Each year, millions of people load up the family car and set out on a holiday trip. Whether it’s to grandma’s house, a family reunion or simply a holiday getaway, these yearly road trips can often be the source of dread and stress. The thought of being trapped in the car with restless children or the possibility of car trouble along the way is enough to make anyone consider staying home. Luckily, with a little planning, these situations can be avoided.
Tips
- Plan out the route for your car trip. If you're planning on driving to your holiday destination, a little planning can help make your trip easy and uneventful. Consider your starting point and desired destination, and investigate several possible routes. Remember, it's likely that you won't be the only person on the road during the holidays, and traffic is always a factor. Alternate routes or shortcuts can help reduce time spent in traffic jams and get you to your destination sooner. This information can also come in handy in case of detours, road construction or other situations that might block your primary route.
- Book airline tickets. Although traveling by air can be quick and convenient, it can also be much more expensive. Start planning your trip early to take advantage of advance purchase discounts and avoid sold out flights. Many airlines become extremely busy during the holidays so booking in advance can also help ensure that you get the flights that you want. High traffic destinations such as New York, Los Angeles or Atlanta can be extremely congested during the holidays. If you have the option, consider booking your flight to a nearby airport and renting a car for the short drive to your destination.
- Consider your luggage needs. If you're traveling by car, the issue of luggage is only important with regards to the amount of room needed. Before you begin packing, think about how many people will be in your vehicle and how much room they will need to travel comfortably. This could affect the number of bags that you can take along. For traveling by air, the number of bags that you take is a much bigger concern. Not only is the possibility of lost luggage an issue, but most airlines now charge extra for checked baggage. For a family of four, carrying a few bags each could result in several hundred dollars worth of baggage fees during your trip. Try to pack as lightly as possible.
- Plan your trip to avoid peak travel times. If you have the flexibility, consider planning your travel on days or during times when you are less likely to encounter others. Highways are typically more busy on Fridays and Sundays, so traveling on Tuesday or Thursday will help you to avoid traffic jams. Traveling at night is also a great way to miss the traffic and the kids will sleep during the trip. Although the same general theory works for airline travel, overnight travel is not usually an option. Airline websites often show the difference in fares during non-peak times, which can help you plan your trip. Traveling during non-peak times can also reduce the possibility of delays or canceled flights.
- Consider alternative travel options. As an alternative to driving or flying, check into the possibility of traveling by train, bus or even boat. These options will allow you to enjoy your trip and reduce the stress of driving or running through airports. Given that these options are less popular, you can also find great deals on holiday travel.
