Whether you’re going to the Christmas markets in Germany or a sunny beach in Hawai’i, traveling during the holidays can be an incredibly memorable experience. The destinations and possibilities are endless!
It can also be very stressful, however, with so many things to remember and plan. “How am I going to get to the airport?” “What if it snows?” “How am I going to fit these gifts in my suitcase?” We know it feels like there is a lot to do, but fear not! Here are some quick tips for traveling during the holidays so you can worry a little bit less and make the most out of your trip.
Arrive early
This is an obvious but very important item to remember. Expect the unexpected! Whether it be bad weather (pun intended) or longer than usual lines, a delay or two could definitely happen. Make sure that you budget enough time to get to whatever destination you need to be at, be it an airport or a bus or train station. Give yourself more time than you think that you need, because, after all, it is better to be too early than too late and to err on the side of caution. The last thing you want to do is miss your plane, train, or bus!
Stay healthy
Winter time makes just about everywhere a breeding ground for colds of all kinds. Couple that with extra crowded areas, and you’ve got the perfect storm. Even if you are in the Southern Hemisphere at the moment and soaking up some summer rays, it is still very possible to catch a cold. Protect yourself from falling ill (after all, getting sick during the holidays and having to travel is the worst), and be mindful when you are in a public space. Bring some hand sanitizer, remember to wash your hands thoroughly, and try to avoid touching your face.
Be mindful of your carbon footprint
While it is important that you stay clean, it is also important that you keep whatever place you are staying at as clean as possible, too. Everyone has a carbon footprint, and this is even more true when we travel. While it is obvious that some amount of carbon emissions occur during travel, try to keep your waste to a minimum. For some great tips for traveling and creating zero waste, keep reading here on Inspired by Maps.
Be smart about packing
During holiday travel, it is especially important to pack smartly so that you can have one less thing to worry about. Will you be traveling to many places in a short amount of time, or will you be in one place for a longer time? How’s the weather where you’ll be going? A common rule of thumb is to pack as efficiently as possible. No matter what your situation is, traveling will be easiest with a lighter suitcase.
Bring something festive
Do you do something special with friends or family every holiday season? Well, don’t let travel stop you from keeping you traditions alive! Perhaps if it is something more elaborate, you won’t be able to go all out, but you can certainly bring a little piece of it with you. Break out your Christmas sweater and get festive on that airplane! This can certainly help you stay cheerful throughout your travels and really get into the holiday mood. It’s incredible what a simple thing like this can do!
Be respectful
Remember that it’s the holiday season! It can be easy to complain about the bathroom line being too long or the fact that your flight was delayed, but no matter how frustrating the situation, it’s important to be patient and to be respectful. Complaining about a situation won’t help anything, including people’s moods. Take a deep breath, and take any inconveniences or issues with grace. Just think about it—you’re lucky that you’re even able to travel this holiday season. Many people would love to be in your position, and in just a short while, you’ll be at an amazing destination!
