You’ve heard the adage “There’s no place like home for the holidays”, but for reasons ranging from family to jobs, it’s sometimes necessary to travel for the holidays. Here’s how to infuse the holiday spirit into your journey along with our best travel tips.
Take Decorations Along
Decorate the space wherever you are during the holidays. Choose a few lightweight decorations that pack easily and don’t take up much space. Even a string of colored lights or a small tabletop tree will help get you in the spirit.
Another option is to buy local to decorate your hotel room or Airbnb. Donate them or take them back home with you at the end of your trip.
Attend a Local Religious Service
Do your research before leaving and find a local place of worship to attend to celebrate the holiday. Making a connection with your faith among strangers can be deeply inspirational.
Download Holiday Music
Music is a major way to get in the festive spirit. Don’t leave your favorite holiday music behind. It’s easy to download and play your favorite tunes on all the popular online music apps.
Enjoy Local Traditions
One of the best things about traveling time is experiencing a different culture. The holiday season is one of the best times to do so. Immerse yourself in the local culture by browsing Christmas markets, visiting bakeries, and dining on traditional holiday dishes wherever you are.
Tips for Traveling During the Holidays
1. Pick a Day Less Traveled
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are the busiest times for long-distance traveling. Avoid the crowds as much as possible by traveling on the actual holiday like Thanksgiving Day instead of the Wednesday before. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, most travelers have arrived at their destination.
2. Pack Smart
Packing is an important part of air travel. Reduce costs and security check delays by packing as lightly as possible. Buy toiletries at your destination, take basic mix-and-match clothing, and roll your clothes instead of packing them. Pack as much as possible in your carry-on bag.
3. Have a Backup Plan
Since traveling is busiest during the holidays, expect the unexpected. Be flexible and stay prepared for situations such as canceled flights due to weather. Have a backup plan like getting a hotel room for a night until the delay is over.
4. Check the Weather
The weather in many places around the globe is unpredictable during the winter holidays. A sudden snow or ice storm can shut down roads and cause plane and train delays. Use weather apps and websites to help plan and guide your journey.
5. Invest in Travel Insurance
A good travel insurance policy is one of the best ways to protect yourself from a disastrous trip. Look for a policy that covers necessities needed for cancellations and delays, baggage delay coverage, and medical expenses incurred while traveling. Some policies even pay for an earlier-than-planned flight back home or for a close family member or friend to come to your aid.
A policy for medical expenses is especially important for traveling internationally or to places that don’t accept your health insurance.
