The Perfect Holiday Travel Guide For Your 2020 Holiday Travel Season

Photo Courtesy of Associate Press

Photo Courtesy of Associate Press

Kiarra Mason

Traveling during the holidays can be very stressful for some people. Many people all around the United States travel for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve and many other major Holidays. There is a lot of planning that comes with traveling during the holiday season since it is so popular among American families. Many feel worried or do not travel during holidays because it gets crazy. Looking for a guide to help you navigate through traveling during this time? Look no further! 

The first thing that would be very important would be to know in advance what time of the year you want to travel. Picking the days a month or so in advance will prevent high flight prices due to being too close to a major holiday. Getting a head start on your plane tickets will leave you plenty of time to prepare in advance and look at the calendar to get anything done before needing to travel and rearrange any appointments or inform anyone about how many days you will be gone. If traveling by car it will be good to know when you need to fill your gas tank, clean the car out and prepare it for a long road trip. Deciding on a time to travel in advance will overall limit stress to prepare you for your departure. 

Packing for a trip would be a good thing to do a few weeks before leaving. Depending on where you are going, whether it be somewhere warm or cold, check the weather to help with the packing. Making a list would be very beneficial to do a few days before packing as well to plan out what not to wear or use because it will be getting packed. If you are going somewhere warm make sure to dress appropriately and bring appropriate clothing. If accessible, check the weather forecast for the days that you will be at your destination and plan accordingly to what you put in your suitcase. When driving to your destination by car, plan out how you are going to pack whether it be a suitcase or bag because there is only so much space in a car. Try not to overpack! Cold weather means pack clothes to keep you warm and hot weather means clothes that will keep you cool! Mild weather calls for light sweatshirts. If you are allowed to, bring a carry on bag to keep with you in the seat of your plane to have accessibility to things needed including headphones, water, magazines etc.! A small bag to keep snacks, drinks and things to do to keep in the car will also be helpful. 

Photo Courtesy of The Guardian

Something new to think about while traveling is the new COVID 19 checklist. These days this is a very important thing to consider while traveling. Although, the pandemic  might cause families to travel less during these times it is still a good idea to stay safe and prepared. In your carry on bag, that will be nearest to you when traveling, it would be a good idea to have sanitary necessities to stay safe. Hand sanitizer, extra gloves and an extra face mask should be kept somewhere easily accessible. Before entering an airport, educating yourself about the safety requirements there is smart. Face masks will most likely be needed to be worn so make sure to wear one in and gloves would also be very beneficial along with constant use of hand sanitizer. Make sure to socially distance while in the airport and bring some disinfectant wipes to wipe down seats. If you are traveling by car it is still a good idea to bring wipes and gloves to use in places such as gas stations and pit stops for food. 

The main priorities to traveling during the holiday season are to stay safe and have fun when going to see family and friends. Make sure you do not do anything last minute because this will only cause stress and make for a rocky travel time. Once you have done all the things needed to prepare for the trip such as planning the timing ahead, packing and staying safe all in between it is time to get to your destination and have fun with your family! Have a fun, safe and healthy holiday season. Happy Holidays!

 List of Important things when traveling during the holidays: 

  • Snacks and drinks 
  • Appropriate clothing based on weather
  • Toiletries
  • Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes
  • Face masks and gloves (some extra) 
  • ID 

List of unimportant things to do/bring when traveling during the Holidays:

  • Overpack 
  • Too many shoes
  • Lots of bags 
  • A book
  • Pets 
  • Headphones