The Holidays are Finally Here!
Today is predicted to be the busiest travel day of the year – 112 million passengers are expected to fly, drive, or hit the rails to head home and spend time with their loved ones. Travelling at Christmas can be fun and exciting, but it can also be extremely stressful.
Navigating long queues, flight delays, and unpredictable weather, coupled with extra scrutiny at security, can make travelling over Christmas less than merry! Having clocked hundreds of hours in the air on over 50 flights this year, I’ve become well-acquainted with the challenges of holiday travel. Although I won’t be among the 46 million flying this Christmas, I’m here to share my top 10 tips to make your journey as merry as a Christmas morning.
1. Book and Check In Early
Beat the crowd and secure your spot in the clouds by booking your flight and checking in online before you even pack your reindeer socks. Trust me, those coveted window seats vanish faster than snowflakes in July.
2. Pack Strategically And Pack Early
Don’t let last-minute packing turn your holiday cheer into holiday tears. If possible, try to pack everything you need into a carry-on bag. This saves you time at both check-in and baggage claim and ensures your belongings stay with you throughout the journey. Be strategic: pack essentials like your passport, phone, valuables, and snacks in a small bag that fits under the seat, and place larger items in a carry-on-sized bag. Pro tip: packing cubes are your best friend – use them!
To avoid the hassle of gate-checking, arrive early and board as soon as your group is called to ensure overhead space for your carry-on. Pro tip: consider using a tracking device like an AirTag in your luggage so you can always know its location, providing extra peace of mind if you are one of the unlucky ones that is forced to gate-check your bag. (Remember: most airlines send all luggage, including gate-checked bags to the baggage carousel rather than returning them to you plane-side on arrival).
If you can, avoid packing the night before. We all do it, but stuffing your things in a bag at the last minute only heightens travel stress.
3. Invest in Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones—your sanity will thank you. They drown out the roar of the airport, dull the drone of the aeroplane engines and can even take the edge off of any crying children, ensuring a peaceful journey. I swear by the Bose QuietComfort headphones—they’re a splurge but worth every penny for the peace and quiet they provide.
4. Use Your Miles for Upgrades
Why settle for coach when you can fly like a festive VIP? Upgrade your holiday travel by redeeming frequent flyer miles. Enjoy perks like early boarding, extra baggage allowance, and access to exclusive lounges with complimentary food and drinks. A Baileys hot chocolate in a cosy lounge beats a crowded gate any day!
5. Sleigh Your Gift Game
Travelling with presents? Opt for gift bags instead of wrapping paper. This prevents the heartbreak of unwrapping at security checks and saves you the trouble of rewrapping at your destination.
6. Utilise Trusted Traveller Programmes
If you’re a frequent traveller, consider enrolling in trusted traveller programmes like NEXUS or Global Entry. Not only do these programmes simplify and expedite security and customs processes, saving you valuable time, but they also spare you from having to convince the US border guard that your plans don’t involve becoming a permanent resident – trust me, it’s a win-win! Especially during the hectic holiday season, breezing through security and customs can make your journey much merrier.
I vividly remember the time I became a Canadian Permanent Resident and enrolled in the NEXUS programme. It was a game-changer. Prior to that, every border crossing was a barrage of questions about my travel plans, purpose, and duration of stay. But once I had NEXUS, the process was streamlined and efficient. No more long queues or repetitive questioning. It truly was the best $50 my employer at the time ever spent on my behalf. The time saved and the stress avoided were invaluable, particularly during the busy holiday season.
7. Download Travel Apps for Convenience
Before your trip, I recommend downloading helpful travel apps to your smartphone. From flight trackers to language translators, there’s an app for almost every aspect of travel. Having these tools at your fingertips can save you time and hassle during your journey. Plus, many apps offer offline functionality, perfect for when you’re in areas with limited internet access.
Some of my favourites include:
- TripIt: Organise your travel itinerary seamlessly with TripIt. Simply forward your confirmation emails for flights, hotels, rental cars, and more to TripIt, and it automatically creates a detailed itinerary for you.
- Airline-specific apps: Many airlines have their own dedicated apps that allow users to manage bookings, check-in for flights, access boarding passes, and receive flight updates and notifications. Examples include the American Airlines app, Delta Air Lines app, and British Airways app. These apps offer convenience and efficiency for travellers flying with specific airlines.
