Holiday travel can be anything but glamorous. Between increased flight fare and extra-crowded terminals, flying this season is enough to give even the calmest travelers anxiety. Fortunately, there are a few tips that will help you avoid some of that unwanted stress. Without further ado, here are 6 tips to help you keep a hold of your sanity during holiday travel:
- Arrive to the airport extra early.
Pixabay It probably goes without saying that holidays are THE time to arrive to the airport early. While 1.5 - 2 hours is generally the golden rule, holiday travel can cause an extra hour of time for check-in and security.
- Make sure that all travel necessities are just within reach.
Pixabay Before leaving for the airport, be sure you have everything organized. There’s nothing worse than rummaging through your bag at the last minute to find your boarding pass. Plus, this could cost you valuable minutes.
- Skip the gift wrap…
Pixabay This may seem like an extra precaution, but it’s best to leave gifts you plan to bring unwrapped. The TSA may need to inspect the items for security reason, so your wrapping efforts could potentially go to waste.
4…and the leftovers.
Steve McFarland/flickr While you may be tempted to bring home some tasty leftovers from Thanksgiving or Christmas, keep in mind that the TSA has strict regulations against sauces, dressings, and gravies of any kind.
- Pack a soothing scent
scream4thesunlight You’d be amazed at how much difference a dab of essential oil can make when traveling. Of course, a little goes a long way. You don’t want to offend anyone sitting next to you with a strong perfume. Mild scents like peppermint, lavender, and rose can help clear your mind.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
cclark395/flickr Last but not least, comfort is crucial for traveling stress-free. Wearing comfortable shoes will help you move quickly through the airport and also relax once you’ve made it to the airplane.
What tips do you use to avoid stress during holiday travel? Be sure to share them with us!
Pixabay
It probably goes without saying that holidays are THE time to arrive to the airport early. While 1.5 - 2 hours is generally the golden rule, holiday travel can cause an extra hour of time for check-in and security.
Before leaving for the airport, be sure you have everything organized. There’s nothing worse than rummaging through your bag at the last minute to find your boarding pass. Plus, this could cost you valuable minutes.
This may seem like an extra precaution, but it’s best to leave gifts you plan to bring unwrapped. The TSA may need to inspect the items for security reason, so your wrapping efforts could potentially go to waste.
Steve McFarland/flickr
While you may be tempted to bring home some tasty leftovers from Thanksgiving or Christmas, keep in mind that the TSA has strict regulations against sauces, dressings, and gravies of any kind.
scream4thesunlight
You’d be amazed at how much difference a dab of essential oil can make when traveling. Of course, a little goes a long way. You don’t want to offend anyone sitting next to you with a strong perfume. Mild scents like peppermint, lavender, and rose can help clear your mind.
cclark395/flickr
Last but not least, comfort is crucial for traveling stress-free. Wearing comfortable shoes will help you move quickly through the airport and also relax once you’ve made it to the airplane.
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