Whether you’re traveling to join other family members for the holidays or taking a winter ski vacation during the school break, travel during the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s Day can be a real hassle. And an even greater one if you plan on flying. Here are some tips to take the stress out of your family’s holiday travel.
Leave Extra Time
Airports are overcrowded, security lines are extra-long, traffic around the airport is snarled, parking lots are full — prepare for the worst. Think about every step before you get on the plane and allow extra time for each. Having extra time to kill at the departure gate is a small price to pay for not having to stress over each delay.
Reserve Ahead
Reserve as much as possible in advance. If you are driving to the airport, don’t leave parking to chance even if the lot usually has plenty of room. Arrange for a limo service to meet you on arrival instead of joining the queue for cabs or hustling kids and luggage on the subway. If you’re planning on popular tourist attractions, reserve, reserve, reserve. Get tickets in advance to avoid lines and to be sure of admission to limited admission shows.
Allow for Bad Weather
A snow or ice storm can bring air and road traffic to a standstill, so be prepared for delays and unanticipated stopovers. If you’re driving, check the weather for where you are and for your destination so you can change your plans by leaving early or staying longer. If it’s the latter, don’t wait until the storm leaves everyone snowbound before reserving an extra night’s lodging. Take extra games and books to keep the kids occupied during delays.
Be Prepared for Separate Seating
Either pay extra to select seats together on your flights or prepare for being separated. At least pay for one parent and younger children to be seated together. Flight attendants will often ask other passengers to swap seats when they see a family separated, but don’t depend on that — or on other passengers being willing to swap.
Ship Gifts Ahead
If you are visiting family for Christmas and taking gifts, instead of carrying (and paying for) extra baggage, use a luggage shipping service such as LugLess to find the lowest shipping rates. Or if you are planning on mail order for your gifts, have them delivered directly to your destination, addressed to you in care of your hosts or hotel. Pack tissue paper and ribbon for wrapping when you get there.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Nov 9, 20268 Black Friday Hawaiian Hotel Deals You Don’t Want to Miss
Plan a family trip to Hawai’i and save big with these eight unbeatable hotel deals across the state. Whether seeking a luxury stay or a sprawling resort rich with family-friendly amenities, these hotels and resorts have Black Friday deals you won’t want to pass up:
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / North America
Nov 6, 20263 National Parks Perfect for a Late Fall Family Getaway
Summers are a great time to visit the country’s many great national parks, but that time of year also tends to get a bit hot and crowded … not to mention the fact the other seasons each have their own unique character and charm. When it comes to fall, you’re spoiled with choices if you’re looking for a great park to take the family to, but we’ve managed to compile a short list of some of the best choices around the country for a late season getaway the whole family can enjoy.
Europe
Nov 6, 2026Pair Skiing and Wellness for Perfect Mother-Daughter Getaway at This Swiss Resort
For travelers searching for Galentine’s Day celebrations or planning a mother-daughter holiday getaway, Six Senses Crans-Montana welcomes visitors to experience its Three Nights Plus offer. Guests can take advantage of up to 35 percent off the best available rate and complimentary daily breakfast when staying a minimum of three nights.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Destinations / Caribbean
Nov 6, 20265 Caribbean Resorts for a Babymoon
They’ve become a travel milestone of their own: Babymoons have surged as parents-to-be seek destinations and resorts embracing rest and reconnection before baby arrives. The Caribbean combines the best of these promises, and these five resorts from Marriott may just be the reason parents-to-be may return again when it’s time for baby No. 2 …
ShareThis