3 Tips to Ensure Stress-Free Thanksgiving Travel

Holiday travel can be stressful enough as it is: lugging children through airports, waiting / boarding / waiting/ flying to your destination, and being nice to those family members that aren't necessarily your favorites, but that you have to put up with, it being a family get-together, and all that. We can't do much about stressful families, but we do have some tips to make the travel part easier. And, it's only 3 tips to remember because ... you're stressed out enough, without more things to remember (don't forget to pack chargers for the kids tablets!)

1. Avoid Rushing to the Airport Last Minute

Yes, I know killing time at the gate is boring and children are restless; better to be early and waiting than frantically rush, speeding through traffic, and worrying if you'll make it on time. Give yourself time to account for traffic. Allow time to get through security—especially at holiday time, there is just more volume. And no, no one is going to let you cut the security line because you are running late. Allow yourself time to get to the concourse, find your gate, have a bathroom visit, and get a snack. And if you're waiting at the gate, prior to boarding, well, you will be secure with the knowledge that you won't miss your flight.

3. Bring a Carry-On.

If you are only staying over Thanksgiving weekend, do you really need a full-sized suitcase? No, you do not. NOT bringing a full-sized suitcase means saving time at check-in, saving baggage fees (huge bonus!) and saving time upon arrival, not having to wait for luggage. Roll your clothes, pack versatile tops & bottoms that you can re-wear, bring a single pair of all-purpose shoes (that you wear, when traveling.) Everyone totes their own carry-on.

2. Mind What You Bring Home.

Mmmm .... Thanksgiving leftovers. If you're lucky and there are any leftovers, if you're lucky and someone packs you a homemade lunch for the plane ride home, well then, you are lucky indeed. Just be mindful of what you are trying to get through security. Turkey sandwich? Probably ok. Cranberry sauce? Nope—counts as a "liquid." Not sure what will pass through security and what won't? Good news for you — the TSA has a mobile app. Download their app (do it now!) then you can easily check, right there on your phone, what's acceptable and what's likely to be confiscated and tossed.

There you go! Three easy tips to ensure you have a safe and carefree holiday trip. Enjoy your travels and be nice to your family; it's only a few days.

You've missed your window to book a cheap flight for this year. (Although, we are happy to book an expensive flight for you, if you've decided lasts minute that you have to go.) Want to travel next year? NOW is the time to start planning that. Let's talk!

(443) 852-1330 or (443) 306-7646