Top 11 Holiday Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – except maybe for travelers. The holidays are a crazy time for airports and expressways, making seasonal travel a little more stressful.  

If you’re spending the holidays away from home this year, check out these helpful holiday travel tips to make your journey a smooth one. 

Holiday Travel Tips If You’re Flying 

Be Flexible with Travel Dates and Airports  

If you don’t have a rigid travel itinerary, then stay open-minded about your travel plans. The difference between flying one day and the next could save you hundreds of dollars and may be worth checking out.  

Additionally, many cities have more than one airport. Staying open-minded about which airport you fly into or out of can also save you big bucks in the long run.  

BONUS TIP: Did you know that Orlando has two airports? Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the larger and more popular of the two, but you can find some great flights through Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), too. 

Ship the Presents (Or Leave Them Unwrapped) 

If you are bringing gifts with you to your destination, consider shipping them ahead of time. It will save you room for packing other essentials, and, at the very least, you won’t have to worry about overweight bags and fines.  

If you’re planning on packing gifts in your carry on, be sure they aren’t wrapped ahead of time; TSA may flag them as suspicious and unwrap them for you.  

Put Backup Essentials in Your Carry-On  

In many parts of the world, the holiday season can often include some rough weather.  

While it’s hard to plan for unexpected flight cancellations and even getting stuck overnight in a different city, you can make sure you’re prepared with a few backup essentials in your carry-on bag.  

Think about what you would need to have if you were stuck without your luggage for a day or two (toothbrush and toothpaste, a set of undergarments, device chargers, extra meds, etc.) and make sure they’re at your disposal in case your plans get shaken up or your luggage is lost. 

And speaking of lost luggage... 

Put a Bluetooth tracker in your Luggage 

Losing your luggage on any trip is awful, but during the holidays, it can feel downright disastrous.  

As a traveler, you can take extra precautions by putting a Bluetooth tracker in your checked suitcases or carry-on bags. Some of the more popular Bluetooth trackers are Apple AirTag and Galaxy SmartTag2, but there are more highly rated Bluetooth trackers on the market.  

Bluetooth trackers can help you track down lost luggage that may be in another part of the airport or even in a different state or country, depending on the trackers range. It can also be game-changing if you suspect one of your bags has been stolen.  

Pack Portable Chargers 

You don’t want to be the traveler huddled around an outlet or a charging station with a dying battery at the airport, especially during the holiday season when it seems like an open outlet is a hotter commodity than Santa Claus himself.  

Make sure you always have the option to charge your devices by packing (and pre-charging) portable chargers. Your future self will thank you. 

Keep Yourself Comfortable 

At the end of the day, flying during the holidays can be a stressful experience. Make sure you set yourself up to be as comfortable as possible. Pack plenty of your favorite snacks (yes, even your favorite indulgences – you deserve it!), download a new movie or tv show on your device, and cozy up with a comfy travel pillow.  

Don’t forget to pack an empty water bottle and refill it as soon as you’re through security or pick up a bottle of water from the airport so you can stay hydrated.  

Holiday Travel Tips If You’re Driving 

Get a Tune-Up 

While you can’t anticipate every bump in the road, you can do your best to prevent car troubles by getting an oil change and a tune-up before your trip. You’ll feel more confident on your journey knowing your car is in good condition and all your precious cargo is protected.  

It also never hurts to have a few road trip must-haves on hand, including jumper cables, a spare tire and jack, and bungee cords. The hope is you won’t have to use them, but should the need arise, you’ll be so glad you have the tools you need. 

Map Out Your Journey 

Preparation is key for a smooth road trip.  

You may not always be able to anticipate traffic and backups, but you can certainly take note of major construction projects and closures ahead of time.  

If you’re planning an overnight break, knowing exactly where you want to stop can save you a lot of extra stress. If you’re traveling with pets, locating a few pet-friendly rest stops along your route is a good call, as well as finding pet-friendly hotels in advance. Rosen Inn International is a dog-friendly hotel. 

Keep Wrapped Gifts Under Wraps 

If you’re packing the car with wrapped presents, be sure they’re out of sight to anyone who may be strolling past your car. Don’t give anyone reason to think you’re traveling with valuable items that could tempt a break-in.  

Holiday Travel Tips for However You Travel 

Pack Your Patience 

The holidays are a stressful time for everyone. Whether you’re traveling, working, or staying home this holiday season, try to practice patience and spread a little extra love and cheer.  

Everyone is doing their best, and the world could use a little more kindness. So pay that extra compliment, sprinkle smiles throughout your day, and give people the benefit of the doubt. You just might make someone else’s day. 

Make Rosen Inn International your Destination for the Holidays 

If you’re traveling to Orlando this holiday season, stay central to all the best holiday celebrations at Rosen Inn International.  

Our hotel is a wonderful choice for your Orlando home-away-from-home. Enjoy clean and comfortable accommodations with fabulous amenities at an unbeatably affordable rate. You bring the holiday spirit and we’ll supply the cheer!