5 Must-Know Holiday Travel Tips for 2024

With the fast-approaching holiday season, many people are gearing up to travel, whether to see family, explore new destinations, or simply get away. However, traveling during the holidays comes with its own challenges: crowded airports, higher ticket prices, and unpredictable weather can all make for a less-than-relaxing experience. Here are the top five holiday travel tips for 2024 that can help you stay ahead of the game, reduce stress, and enjoy your time off.

1. Book ASAP

One of the best strategies to save on travel during the holidays is to book your flights, accommodations, and rental cars in advance. So, with the holidays almost here, it’s time for you to ensure that you have everything you need to get to and around your final destination.

For those who are looking to spend a holiday on vacation instead of visiting loved ones, look for reputable travel websites offering discounted rates on accommodations. Depending on the destination and demand, you can find incredible discounts on top-tier vacations and preferred resorts, saving you thousands of dollars to put toward your future vacations.

2. Fly on Less Popular Days and Times

Holiday season travel often means peak-season prices and packed flights. However, there are ways to find some flexibility within your schedule that can make a big difference in cost and comfort. Choosing to fly on less popular days—such as Mondays or Thursdays—or at times like early mornings or late at night can help you avoid crowds and save on fares.

If possible, aim to avoid travel on the busiest days, like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the days immediately following Christmas. According to recent data, flights on these days are often the most expensive and likely to experience delays.

3. Be Prepared for Delays

With increased holiday travel comes a higher likelihood of delays, so it’s wise to have backup plans to stay ahead of disruptions. Aim to book direct flights when possible, but if you have a layover, be sure it’s long enough to handle unexpected delays. Keep an eye on the weather or any major event that might impact your travel and proactively look for earlier flights or alternative routes.

Having an emergency travel kit with snacks, portable chargers, an empty water bottle (to refill after security), and entertainment can make delays more tolerable. Download travel apps that can help you rebook flights or alert you to gate changes, such as the airline’s app, FlightAware, or Hopper.

4. Pack Light

Packing light is always a good strategy, but it becomes even more crucial during the holidays. Airports and luggage services are busier than usual, and mishandled bags are more common. Whenever possible, pack everything into a carry-on and make use of packing cubes to organize and maximize space.

Try to stick to versatile, neutral clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched. This will reduce the number of outfits you need and allow for more efficient packing. If you do need to check a bag, pack a few essentials like a change of clothes, medications, and chargers in your carry-on just in case.

5. Sign Up for TSA PreCheck or Clear

Security lines can be one of the most stressful parts of holiday travel. TSA PreCheck and Clear are programs designed to help travelers get through airport security faster, which can be especially helpful during the holiday rush. With TSA PreCheck, you don’t have to remove your shoes, laptop, liquids, belt, or light jacket, making the process much faster. Clear uses biometric scanning to let you skip the main security line entirely, taking you straight to the front.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the investment can be worth it to save both time and stress. It’s also worth noting that some credit cards cover the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, so check if your card offers this benefit.

Get to Preparing!

The holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful if you’re well-prepared. By using these tips, you can enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable journey. Remember, flexibility is key during this time of year—so try to go with the flow and enjoy the ride. Happy travels!