The idea of spending your holiday away from home always sounds great at first, at least until you start having to think about travel arrangements. Holiday traveling is notoriously difficult. Thankfully, though, there are ways to make it easier. Here’s how:
Avoid peak travel dates if you can
The Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving, as well as the days just before Christmas and New Year’s are considered the peak holiday travel times. It’s best to avoid traveling on these days if you can, opting for a few days before, or (in the case of Thanksgiving) even the day-of. However, this isn’t possible for everyone, so if you do have to travel on peak days, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to your flight.
Ship your gifts
If you’re traveling within the same country, shipping your gifts is often easier than taking them with you on the flight. You’ll save on luggage, and you won’t have to worry about them getting lost. Plus, TSA reserves the right to unwrap and inspect all packages, something that can be a real pain if you need to wrap them before traveling.
Pack lightly
If you can, bring only a carry-on bag if you’re traveling by plane. This will save you money and stress in the long run. However, just make sure you’re following TSA protocols when it comes to liquids and gels. You can bring liquids and gels in 3.4-ounce or smaller containers that are packed within a quart-size, clear plastic bag. If you need more than that, then you can either buy what you need when you get to your destination, or bring checked luggage.
Check your route for traffic or construction
If you’re driving instead of flying, then you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the route. This means checking up on usual traffic times and any road closures due to construction. While your GPS may be aware of these issues and reroute you, there’s always the chance that your GPS is not up to date, so examine your route closely to see what you’re in for.
Bring entertainment
This is going to be a long journey (literally), and what will make it worse is if you’re bored throughout the whole thing. Instead, bring some entertainment along, such as a book, a movie, snacks, games, etc. Even if you’re driving, you can entertain yourself with podcasts, audiobooks, or new music albums.
Are you planning on traveling to Roanoke this holiday season? Then consider staying at Island House of Wanchese. A comfy bed & breakfast may be exactly what you need for your holiday vacation. Give us a call or book your reservation today to get started!