29 Simple Holiday Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Journey

Discover 29 essential holiday travel tips for a smooth and stress-free journey.

The holiday season is one of the busiest and most exciting times to travel.

Whether visiting family, heading to a tropical destination, or exploring a winter wonderland, the festive atmosphere adds an extra layer of excitement to every trip.

However, traveling during the holidays comes with a unique set of challenges—long lines at the airport, packed flights, unexpected delays, and crowded destinations.

But don’t let this dampen your holiday spirit!

With the right planning and a few smart strategies, your journey can be smooth, enjoyable, and even stress-free.

In this post, we’ll share 29 essential holiday travel tips to help you navigate during your holiday travels.

So, grab your checklist and get ready to make your holiday travels easier and more enjoyable than ever!

1. Book Early for the Best Deals

One of the most important holiday travel tips is to book early to secure the best deals.

As the holiday season approaches, demand for flights, hotels, and rental cars skyrockets, driving prices up.

By booking your trip several months in advance, you can lock in lower rates and avoid paying a premium closer to your departure date.

For flights, consider booking at least 2 to 3 months ahead of time, especially for peak travel dates like the days leading up to Christmas and New Year’s.

Many online travel platforms, like Google Flights and Hopper, offer price-tracking features.

You can set alerts to notify you when prices drop, helping you snag the best deals before they rise again.

Also, keep an eye out for flash sales, especially around major holidays or during events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Airlines and travel websites may offer significant discounts, but these sales tend to be short-lived, so you’ll need to act quickly.

By booking early, you not only save money but also get better options when it comes to seating, flight times, and accommodations.

You’ll have more choices, which means less compromise and a more comfortable, stress-free holiday trip.

2. Travel on Christmas and New Years

Traveling on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day can make a huge difference during the holiday season.

Airports are typically packed before major holidays, with the most chaotic days being right before Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

But flying on Christmas Day (December 25) or New Year’s Day (January 1) can mean fewer crowds, shorter lines, and a more peaceful experience.

This often translates to cheaper ticket prices and a smoother travel experience.

This tip is one we use often! We’ve traveled to Europe multiple times to celebrate New Year for $500 each ticket round trip.

If you don’t have kids this hack is great, you can even travel in the afternoon or at night after you’ve opened your presents.

Some airlines offer Christmas treats and provide holiday-themed socks and eye masks on longer flights to bring cheer to your travels.

3. Avoid Peak Travel Days

On the other hand, avoiding peak travel days can make your holiday journey much smoother.

The busiest travel days are usually the day before Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve, and the days following New Year’s.

Airports and flights are crowded, leading to long lines and potential delays.

If possible, choose to fly on less popular days.

Midweek flights and those on less busy dates, like the days immediately after the holiday rush, often have fewer travelers and shorter lines.

Traveling on these off-peak days can also result in lower fares.

With fewer people, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed airport experience and a smoother flight.

4. Choose Nonstop Flights When Possible

Whenever you can, opt for nonstop flights.

Nonstop flights reduce travel time by eliminating layovers and potential delays between connections.

They also minimize the risk of missing connections or dealing with flight cancellations.

Nonstop flights often offer more predictable schedules, making your journey smoother.

They reduce the overall stress of travel, especially during busy holiday periods when airports are crowded.

Although nonstop flights may cost a bit more, the convenience and time savings can be well worth it.

If you’re traveling internationally and can’t travel non-stop, consider arriving at your international airport the night before.

This will ensure you’re at the airport and avoid missing the connection.

5. Check Your Passport’s Validity

If you’re traveling internationally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

Not all countries require the six-month validity but it is a good rule of thumb to follow.

You don’t want to be caught off guard when checking in at the airport.

Verify that your passport is in good condition with no damage or missing pages.

A damaged passport may not be accepted.

If your passport is close to expiring, renew it as soon as possible.

Processing times can vary, and you don’t want to cancel or delay your trip because of a passport.

6. Have a Backup Plan for Accommodations

Having a backup plan for accommodations is a smart strategy.

Book alternative lodging options in advance in case your primary choice falls through.

Check reviews and availability for nearby hotels or vacation rentals.

Keep their contact details handy.

Consider flexible booking options, like those with free cancellation.

This allows you to switch if needed without extra costs.

7. Plan for Transportation at Your Destination

Planning transportation at your destination is key for a smooth trip.

Research local transportation options such as public transit, taxis, rideshares, or car rentals.

Consider booking transportation in advance, especially during peak travel times or holidays.

This ensures availability and often provides better rates.

Check if your accommodation offers shuttle services or other transportation options.

Knowing your options helps you navigate your destination efficiently and avoid last-minute hassles.

Have a backup plan in case of delays or cancellations.

8. Ship Gifts Ahead of Time

Avoid the hassle of carrying gifts in your luggage by shipping them ahead of time to your destination.

This frees up space in your bag and reduces the risk of damage during travel.

Use a reliable shipping service and track your packages to ensure they arrive on time.

Consider shipping early to account for any potential delays during the busy holiday season.

