The holidays have arrived, and many are gearing up to travel to visit family or embark on a holiday getaway. Many know that the holiday season is one of the busiest times for travel, which can add more stress and chaos when trying to get to your destination! As someone who typically travels during the holiday season each year, here are some tips that will help save time, money, and reduce stress as you make your holiday travel plans.

1. Be flexible and pack your patience

If you don’t read anything else in this post, at least read this. I cannot stress this enough, but have flexibility and pack your patience. In 2025, you are bound to encounter a delay or roadblock in your travel plans. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination and be prepared to make adjustments or come up with alternate plans as you travel. It is also always a good idea to pack essentials in an easily accessible bag, such as medications, important documents, money, and, of course, something to help you pass the time. While it can be frustrating and stressful to have snags in your travel plans, having flexibility can make traveling smoother. The good news is that these snags don’t last forever, and you will soon be on your way to your destination.

2. If possible, plan your trip in advance

Many popular destinations typically sell out during the holiday season, and flights can book up quickly with holiday travelers. If you are planning a holiday getaway, it is best to book your trip as soon as possible, at least 4-5 months in advance, to ensure availability on the dates you plan to travel. This will also give you the best prices and help you save money. Another good tip is to book future trips during the holidays, as there are sales and deals to help you save money while traveling. Additionally, don’t forget to arrange time off work and check school schedules or make arrangements with teachers if you have children or are a college student.

3. Keep an eye on the weather at home and at your destination

While planning, packing, and traveling, it is important to monitor weather conditions to ensure the smoothest experience possible. The weather is infamous for sudden changes and can impact your trip. For example, if you live somewhere where the weather gets colder and are travelling somewhere warm, it is important to pack something that can help keep you warm when coming back home or vice versa. It may also be a good idea to bring an umbrella or something to keep you dry from the rain if the forecast calls for rain. Finally, it is also a good idea to research what the weather conditions are like when booking. Many online resources will provide average temperatures and whether it is likely to rain or snow.

4. If you are flying…

In 2025, flying has become more difficult, but still possible. There are many things to consider when flying anywhere over the holiday season. First, consider the items you are taking to ensure that they will get through security/TSA. The TSA does have a website that describes what you can bring and what should be left at home. Many people unintentionally pack items that are flagged, which can cause delays for everyone getting through. If you are in doubt about something, it is better to leave that item at home than to risk losing that item through confiscation. This will also ensure that you get through security smoothly and can save some time at the airport. It is also important to arrange transportation to and from the airport in advance to save time and money. A final tip is to download your airline’s app on your phone so you can access digital boarding passes and stay informed about any updates to your flight. These apps come at no additional charge, and you can link rewards accounts to them. With these tips, you will get to your destination as smoothly as possible.

5. If you are driving…

While the airports are busy during the holidays, the roads can be as well. If you are planning to drive a long distance, there are some important things you can do to ensure a smooth road trip. The first thing is to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic to make sure your tires, brakes, and engine are ready to hit the road. It is also important to make sure that your fuel tank is full before you leave. Nobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road waiting for help. The next tip is to plan your route. This is especially important if you are going somewhere you have never been before. While we do have GPS, knowing the travel time and specific highways will make getting there much smoother. It is also good to know of possible stops along the way, such as gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and convenience stores. One more important tip is to give yourself time to get to your destination and allow for any stops as needed. It is important for your health to take breaks and rest while on the road. With these tips, you are ready to hit the road.

6. Dress for comfort

When traveling, comfort is a priority. Now is not the time to be breaking in new shoes or squeezing yourself into something that does not fit. Dress in comfortable, clean clothes that you can feel confident in. I recommend dressing in layers so that it is easy to add or remove layers while on your journey. I typically wear long pants, a short-sleeve shirt, a hoodie or jacket that I can remove, and closed-toe shoes with comfortable socks that I can walk in for hours. I have also learned not to wear the big claw clips, as they can break and make it difficult to lean back and relax without removing them. If you need to put up your hair, I recommend using a scrunchie instead. Finally, it is a good idea to avoid heavy makeup during travel, as it can get uncomfortable and may dry out your skin, especially if you plan to fly.

7. Enjoy the journey

Lastly, enjoy the journey. The time it takes to travel to your destination and back home is all part of it. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels if you are traveling this holiday season.

What travel tips and tricks do you use when traveling over the holidays? Let us know down below, and check back often for new content!