Here we are again and the end of the year peak travel season has arrived. This holiday will mark one of the busiest travel seasons in the U.S. as people trek back home to spend time with loved ones or set off to their dream vacation. Holiday travel usually come with extra stress but it doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. With attention to the following items and the right attitude, you can survive any crowded airport or travel delay the season brings your way.
1. Plan early
Plan to book ticket and hotel room at least one month in advance so you will have options to choose from.
2. Search before buying
No matter what’s your favorite place to shop. It doesn’t hurt to compare multiple website, priceline, travelocity, hotwire, expedia … The list goes on and on. You should also check the hotel’s official website and sometime it will have incentives to encourage you directly book with them. Also plan to use your points as this might be the time your points worth most money.
3. Pay attention to additional savings
As we are crazed about online shopping , people tend to spend more time online during the holiday season. Online travel booking website notices this and publish flash sales and limited time saving code during the period frequently. Pay attention to them for the additional savings they might net you.
4. Leave enough time for airport
Airport tends to be extra busy during this season, which means you will spend more time on the road, finding a parking log, waiting for shuttle etc… It is always wise to allocate extract 30-45 minutes on top of your regular travel time so you can arrive at airport early and still catch the flight when one of these things go wrong.
5. Don’t mind an odd time
If you want to avoid the high price and the traffic on road or in airport, leave in deep night or early morning. Just need to lose some sleep for it.
6. Pack smartly
Pack the things you need based on the destination. Do not forget the necessity and do not add to the burden with unnecessary things. Remember to comply with baggage rules when flying, suspicious items will extend your time at the airport. Know your airline/ticket class rules to avoid delay and unplanned spending at the gate
7. Bring only the right credit card
Leave most of your card home and bring only the essential one so you can travel light. Consider card benefit such as travel assistance, rental car insurance, foreign exchange fee, lounge access etc… so you get the benefits you paid for.
