Tips for Holiday Family Travel

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.