Christmas and New Years are just around the corner. People all across the country will be traveling, and that means the airports and roads are going to be busy! There’s no need to stress though. We’ve got a list of holiday travel tips that will help you get down here to beautiful Fort Myers Beach without too much chaos. Keep reading for Sea Gypsy Vacation Rentals‘ tips for traveling this holiday season.
1. Travel at Off-Peak Times.
If possible, try to travel on off-peak days, and travel early or late in the day. If flying, consider departing on the actual holiday, as most people will have left the day before. The airport will likely still be busy, but not as bad. Traveling at odd times, such as early in the morning or late at night can also help you avoid the longest lines. In addition, flight statistics show that planes traveling earlier in the day have a better on-time performance. If you’re driving, the best time to hit the road is when others are sleeping, so again early in the morning or late at night. You can always take a nap at your destination, or if you have a second driver, you can switch off.
2. Head to the Airport Early.
During the holiday season, you’re almost sure to see extra long lines at the airport. Checking your bags will take extra time, and so will going through security. There’s nothing more stressful than feeling like you might miss your flight because you’re stuck in a line. Plan on arriving at the airport extra early. Even if you get there and the lines are surprisingly short, you can relax at the gate knowing that you aren’t going to miss your flight. If you’re planning to park at the airport, consider getting an advance parking reservation.
3. Be Prepared for Delays.
Whether you are flying or driving to your destination, be prepared for delays. Holiday traffic on the roads or flight delays could have you waiting around a lot. Bring snacks, water, music, books, etc. to keep you entertained in case you get stuck somewhere for an extended period of time. Be sure to have your phone fully charged as well so you can communicate with friends and family about any delays.
4. Ship Your Gifts.
If you’re going to be flying to your destination for the holidays, you’re better off shipping your gifts instead of bringing them with you. Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc. can deliver your gifts to your destination and then you can wrap them once you arrive. This is much easier than dragging all that stuff on your flight with you. If you do travel with gifts, don’t wrap them, as security may unwrap them to take a peak at what’s inside. Be sure to pad and pack the gifts carefully in your suitcase, as those bags get tossed around a lot. When flying internationally, be sure to check any rules of bringing food or other items that might be confiscated.
5. Remember to Breathe.
Travel can be stressful, especially during the holidays. Remember to breathe, and be nice to people. They’re likely just as stressed as you. If things don’t go as planned, try to stay calm. Losing your temper is not going to help the situation. Airline employees don’t usually respond well to anger, and you could end up making the situation worse. Whatever the issue, it will likely make for a great story later!
No matter what happens during your travels this holiday season, just keep the end in mind. Eventually you’ll be out of the cold and relaxing on the soft sugary sand under the beautiful Florida sun! Sea Gypsy Vacation Rentals is the place to stay this season, we’ve got just a couple of Fort Myers Beach vacation homes left for Christmas and New Year, so call to book today if you haven’t already! Happy Holidays!
