Are you anxious or worried about safety with your upcoming holiday travel? You're not alone! Many people find holiday season travel to be a stressful time. With all the extra traffic on the roads and in the airport, holiday travel can be overwhelming, unsafe, and frenetic.

Unfortunately, the increase in travel also means an increase in accidents and related injuries. However, with a little bit of preparation and organization, you can make your holiday travel experience much smoother.

In this blog post, we will discuss 30-holiday travel tips for stress-free and safe holiday travel! We'll cover everything from packing to airport security to getting around town. Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to a relaxing and safe holiday season!

Safe Holiday Driving Tips

1. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going. The holiday travel season is busy, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to account for extra traffic. Don't rush or try to drive faster than the flow of traffic - that's when accidents happen! Also, there will be many people in unfamiliar cities, in rental cars, who don't know where they're going. Always stay alert near exits and stop lights.

2. Avoid driving in bad weather if possible. Driving in bad weather can make holiday travel even more stressful and dangerous. Check out weather reports, look for winter weather warnings, and be ready to change plans if necessary. If the weather is poor, consider postponing your trip or taking public transportation instead. Warm weather, sunny skies, and daytime driving are optimal.

3. Slow down and drive cautiously throughout the entire trip. With so many people out on the roads during the holidays, it's important to be especially careful when driving. Drive below the speed limit, use turn signals, and obey all traffic laws.

4. Stay alert while driving until you reach your final destination. With so much going on around you at the holidays, it can be easy to get distracted while driving. Make sure that you focus on your driving at all times and avoid using your phone or other electronic devices while behind the wheel.

5. Don't drink and drive. The holiday season is a time when many people enjoy a drink or two with friends and family, which can make it easy to forget that you shouldn't drive after drinking. Don't take any risks - if you've had one too many drinks, find another way home rather than getting behind the wheel of a car.

6. Maintain your vehicle. Bad weather and the increased amount of traffic on the roads during the holiday season can make it more likely for your car to break down. Make sure that you inspect your car thoroughly before any long journeys and keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that nothing goes wrong while you're driving.

7. Keep an emergency kit in your car. Make sure that you always have an emergency kit in your car that includes a cell phone, food and water, a first aid kit, and other important items. If you find yourself stranded in bad weather or get into an accident, these items can help keep you safe until help arrives.

8. Stay calm and patient while driving. The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be stressful. Remember that things will work out in the end - if you find yourself stuck in traffic or waiting in line at the airport, be patient and remember that this won't last forever!

9. Take advantage of public transportation. If possible, try to use public transportation rather than driving during the holidays. Public transportation is usually less packed and can be more reliable than other means of transportation.

Ace Airport Security

TSA Pre-check is a process you can opt into to make airport security quicker and less of a hassle. For a fee, you and your children aged 12 or older can apply for Fast Pass which allows you to avoid long lines at security.

There are some simple rules that must be followed in order to prevent delays, such as not packing more than 3 ounces of liquid per container and having a bag that weighs no more than 3 pounds total. You can find more information on the TSA website if needed.

Avoid Popular Travel Days

Most people who travel near the holidays, do so in the days leading up to the holiday, or just after. This can lead to frustrations with crowded airports, same-day cancellations, and reduced capacity in other venues. It can also be helpful if you travel during holidays but avoid this period. Whenever planning your holidays, think about prolonging your stay or coming early so you can avoid congestion.

Christmas Day can be an optimal travel day, especially if traveling internationally because the vast majority of travelers have arrived at their destination already. If you schedule your flight for the early afternoon on Christmas Day, you can help reduce the number of people at the airport and have more time to do whatever you want with your day.

Redeem Points for your Flight or Hotel Stay

You may be able to save money by investigating rates and using hotel, airline, or credit card points When cash is low, the miles are usually less expensive as well. It's not too late to start using a brand new account so that you can earn a free welcome bonus. You can often get enough miles for a free domestic flight just by opening an account with certain companies. Of course, make sure you read the terms and conditions so that you can avoid any surprises.

Book Early Before Prices Go Up

Last-minute discounts may be available at hotels or car rentals depending on the demand, but be aware that inventory might quickly become unavailable if you wait too long to book. Also, domestic flights are usually more expensive during holiday seasons compared to other times of the year– so try to be flexible with your travel dates to avoid paying higher prices.

Choose the Right Travel Date for the Best Deal

Save money on flight prices and travel more easily by avoiding these congested travel times: the day before Thanksgiving, December 24 (the night before Christmas), and December 26 (the day after Christmas). If you must leave on one of those days, do so early in the morning or late at night to avoid traffic.

Watch the Weather

If you're traveling during the winter, be prepared for delays due to bad weather. Check the forecast in advance and plan accordingly. Most airlines have flexible travel policies that will allow you to cancel or reschedule your trip without any additional cost, as long as there are no unforeseen circumstances. And if you need to change your destination, keep in mind that this may affect the price of your trip.

The Right Credit Card Can Help You

With the holiday season nearly upon us, now is a great time to reevaluate which credit card will best suit your travel needs, or even consider a new credit card. You'll want to consider things like whether your current bank account covers international payments if any of your cards offer waived baggage fees or elite status perks, and if you're able to take advantage of airline rewards programs.

