Reduce Trip-Related Stress
Read the fine print. This is especially important if you're booking nonrefundable tickets or working through travel bidding sites like Hotwire or Priceline. Be sure you understand what you're getting (and not getting). Pay special attention to things like cancellation policies, insurance requirements for rental cars and fees and surcharges. If you're traveling by air, print out a copy of your airline's contract of carriage and bring it along.
Plan for crowds. Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks are peak travel periods, and you'll need to allow extra time to park your car at the airport, check your bags and pick up suitcases and rental cars at the end of your flight. Allow extra time to change planes or trains. Pack the clothing you'll need for the weather so you don't have to buy – and bring home – extra items.
Pre-ship holiday gifts, especially if you're not traveling by car. Most U.S. "legacy" airlines are still charging fees for second checked bags, and it may be less expensive to mail presents ahead of time. You'll also be able to insure them so that if something goes wrong, you can at least get your money back. Wrestling with extra luggage on trains and buses can be very frustrating. By shipping gifts before you depart, you can avoid both headaches and backaches.
Check the weather. Weather delays during the holidays can cause all kinds of difficulties, from missed flights to traffic jams. If you're flying, try to arrange your flights so you change planes in snow-free cities (sorry, Chicago!). Once your trip is ten days away, start checking weather forecasts so that you're prepared for storm-related problems. If you're driving, pack emergency road trip supplies. While on vacation, continue to check weather forecasts so you're ready for your return journey.
Double-check your medications. Make sure you have enough on hand for your entire trip. If you're flying or going to another country, be sure to pack your prescriptions in their original containers. Set up your pill organizer once you reach your destination.
Pack your smile. This could be the most important thing you bring along on your holiday vacation. It can help you change your airline seat, get help placing your bag on an overhead luggage rack and find a sympathetic customer service representative.
