Taking off to spend your holiday away from home can be an exciting prospect, but the hassle of planning and making travel arrangements can quickly dampen the enthusiasm. Holiday travel is known to be challenging, but there are measures you can take to ease the process. Here are some tips for making your holiday travels less stressful!
1) Avoid Peak Travel Dates if You Can
The Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving and 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 have to travel on peak days, give yourself plenty of time to get to your flight or head out on the road.
2) 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 won’t have to worry about them getting lost. Plus, TSA reserves the right to unwrap and inspect all packages, which can be a real pain if you need to wrap them before traveling.
3) Pack Lightly
When traveling by plane, bringing only a carry-on bag is advisable to save money and stress in the long run. However, following the TSA protocols regarding liquids and gels is important. You can only carry liquids and gels in 3.4 ounces or smaller containers, which must be packed in a clear, quart-size plastic bag. If you need to carry more than that, you can buy what you need once you reach your destination or opt for checked luggage.
4) Check Your Route for Traffic or Construction
If you’re driving instead of flying, 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.
5) Bring Entertainment
Having some form of entertainment with you is important to make a long journey more enjoyable. Bring along a book, a movie, some snacks, or games to keep yourself occupied. If you’re driving, you can still entertain yourself with podcasts, audiobooks, or new music albums.
If you plan to travel to Roanoke Island this holiday season, consider staying at Island House Bed and Breakfast. A comfy bed & breakfast may be exactly what you need for your holiday vacation!
Our bed and breakfast is located in the charming village of Wanchese. We offer all the amenities you need to have a comfortable stay, including a library stocked with books and games, bedrooms equipped with entertainment systems to help you unwind from the holiday rush, and a delicious southern-style buffet breakfast served daily! We are conveniently located near all the popular Outer Banks attractions, ensuring you always have something to do during your stay.
Browse our reservation information online and contact us at (252)473-5619 with any questions or to learn more about our specials and holiday packages!