Get to the Airport Early

Few things are as stressful as being late for flights, and the TSA's current staffing shortage is only making security lines longer. The most important part of traveling is allowing yourself plenty of time to check your documents (like negative COVID test results or proof of vaccination, e.g. vaccination card) and make sure you've signed all the necessary paperwork. An early morning flight is always a good idea too.

Lounge Around

Stuck in an airport trying to find a place to rest your head? Look no further than the VIP lounge. Open to anyone who wants to pay or has the right credit card, these secluded havens offer complimentary food and drink so you can relax before your flight. And if you're traveling with kids, some even have family rooms designed just for them.

Bring Snacks

Traveling with food is a handy tip that everyone should be aware of--especially now. Some airports are still struggling to keep up with demand, so packing snacks or other food items is a good idea.

Remember to bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it up once you're past the checkpoint. Bring protein-rich snacks (like peanuts or power drinks) and something sweet like dark chocolate. If you find yourself delayed or have a long trip, then at least you'll have something to eat!

Check Cancellation and Change Policies

Reviewing the cancellation and refund policy before booking is always a good idea if possible. With many of the main US airlines, charges for changes or cancellations have been temporarily removed on some fares--usually excluding economy tickets.

Be aware that some sites may give you credit towards future travel or refunds instead of an outright refund when cancellations are made.

Airline clearinghouse websites such as Expedia and Travelocity make it easy to view flights from multiple airline websites in one place; however, booking directly with an airline often offers more flexibility.

Utilize the Hotel Concierge Service

While on vacation, take advantage of your hotel's concierge services. A good concierge will be knowledgeable about upcoming events in town, popular restaurants, and new museums and exhibition spaces. Hampton hotels always have up-to-date protocol information for COVID safety measures.

Plan For Extra Travel Time

Always remember to schedule some extra time into your plans whenever you go on vacation- just in case something comes up. things like road closures and bad weather can often cause delays, so it's always best to be prepared.

If you're ever unsure about anything, such as security lines or weather conditions, checking ahead of time is always a good idea. That way you'll never have any surprises or run into any problems while you're trying to relax and enjoy yourself.

Look for Good Deals

Holiday travel tips can be useful, but only if they are put into practice. You must work hard before your trip to find the best deals. Travel rates are ticking upward due to inflation and more people traveling after covid. So be sure to check airline websites hotel websites and clearinghouse websites frequently.

Whether You Check Bags or Carry On, Pack Light

There are many travelers that believe they can manage without checking any bags during their journey, but there are a few compelling reasons to make sure you check your bags. Checking your bags means you won't have to worry about storage during boarding at all; there's no need to stress over the possibility of losing your place in line if someone else has more luggage than you do. During peak travel days the overhead bins can become impossibly full, and your bag may need to be checked anyway.

On the other hand, a carry-on means you can always be in control of your belongings, and if you are able to board in one of the first groups, you won't have to worry about space or lost luggage. Thus, the decision really boils down to personal preference.

Have a Backup Plan

Plan your dream holiday trip but also have one more alternative for your needs. It helps when something happens and you can get on board and stay on the right track. If your flight is cancelled, can you drive to your destination; take a train? Everything can change at a moment's notice, and you should prepare for the unexpected.

Consider Shipping Your Gifts

Depending on the situation, stowing gifts strategically can work, but sometimes it may prove more difficult or expensive. If checking bags might require additional baggage charges, the shipping option is an excellent choice. Please note that shipping delays during the holidays will worsen so be sure to allow additional time.

Don't Wrap Gifts Before You Fly

This is one of our holiday travel tips that may leave you scratching your head, but storing wrapped gifts in checked bags is not always the most effective way to keep your belongings secure and safe. Many travelers choose not to wrap their gifts for this reason, as it can make security officials suspicious or uncomfortable. TSA may open your wrapped gifts, which would defeat the purpose of wrapping them in the first place.

Buy Travel Insurance

With an increase in Covid 19, and the flu, you can expect an increase in many airlines canceling flights, or can at least expect delayed flights. For this reason, travel insurance is a must and should never be ignored. Travel insurance can cover everything from medical emergencies to lost luggage and more. It's an easy way to protect yourself and ensure that your trip goes as planned, no matter what happens.

Book Your Airport Taxi in Advance

If you're looking to use a ride-share service in the near future, take advantage of the booking-in-advance feature that many cities are implementing. This way, if your plans unexpectedly change, you can always cancel without penalty.

Don't Let Travel Ruin Your Holidays

Though traveling may be difficult at times and evoke negative emotions, following the tips below will help turn your beach trip into a relaxing experience. It's important to remember that travel is just one part of the journey—not the entire journey itself. Just because you had a bad experience during travel doesn't mean your whole trip has to be ruined.

Finally, Have Fun!

Holiday travel can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. By following these tips, you can make your trip a little easier, less frustrating, and most importantly: safer. Whether you're flying or driving to your destinations, make sure you know the TSA rules for holiday items and pack accordingly. And don't forget to buy travel insurance in case of any unexpected cancellations or delays. Finally, be sure to book your airport taxi in advance and consider alternate airports if possible. With these tips, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday travel experience this year!