The halls are decked, stockings hung, and holiday tunes playing – Christmas is just around the corner! With it comes the annual travel chaos as millions hit roads, rails, and runways eager to reunite with loved ones.
Statistics show over 104 million people will hit the roads this Christmas day until the year ends, the second-highest number since 2019.
By booking strategically, packing light, and leveraging technology, you can breeze through travel stress this season.
Booking Flights and Hotels
Secure the best rates, availability, and bundled deals with these hotel and flight booking tricks:
- Book early morning mid-week flights when airports are less crowded; rates can be 30% less
- Flying on Christmas day means thinner crowds. December 24th has fewer last-minute travelers than the 23rd
- Connecting flights lets you avoid crammed direct routes from major hubs
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally have the best rates and availability
- Hotel rates start dropping on December 18, with the best deals on Christmas week
- Airport hotel packages bundle discounted rooms with parking/shuttle services
- Check third-party sites then call the hotel to ask if they can beat the price
Navigating Airports and Stations
Speed through airports and transportation hubs using these navigational hacks:
- Reserve airport parking ahead for guaranteed spots; compare offsite lots to save 50% or more
- Schedule airport drop-offs during less busy times to skip congested waiting areas
- Sign up for Clear, TSA Precheck, and airline premium status to speed through lines
- Pack strategically with airline bag sizers; don’t overstuff and risk fees
- Ship gifts unwrapped or in gift bags to avoid TSA troubles
- Rent luggage lockers to reduce airport bag hassle when faced with delays
- Download travel apps providing real-time notifications on delays, cancellations, and more
Road Trip Tips and Hacks
Make driving smooth sailing with these car prep and travel hacking pointers:
- Leave before 6 am or after 8 pm to bypass heavy traffic
- Christmas Day is ideal for driving with security lines/roads less crowded
- Map routes via backroads to skip jammed highways when possible
- Use apps like GasBuddy and Gas Guru to locate affordable gas stations
- Pack snacks, blankets, phone chargers, and activities in case kids get antsy
- Don’t let your tank get below half full just in case you get stranded
- Print out maps as backup since cell service is sometimes spotty on the road
- Bring a first aid safety kit and car tool kit to be extra prepared
Public Transit Options
Consider these mass transit alternatives and tips for maximizing comfort:
- Scout flight prices and then compare trains/buses which can be 40% cheaper
- Sites like Wanderu make sorting schedules & ticket costs for various transit seamless
- Consider rideshare services like Uber which runs holiday promotions
- For trains/buses, reserve seats with more legroom and outlets for device charging
- Download movies, books, and music in case you lose connectivity at points
- Screenshot transit maps so you can reference them without internet access
- Sign up for text alerts from airlines so you can swiftly act on delays
- Pack neck pillows, ear plugs, and hydrating foods in your bag for the journey
Traveling with Kids
The holidays can be chaotic enough without keeping the young ones happy on planes, trains, and automobiles. Make the journey smoother with these tips:
- Pack kid-friendly snacks, new/favorite toys, and books to prevent boredom tantrums
- If driving, plan stops every few hours so kids can burn energy
- Ask family/friends along your route if you can stay a night to break up long drives
- Wrap a few small “trip gifts” for them to unwrap when irritable
- Load tablets with games/movies but set limits so they don’t get overused
- If able, travel at night so they sleep for part of the trip
- Bring along familiar blankets or loveys for comfort
- Keep an updated digital folder of all medical/travel documents as a backup
Staying Safe and Healthy
Holiday travel planning is so hectic that health and safety considerations fall by the wayside. Don’t rush your celebrations with sickness or accidents by forgetting:
- Visit your doctor/dentist beforehand in case of a medical issue arising mid-travel
- Refill any prescription medications to have extras, just in case travel gets delayed
- Pack hand sanitizers, immune-boosting supplements, OTC meds for colds, etc.
- Purchase travel medical insurance for health emergencies far from home
- Research if destinations require additional vaccines like typhoid, hepatitis A, etc.
- Enable location sharing with family whenever flying solo or adventuring off the beaten track
Handling Delays and Cancellations
Despite stellar planning, delays and cancellations can still torpedo the holidays. Don’t let the disaster spiral by being prepared:
- Screenshot boarding pass QR codes so you have backups readily accessible
- Pack complete carry-on with 2-3 days essentials in case checked bags get lost/delayed
- Ask credit card company about trip or flight insurance protections
- Research all airline, hotel, rental car cancellation/rebooking policies in advance
- Have alternate land/air routing options readily researched as plan B, C backup
- Avoid blowing a fuse at airport staff; delays are usually safety precautions
Wrapping Up Your Journey
The Christmas Day travel rush can dampen the holiday spirit, but proper planning and savvy workarounds pave the way for smooth, enjoyable journeys to spend time with loved ones.
Remember to remain flexible – flight delays or road congestion can happen despite best-laid plans. Control what you can, but go with the holiday flow when unavoidable hiccups occur. Pack your sense of adventure along with the gift list.
After you breeze through the travel chaos, unwind at an affordable downtown gem like Hotel West Loop. Voted one of Chicago’s top value hotels, our warm art-inspired vibe, and exceptional service offer the perfect place to recharge from the journey and celebrate the holidays hassle-free.