Michelle En Route
  • Life in Abroad
  • Expat Guide
  • Destinations
    • All Europe North America South America
      Europe

      Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

      November 27, 2019

      Europe

      My Quest for the Best Full English

      October 23, 2019

      South America

      10 things to do in Cartagena

      March 25, 2018

      North America

      72 Hours in Quebec City

      January 15, 2018

      Europe

      Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

      November 27, 2019

      Europe

      My Quest for the Best Full English

      October 23, 2019

      Europe

      Taste of Prague Food Tour

      February 15, 2017

      Europe

      How to Enjoy Your First Opera

      January 26, 2017

      North America

      72 Hours in Quebec City

      January 15, 2018

      North America

      Pittsburgh City Guide

      November 17, 2017

      North America

      10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do…

      October 10, 2017

      North America

      “Oh Canada!”: Camping in Jasper National Park

      August 23, 2017

      South America

      10 things to do in Cartagena

      March 25, 2018

  • Travel Tips
  • About Me
Michelle En Route
  • Life in Abroad
  • Expat Guide
  • Destinations
    • All Europe North America South America
      Europe

      Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

      November 27, 2019

      Europe

      My Quest for the Best Full English

      October 23, 2019

      South America

      10 things to do in Cartagena

      March 25, 2018

      North America

      72 Hours in Quebec City

      January 15, 2018

      Europe

      Why You Should Visit Portugal in November

      November 27, 2019

      Europe

      My Quest for the Best Full English

      October 23, 2019

      Europe

      Taste of Prague Food Tour

      February 15, 2017

      Europe

      How to Enjoy Your First Opera

      January 26, 2017

      North America

      72 Hours in Quebec City

      January 15, 2018

      North America

      Pittsburgh City Guide

      November 17, 2017

      North America

      10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do…

      October 10, 2017

      North America

      “Oh Canada!”: Camping in Jasper National Park

      August 23, 2017

      South America

      10 things to do in Cartagena

      March 25, 2018

  • Travel Tips
  • About Me
Travel Tips

Holiday Travel Planning

by Michelle September 20, 2017
written by Michelle September 20, 2017

It’s officially fall…well, on Friday but close enough. It’s the season of pumpkin spice everything, cooler temperatures, and chunky scarves. As each remaining leaf falls we get closer and closer to the end of the year. If you travel for the holidays, now is the time to start thinking about purchasing flights. Check out my tips to better prepare for holiday travel.

Set up alerts. There are a number of sites and apps like Kayak and Hopper that track flight costs for desired dates and make recommendations for if to buy or wait. You can watch for date ranges or specific flights and book when ready.

Avoid peak travel dates. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the most popular travel day of the year. If you can, arrive on Tuesday or the day of Thanksgiving. Departing on Friday or Saturday will be cheaper than leaving on Sunday. Traveling on Christmas Day(whether departing or returning) will be more affordable as well.

Shop around. Check multiple flight search engine sites like Priceline or Expedia for the best price, shortest flight duration, and desired departure/return times. Some airlines don’t appear in flight search engines, so visit budget airlines’ direct sites.

Consider nearby airports. If prices for your home airport are too high, consider airports within a reasonable driving distance. If there is less demand from that airport, you could snag a cheaper flight.

Book early. The best time to purchase flights for the holidays can vary from site to site. But they all agree on one thing: book early. Read about when Skyscanner recommends booking for Thanksgiving and Christmas and NYE.

Be aware of fare options. Many airlines have introduced basic fares which only permit one personal item such as a purse or laptop bag and restrict carry-on luggage. Seat selection is also unavailable. Opt for standard economy or higher for hassle free travel.

Pack wisely. Packing a carry-on allows for more expedited travel. Your luggage is more likely to be lost during popular travel times if checked. For Christmas, have gifts delivered to your destination. Just tell your friends and family not to peek.

Get a ride to the airport. Increased airport parking fees and full lots can put a damper on your trip. Take public transportation or use a rideshare service to get to the airport.

Get to the airport early. Expect longer lines for kiosks, airline counters, and security checkpoints. There’s nothing worse than running through the airport while dragging your suitcase behind you.

Be patient. Like you, everyone is anxious about getting to their destination problem free and on time. Agents are more helpful if you are polite and understanding. As the saying goes, you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Michelle

previous post
“Oh Canada!”: Camping in Jasper National Park
next post
10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Vegas

You may also like

My 2020 Travel Goals

January 16, 2020

Trusted Traveler Programs Overview

February 2, 2018

How to Stop Being a Tourist

December 6, 2017

How to Prepare for a Long Flight

November 11, 2017

How to Plan a Camping Trip in Canada

July 26, 2017

My Favorite Travel Accessories

October 12, 2016

8 Tips for Introverts Traveling With Others

August 4, 2016

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

Categories

  • Europe
  • Expat Guide
  • Life in Estonia
  • North America
  • South America
  • Travel Tips

@2018 - PenciDesign. All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign


Back To Top

Read alsox

Trusted Traveler Programs Overview

February 2, 2018

8 Tips for Introverts Traveling With Others

August 4, 2016

How to Plan a Camping Trip in Canada

July 26, 2017