If you’re among the nearly half of Americans planning to travel this holiday season, you might face some major travel hiccups. Hopefully, you followed the advice of travel experts and booked your plans months in advance. If not, be prepared for some potential travel nightmares you’d rather avoid. With flights already encountering significant delays this year, there’s a high chance that many won’t depart on time. Add winter storms and the usual holiday rush to the mix, and things could get tricky. But don’t let this deter you; you can still enjoy your trip by following some smart tips to sidestep these travel challenges.
Firstly, it’s wise to book your ride to the airport ahead of time, especially if you live in an area known for winter storms. The best way to steer clear of the airport chaos is to get a ride with a company or a driver who knows how to handle tough road conditions. This can prevent delays, such as being stuck on the road and possibly missing your flight. Remember to book early, as demand spikes during the holiday season, and ride-sharing services like Lyft offer early bookings. Choose an early pickup time to ease the stress of travel delays.
Another smart tip is to send your luggage ahead of your travel date. This way, you dodge the hassle of carrying bags through the airport, long check-in queues, and the risk of luggage delays. Especially helpful for international travel, using reliable shipping services not only relieves stress but also saves money on extra baggage fees.
Consider using luggage storage solutions at your destination to avoid dragging heavy bags. This can be especially useful during winter travel, which often involves bulky clothing. Checking out options online for luggage storage, like researching “Victoria Station luggage storage” if you’re heading to London, can be a lifesaver.
Knowing which airports are most likely to experience bad weather can also save you a lot of trouble. Airports like JFK in New York, Denver, and Dallas-Fort Worth are often affected by winter woes. Checking historical data on cancellations and delays can help you avoid sticky situations, and staying updated through flight websites or social media will keep you informed about potential changes or disruptions.
Avoiding peak travel days is a classic tip, but not always easy. For instance, November 26th is predicted to be the busiest day with 3.2 million travelers. Planning your trip midweek might be more challenging because of work schedules, but notifying your employer early and setting flexible travel dates can help. This approach not only saves you money but also reduces stress.
Downloading the right travel apps can make your experience smoother. Some apps, like Hopper, compare flight prices, while airline apps offer real-time updates and notifications about your flights. If your airline doesn’t have its own app, using apps like FlightAware can keep you informed about flight statuses.
Carrying a backup ATM card is another tip that can save you from panic if you lose your wallet. Contact your bank for an extra card before traveling and securely keep copies of your important documents separate from your wallet for emergencies.
Have a contingency plan for accommodation and transportation in case weather or other factors disrupt your original plans. Having backup options ensures that your holiday isn’t derailed by unforeseen events.
Remember not to leave anything important at home. Make a detailed list of everything you need and start gathering those items well before packing. Using packing apps can also be a handy way to manage your packing list and ensure nothing is left behind.
Lastly, checking the weather forecast for your destination and packing accordingly can help you anticipate and plan for potential disruptions. Knowing about possible weather problems lets you adjust your itinerary as needed and pack the appropriate clothing, keeping your travels as seamless and comfortable as possible.
