Following travel tips can be the key to enjoying the holidays with your family.
The combination of heavy volume and heavy snow the holiday season brings leaves people stressed – and even stranded – every year. To give yourself the best chance of being home and happy for the holidays instead of in the airport and on the news, Cheapflights.com offers these travel tips.
1. If you are a procrastinator, procrastinate more- While Cheapflights.com suggests that travelers book flights at least 60 days in advance – and that time-frame has passed – “Data shows that airlines this year were perhaps a bit too aggressive with pricing early on, leaving seats still to be filled” and “Flash sales are popping up left and right and - better yet - the best is possibly yet to come.”
2. Be creative, and “do your homework”- Cheapflights.com recommends considering nearby airports that may be cheaper to fly through. “Boston residents, for instance, should consider TF Green International in Providence or Manchester-Boston Regional in New Hampshire if fares out of Logan are too steep.”
3. Fly on the holiday instead of before- “Many times the lowest fares go to travelers willing to fly on the holiday itself, whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Eve,” Cheapflights.com says.
4. Shop for gifts online to avoid baggage fees- Everything is available online now, so why break your back, bank and possibly your gifts at the airport?
5. “Do the math” on your gifts- Cheapflights.com says, “Do the math a week before to see what will cost you less: a tracked package or an extra bag. If it's the latter, remember to leave your gifts unwrapped so security can easily access the contents.”
6. Don’t forget, you’re going to get gifts too- "If the price is right, bringing an extra piece of luggage on your trip can be a frugal decision. Then, when it comes time to transport the gifts you've received home, you'll have an empty suitcase to fill,” Cheapflights.com says, adding that you can also just pack a duffel bag in your suitcase.
7. Shop along the way, tax-free- According to Cheapflights.com, “International fliers over the holidays have the opportunity to savor their layovers a bit in the duty-free shops, where high-end products go for everyday prices in airports around the globe.”
8. Save your miles- Cheapflights.com – referring to the way miles get “tricky” with blackout dates and other restrictions around the holidays – says, “Save the points during the holidays unless you snag a great deal.”
9. Don’t forget about your health- “The most wonderful time of the year is also the most sniffly time of the year for many travelers. Keep that in mind before you head for the airport, and pack plenty of hand sanitizer to help fend off germs,” Cheapflights.com says. Also fill your prescriptions, keep hydrated and wash your hands often.
10. Expect the expected- Travel delays are inevitable during the holidays, but according to Cheapflights.com, “There's a way to plan ahead so that getting stuck behind infrequent fliers and families of five at airport security doesn't cause anxiety. First, avoid connections if you can when booking, even if it means paying a little more. If a connection is a must, then ensure there's a long enough layover in case your first flight is late to land. On the day of travel, get to the airport earlier - way earlier - than you typically would.”
