Surviving Holiday Travel

As the holiday season approaches and many Americans are planning their holiday trips, we have put together a few tips on surviving holiday travel. Whether you are driving or flying or some of each, being prepared can make the trip less stressful and more fun.

Many Will Take The Holiday Road Trip

Surviving Holiday Travel

More than 100 million Americans travel during the holidays. Will you be one of them? By taking the time to pack a few extra items and plan accordingly will help you to survive those holiday road trips.  I like to say “the journey is part of the trip.”  Making the most out of your miles extends your holiday.

If you can take frequent breaks so legs can be stretched, get some fresh air and, of course, go potty. It will take longer to get there, but getting out of the car frequently will break up those long stretches of open road that have you cooped up for hours on end.

Find interesting places to stop, if you are taking breaks anyway, why not find a place that you will enjoy.  By planning these stops, you have something to look forward and it will break up your journey.

What Should You Take On Your Holiday Road Trip?

  • Sunglasses
  • Blankets
  • Travel Pillow
  • Travel Mug
  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Great Playlist
  • Extra Sweater/Sweatshirt
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Ibuprofen or Pain Relief Medication
  • Bag For Travel Garbage
  • Mints
  • A Towel
  • Day pack
  • Emergency Kit 
  • Auto Insurance

Surviving Holiday Travel At The Airport

Surviving Holiday Travel

TSA has already announced that Thanksgiving air travel will be unprecedented this year. Airports will see around 25 million travelers this Thanksgiving.

According to Parents.com you should consider the following when traveling with children:

  1. Fly as early in the day as possible. It’s your best chance to avoid delays at takeoff and landing, a flight attendant named Patrick explains. …
  2. Do layers, skip laces. …
  3. Switch strollers. …
  4. Seat kids away from the aisle. …
  5. By all means, use Pull-Ups. …
  6. Beware of germs. …
  7. Bring surprises. …
  8. Keep your composure.

According to CheapAir The Best Thanksgiving Travel Days:

  • Monday, November 19
  • Sunday, November 18
  • Thursday, November 22 (Thanksgiving)
  • Friday, November 23
  • Tuesday, November 27

The Worst Thanksgiving Travel Days:

  • Tuesday, November 20
  • Wednesday, November 21
  • Sunday, November 25

What Holiday Items Can You Bring Onboard?

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  • Turkey and stuffing are allowed in carry-on bags. So are pies and cakes, because they’re considered solids.
  • No gravy or mashed potatoes because they’re considered a liquid.
  • The TSA says you can bring wrapped gifts on board, but it’s not recommended. Why not? Because if it sets off an x-ray machine officials will have to unwrap it to find out what’s inside.

“So a popular Thanksgiving dish is yams. If it’s wet and already made liquid it has to go in checked baggage. If it’s not made yet, dry yams that can go in carry-on baggage,” said the TSA’s Shatimah Brathwaite.

Don’t be “that traveler”, when going through security at the airport.  Know what you can bring and what you can’t.  Security lines will already be long and nerves will be fried.  Check out the TSA website for a full list of items that you can and cannot bring on your flight.

A Step Ahead For Surviving Holiday Travel

“People are trying to get a jump-start, head start on the crowds, but actually it’s just as busy the Friday before Thanksgiving and the Monday before Thanksgiving,” TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said. “It starts to ramp up on Tuesday. Wednesday is huge, of course, the day before Thanksgiving. And Sunday, right after Thanksgiving, is probably one of the busiest days.

Plan Ahead For Surviving Holiday Travel

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By taking the time to plan your trip, bring your necessary items, and be prepared for crowds will help take the stress out of your trip.  Make the most out of your travel time and the time with your family.

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