If you haven’t planned your Christmas travels yet…well, the bad news is that it’s a bit late in the day to get started. The good news is that now is the perfect time to start thinking about that family visit or holiday vacation for 2020. Here are some tips to help you navigate the busiest travel season:
Start Early
Every November without fail, I see people approaching travel advisors trying to book a Christmas getaway, only to be disappointed when they see how slim the pickings are. As hard as it is to think of the holiday season when the warm weather of spring and summer beckons, start your research and booking process early—at least six to nine months—in order to have the best chance of getting your first choice.
Budget Accordingly
There’s no real way around it—holiday flights and Christmas cruises are in high demand, and that means rates will be higher too. (This is another reason to start planning early; you’re more likely to find options at your price point.) Leave some extra wiggle room in your budget to account for peak pricing.
Protect Yourself
You should always add travel insurance to your vacation—but if you’re not in the habit of it, now is a really good time to start. Large crowds and unpredictable weather are staples of the holiday season, and problems in a major hub like O’Hare or Dulles can have a domino effect elsewhere, even if you’re not traveling through those gateways. Travel insurance will protect your investment in the face of flight cancellations, family emergencies, and other unexpected events.
Avoid Peak Days
It’s not always easy with school schedules and embarkation times, but try to avoid traveling when everyone else is. The day before Thanksgiving and the weekend before Christmas are notorious high-traffic times for airports, while the Monday before Thanksgiving is easier. And while spending your Christmas or Thanksgiving traveling might not sound like the most appealing idea, it’s often the best way to dodge the worst crowds.
Ship Ahead
Increased security and baggage fees mean that those presents are better off being sent ahead of time to your destination. Consider a door-to-door service like Luggage Free if you’d rather not drag your bags through the airport.
Take Things in Stride
We all want our holidays to come off smoothly, and we wants our vacations to come off smoothly—so when we combine the two, any little hitch in the plan can feel like a big event. Remember to take a step back, relax, and remember what this season is really about: spending time with your loved ones and making special memories that will last a lifetime.
 | Christi Esterle- ACC Travel Advisor |
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