- FlightRadar24: This app provides real-time flight tracking, allowing users to track flights worldwide, view flight routes, check departure and arrival times, and even see live air traffic.
- XE Currency: Stay on top of currency exchange rates with XE Currency. This app provides up-to-date exchange rates for over 180 currencies, making it easy to budget and convert prices while you’re abroad.
- TripLingo: TripLingo is designed specifically for travellers and offers a range of useful features beyond basic translation. It includes a phrasebook with essential phrases for travellers, cultural information about different countries, and even a built-in voice translator for conversations. TripLingo supports over 100 languages and offers offline access to translations and other content.
8. Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart
Air travel can be dehydrating, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water throughout your journey.
Instead of relying on pricey airport drinks or being left parched on short-haul flights, plan ahead by bringing an empty water bottle. Once you’ve passed security, fill it up at a water fountain or refill station to stay hydrated without breaking the bank. For an extra boost, consider adding electrolyte packets or tablets to your water to replenish essential minerals lost during travel and keep your energy levels up.
When it comes to snacks, opt for nutritious options like nuts, fruits, or granola bars. These portable snacks provide sustained energy and are easy to pack in your carry-on. By bringing your own snacks, you’ll avoid the temptation of overpriced and often unhealthy options available at airports. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of knowing exactly what ingredients you’re consuming, ensuring you stay fuelled and refreshed throughout your journey.
9. Dress Comfortably and in Layers
Comfort is king when it comes to holiday travel. Choose breathable fabrics that allow you to adjust easily to varying temperatures in airports and aeroplanes. Slip-on shoes are not only convenient for quickly passing through security checks but also provide comfort during long periods of sitting.
Consider bringing along a cosy scarf that can double as a blanket during the flight, providing extra warmth and comfort when needed. Lastly, packing a travel pillow can make all the difference in getting some shut-eye during long flights, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling rested and ready to enjoy your holiday.
10. Beat Delays with Entertainment
Delays are par for the course in air travel, but they don’t have to put a damper on your journey. Stay entertained and make the most of your downtime by preparing ahead. Download movies, TV shows, or podcasts to your devices before your trip, ensuring you have a variety of entertainment options at your fingertips. Don’t forget to pack a good book or magazine as an alternative form of entertainment. Don’t forget to charge your devices fully before leaving home and consider bringing a portable charger to keep them powered up throughout your journey.
With these tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll sleigh through the holiday travel madness like a seasoned pro.
My Holiday Travel Gear Essentials:
- Travel Pillow: Say goodbye to neck cramps and hello to sweet dreams with the Cabeau Memory Foam Evolution Pillow, it’s lightweight, cosy and effortlessly rolls up for compact, hassle-free packing.
- Portable Charger: The Anker 733 Power Bank has become my trusty sidekick on every adventure – with lightning-fast charging and enough power to keep my MacBook powered – even on a 10 hour flight.
- Reusable Water Bottle: I love the S’well Bottle – it keeps my drinks cold for up to 24 hours so I can stay hydrated during my flight.
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones: I swear by the Bose QuietComfort headphones. They have literally saved lives.
- Universal Travel Adapter: Keep your electronics charged on your trip with LOOP World Adapter Plug.
- Apple AirTags: Never lose track of your luggage again with Apple AirTags. These nifty little devices attach discreetly to your belongings and allow you to track them using the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Good Quality Carry-On: I recently upgraded to the BEIS Carry-On Roller in pink (of course), and it’s made navigating airports and hotel lobbies a breeze. It’s both lightweight and durable with useful features like a built-in charging port and 360-degree spinner wheels.
- Compression Socks: Not the most glamorous but the unsung heroes of long-haul flights – they’re my secret weapon for boosting circulation and preventing swelling even in the cramped quarters of economy class.
- Eye Mask: For overnight flights, nothing beats a good eye mask to block out the cabin lights and get some rest. I never board a flight without my favourite eye mask from Ettitude – made from soft bamboo-lyocell, it is hypoallergenic, soft and great at blocking out the cabin lights. The mask is adjustable to ensure I get the most comfortable fit.
- Travel Blanket: for someone like me who’s always feeling the chill, a reliable travel blanket is an absolute must. I stay cosy when flying with the RoadTrip Throw from Ugg – which feels like I’m wrapping myself in a fluffy cloud and zips into a compact carry case when I don’t need it.
Got any other tips for stress-free holiday travel? Share them in the comments below!