If you must bring gifts with you, keep them unwrapped to make security screening faster and easier.

9. Download Airline Apps

Downloading your airline’s app is a smart move for smooth travel.

Airline apps offer easy access to your boarding pass, flight status, and gate information.

You can check in directly through the app, which often speeds up the process and saves time especially if you have a carry-on.

Many airline apps also allow you to track your luggage, view updates on delays, and manage your booking.

Some even offer notifications for important information, like changes to your flight schedule or boarding time.

Having the app handy means you can handle issues quickly and stay updated on the go.

It’s a convenient way to keep all your travel details organized and within reach.

10. Set Up Travel Alerts on Your Bank Cards

Before you travel, let your bank know you’ll be away.

Setting up travel alerts on your bank cards is a smart move.

Notify your bank or credit card company before traveling to avoid declined transactions due to suspicious activity.

Most banks allow you to set up alerts online or through their app.

You can specify your travel dates and destinations to ensure smooth transactions abroad.

Travel alerts help prevent fraud and ensure your cards work properly while you’re away.

This reduces the risk of inconvenience and ensures you have access to your funds when you need them.

11. Know Your Baggage Limits

Each airline has different baggage policies, so make sure you know the weight and size limits for both carry-on and checked bags.

Weigh your luggage at home to avoid overweight fees.

Overpacking could lead to costly baggage fees or having to check your carry-on at the gate.

12. Pack Light and Use Only a Carry-On

Packing light and using only a carry-on can make holiday travel much easier.

By avoiding checked baggage, you skip the lines at the check-in counter and avoid waiting at baggage claim.

This saves time and reduces the risk of your luggage getting lost, especially during the busy holiday season.

Airlines often charge extra fees for checked bags, so using a carry-on also helps you save money.

To pack smart, choose versatile clothing items that you can mix and match.

Stick to travel-sized toiletries, and use packing cubes to maximize space.

13. Check Your Flight Status Frequently

Holiday travel can be unpredictable due to weather conditions and increased air traffic.

Checking your flight status frequently is essential, especially during the holidays.

Regularly check your airline’s website or app for real-time updates.

Sign up for flight alerts to receive notifications about delays, cancellations, or gate changes.

Many airlines offer these alerts via email or text.

You can also use flight tracking apps like FlightAware or FlightRadar24 for up-to-date information.

Keeping an eye on your flight status helps you stay informed and adapt to any changes quickly.

It also allows you to plan your airport arrival time more effectively, avoiding unnecessary waits or last-minute rushes.

14. Get to the Airport Early

Arriving at the airport early during the holiday season is crucial.

Airports are busier than usual, with longer lines for check-in, security, and boarding.

Plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours before your flight for domestic trips, and even earlier for international flights.

Getting there early gives you time to handle unexpected delays, such as long parking queues, traffic, or crowded security lines.

You’ll also have a buffer if your airline makes last-minute gate changes or schedule adjustments.

Plus, arriving early reduces stress and gives you time to relax before boarding.

Busy travel days can lead to extra congestion, so the earlier you arrive, the smoother your experience will be.

15. Keep Important Documents Handy

Keeping important documents handy is essential for smooth travel.

Store your passport, boarding pass, travel itinerary, and necessary visas in a secure, easily accessible place.

Consider using a travel wallet or organizer to keep everything together.

This prevents you from scrambling through your bag at the airport.

Keep digital copies of important documents on your phone or in a cloud storage service.

This provides backup in case of loss or theft.

16. Use TSA PreCheck for Faster Security Checks

Long security lines are a common sight during the holidays, but if you have TSA PreCheck, you can speed through the process.

With TSA PreCheck, you bypass the standard security line and use a dedicated faster lane.

In addition, you don’t need to remove your shoes, belt, or jacket, and your laptop and liquids can stay in your bag.

This makes the process smoother and quicker, especially during the busy holiday season.

The program is available at most U.S. airports and works with many airlines.

If you travel frequently, it’s a smart investment, costing just $78 for five years of access.

The application process is simple—just fill out a form online, attend a brief in-person interview, and you’re set.

It’s worth every penny. Each time we see the regular line vs the TSA PreCheck line we are so grateful that we have it.

Another option is getting Global Entry which includes TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck lowers the stress of traveling by a lot especially if you travel through big airports like JFK or LAX.

17. Consider CLEAR for Even Faster Security

For even faster security clearance, sign up for CLEAR.

This service uses biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) to verify your identity and allows you to skip long ID check lines.

CLEAR is available at many major airports and pairs perfectly with TSA PreCheck.

18. Dress in Layers

Holiday travel often means moving between cold and warm environments.

Airports and airplanes can vary in temperature, so layering helps you stay comfortable.

Start with a base layer, like a lightweight shirt or thermal, then add a sweater or jacket.

Easily adjust your clothing as needed by removing or adding layers.

This approach also allows you to stay warm in chilly airports or cool on the plane.

Layers are versatile, making it easier to handle different environments.

Plus, they save space in your carry-on compared to bulky single items.

