The holidays are quickly approaching and they're bringing along plenty of stress. So many people are traveling to visit family and friends during the holidays, and there is nothing worse than not being prepared for whatever crazy curveballs airports, train stations, and roadways may throw at you. I have been doing quite a bit of airplane traveling myself lately and I have learned a few things along the way. So here are 10 easy, and helpful, holiday travel tips to keep you ready for anything.
1. Check in Early
The earlier you check in, the earlier you can board the plane- it's that simple. Being able to board first is huge when everyone has a maximum size carry on. And we all know there is nothing worse than the person who is trying to shove said carry on, into the very tiny and very full overhead bins. Don't be that person. While checking in at the desk in the airport seems like it would be the way to go, many times it will get you into the last boarding zone. In order to get into zone one or two, try checking in online or on your airline's app. You are allowed to check in 24 hours before your flight. So check in online as soon as possible to avoid any last minute hassling.
2. Arrive Early
Being early seems to be a theme here, but it's good advice. You should always arrive anywhere from an hour to three hours before your flight, depending on how large the airport is and what time your flight leaves. You need to make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get through security and check whatever bags necessary. Now more often than not flights will get delayed or cancelled, however, sometimes they can board early! This extraordinary phenomenon is not something you want to miss. You don't want to be the person preventing an early departure because you failed to plan ahead. So always be sure you are at your gate and checking on the status of your plane.
3. Wear Slip Ons
Security is a nightmare. It takes forever and most of the time spent there is waiting in a line. While I am very thankful for all the safety precautions our airports go through, it still sucks sometimes. Even the simple act of wearing slip ons to security can make a world of difference. If everyone wore slip on shoes, there would be no more waiting for people to unlace and re-lace their shoes! Imagine that kind of world! You are not only doing yourself a favor, but you are also doing a favor to your fellow travelers. Always think before you lace up.
4. Pack a Snack
Granola bars are the way to go. Sometimes you might get on a flight where they don't give you food. Or your plane could be delayed or cancelled and you find yourself stuck in the airport. Either way it's always good to have something small stowed away in your carry on or personal item. Personally, I always bring a tote bag as a personal item and make sure I have at least one granola bar in it- just in case. Also, if you are on a plane that gives you free snacks like a mini bag of pretzels or a protein bar, even if you are not hungry- take it. I always take when they offer and if I don't want it then, I put it in my tote bag for later. It always comes in handy and, the best part, it's free!
5. Bring an Empty Water Bottle
Always put an empty water bottle in your carry on or personal item. Once you get through security you can fill it up at a water fountain in the airport. This way, you don't have to pay for an overpriced bottle of water in one of the airport stores or drink the (not always reliable) free water on the plane. To make this even better, bring a reusable water bottle! Be a smart traveler and environmentally conscious at the same time!
6. Layer
Layers are your friend. Airports and airplanes are either freezing cold or scalding hot. There is never an in-between. Wearing layers allows you to be able to have more control over your body temperature while traveling. That way you don't get stuck in a hot plane wearing a cable knit sweater, or in a freezing plane wearing a tank top and shorts. Just always be prepared.
7. Leave Room in Your Suitcase
With the holidays comes gifts. Even when it's not the holidays, it's always good to leave little bit of extra room in your suitcase so you can comfortably pack anything extra that you bring home. You don't want to have to leave behind dad's cookbook or grandma's hand knit sweater. So making sure that you have a little extra space ensures that you won't have to leave anything behind at your destination.
8. Download Music to Your Phone
Personally, the only thing I ever needed wifi for on a plane was to listen to music. I can go a few hours without social media or texting, it's actually a nice little escape. But leave me without my Spotify account? No way. So instead of paying for insanely high wifi rates, download your music to your phone. Spotify also makes this incredibly easy with premium. With premium you can download the music so you always have it no matter where you are. Then, you can always switch off the download button when you do have wifi in order to save space. Pretty nifty stuff. Also, please, please, PLEASE bring your own headphones. The ones they give you on the plane are usually already used and just repackages. So always be sure to bring your own, you know, just in case.
9. Bring Chewing Gum
As corny as it is, chewing gum during takeoff and landing can actually help prevent your ears from popping. Since you are changing altitudes so drastically in such a short amount of time, you can do some serious damage on your ears, nose, and throat. Chewing gum helps keep these clear and open and allows the pressure to adjust better and can decrease the amount of pain you may feel.
10. Be Prepared For Anything
The last, and arguably most important, tip is to be prepared for anything. Whether that be a cancelled flight, lost luggage, or a crying baby on board- it's always good to prepare yourself. Do a little research on the airline your flying with. Learn about their policies and what is accepted and not accepted. Try to figure out where you are going to be landing and how you can easily get from point A to point B in large (and small) airports. Having a backup plan is crucially important and can minimize stress. So make sure to prepare yourself as much as possible.
So I hope you found this small list of tips helpful and I wish the best of luck to anyone traveling over the holiday season.
Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!
