season, there are long-term parking options available for you. Parking at the garages at the airport will add up and cost you more money than you need to spend. Remote airport parking allows you to park your vehicle close to the airport at a more affordable price. You are already spending plenty of money on flights and other holiday-related expenses, so you will definitely want to save money on airport parking. STOW IT offers the best rate at different airports throughout the country for long-term travelers including those traveling for the holidays. Their options are fully gated with staff on-site 24/7. These off-site airport parking options also offer 24/7 shuttles to the airport so you can make it to the airport on time regardless of how early or late your flight may be.
Driving to the airport can take some of the stress off of holiday traveling by allowing you to have your car for when you return from your flight. You will not have to rely on rideshare companies or someone else to drop you off or pick you up at the airport. Saving money with airport parking is one of the easiest things you can do this holiday season. You can view STOW IT's long-term airport parking options near you to see if they offer their best monthly rates at the airport you are flying out from.