19. Prepare for Winter Weather

If you’re traveling through a region that experiences winter weather, be prepared for potential flight delays or cancellations.

Check the weather forecast for your departure and destination.

This helps you pack appropriately and plan for any potential disruptions.

Have a backup plan in case your flight is grounded, and consider travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions.

20. Bring Snacks

Bringing snacks is always a smart travel tip, but can be especially crucial during the holiday season.

Airports and airplanes can have limited food options, and long lines during busy travel times.

Pack snacks that are easy to carry and not too perishable, like nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit.

Snacks can be a lifesaver if you face unexpected delays or if you have dietary restrictions.

Having your own snacks can save you money and time.

It reduces the need to search for food in crowded terminals or pay high airport prices.

21. Bring a Portable Charger

During the holiday season, airport outlets can be hard to come by.

Bring a fully charged portable charger to ensure your devices stay powered throughout your journey.

Choose a charger with enough capacity to fully charge your devices multiple times.

Look for models that are compact and easy to carry.

It’s a simple way to stay connected and entertained, especially during long waits or flights.

22. Bring Entertainment for the Kids

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to bring plenty of entertainment, like coloring books, puzzles, or tablets with their favorite movies downloaded.

Choose activities that are compact and easy to manage in a travel setting.

Portable devices should have headphones to avoid disturbing other passengers.

Keeping them occupied during long waits can make holiday travel much easier.

23. Stay Hydrated

Air travel can be dehydrating, especially during the winter months when the air is dry.

Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, which exacerbates thirst and fatigue.

Drink plenty of water before and during your flight to avoid dehydration.

Carry a refillable water bottle through security and fill it up after passing through.

Many airports have water stations for this purpose.

Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.

Hydration helps you feel better, reduces jet lag, and helps maintain your energy levels throughout the trip.

24. Take Advantage of Airport Lounges

Taking advantage of airport lounges can enhance your travel experience.

Lounges offer a comfortable place to relax away from crowded terminals.

They provide amenities like free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and sometimes even showers and sleeping pods.

Access to lounges can often be purchased or earned through credit cards and airline loyalty programs.

Some lounges offer day passes for travelers who don’t have membership.

Using a lounge can make your wait more pleasant, especially during busy travel periods.

It also offers a quiet space to work or unwind before your flight.

25. Sign Up for Flight Delay Compensation Alerts

In case your flight gets delayed, it’s worth knowing if you’re eligible for compensation.

Services like AirHelp monitor flight disruptions and help you claim compensation for long delays or cancellations.

These alerts notify you if you’re eligible for compensation due to significant delays or cancellations.

They can handle the paperwork and claims process, making it easier for you to get the compensation you’re owed.

26. Use Global Entry for International Travel

Global Entry is a must for international travelers who want to save time at U.S. customs.

It gives you expedited clearance when returning to the U.S., allowing you to skip the regular customs line.

Instead, you use a special Global Entry kiosk, scan your passport, and fill out a quick form.

The process is fast, getting you through in minutes.

Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, making it a great deal for frequent travelers.

The application fee is $100 for five years, and the process involves an online application and an in-person interview.

Many travel credit cards will even reimburse the fee.

We highly recommend getting Global Entry—it’s worth it, even if you only travel internationally once a year.

We’ve all seen the long U.S. Customs lines during the holidays on Instagram. Save yourself the hassle and get Global Entry.

27. Use the Mobile Passport App for U.S. Customs

If you don’t have Global Entry, the Mobile Passport Control app is a great alternative for expediting your return to the U.S. through customs.

Download the app before your trip, fill out the required information, and skip the long lines at customs.

Fill out your customs declaration form electronically on the app before you land.

This saves time and reduces paperwork.

Upon arrival, use the Mobile Passport app’s dedicated lane at the airport.

This lane often has shorter lines, speeding up your entry process.

The app is free and can be used by U.S. and Canadian passport holders.

It helps make the customs process quicker and more efficient.

28. Be Patient and Stay Calm

Traveling during the holidays can be stressful, but staying calm and patient will help you manage any obstacles.

Expect delays or long lines, and remind yourself that most travelers are experiencing the same challenges.

29. Embrace the Holiday Spirit

Holiday travel can be hectic, but don’t forget to embrace the season’s joy.

Enjoy festive decorations, music, and special holiday events at airports and destinations.

Staying positive and embracing the festive atmosphere can help reduce stress.

It makes your journey feel more joyful, even with potential delays or busy crowds.

Holiday Travel Made Simple

As you prepare for your holiday travels, remember that the season is about creating joyful memories and celebrating with loved ones.

While traveling during the holidays can come with its own set of challenges, applying these tips can help ensure your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

From booking early and choosing less busy travel days to taking advantage of services like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, each step you take to plan and prepare can make a significant difference.

Packing light, staying hydrated, and keeping important documents handy will further ease your travel experience, while embracing the holiday spirit can add a touch of magic to your trip.

Remember, the goal is to enjoy the journey and arrive ready to celebrate the season.

Safe travels, and may your holidays be filled with joy, relaxation, and unforgettable moments.