With Thanksgiving approaching, it is time to start thinking about holiday travel. Traveling to see family and friends can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be stressful. Whether you are taking a road trip or boarding a plane, it pays to prepare in advance for a safe and pleasant experience.
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for airlines. In fact, the FAA’s busiest day of the year is December 22nd, with nearly a quarter of all flights scheduled for that day. But this doesn’t mean you should be overly anxious. Instead, be prepared for some heavy traffic and delays. Keep your seatbelt on and make sure to pack extra food and water. If you plan to drive, keep a close eye on local weather and construction updates.
For many Americans, the holidays are a time to reconnect with friends and relatives. However, these reunions may be cut short if you have to deal with traffic and the inevitable long lines at airports. So, how can you avoid these frustrations?
Taking advantage of the early bird discount is the easiest way to save money on flights. Buying your tickets ahead of time is also a good idea. While you’re waiting to buy, check out hotel and airline discounts that can make your travel experience more affordable.
Besides buying your flights before the holidays, you should also prepare a holiday travel kit. This includes a first aid kit, personal medications, and items to help you make the most of your trip. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your boarding pass on your phone so you can get in and out of the airport as quickly and easily as possible.
When you travel, you are exposed to a variety of diseases. There are infectious diseases that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. You’ll want to make sure you take the necessary steps to prevent these illnesses, such as getting vaccinated against the flu and RSV.
Aside from flying, a majority of travelers will use their vehicles to get around. AAA forecasts that 112 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday season. That number is up 3.6 million from last year.
Travel by air will be up by 14%, while other modes will rise by 11%. Most long-distance trips are by car, but a small percentage will take place by train, bus, or cruise ship.
The CDC offers travel health information on its webpages, including information on what vaccines are required to get to each destination. Many travel websites also offer tips for staying healthy while you’re traveling, such as what to do if you have a cold or other respiratory disease.
The NHTS (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has a useful table that highlights selected characteristics of Thanksgiving travelers. Though it doesn’t list the most important thing, it is a good starting point for those looking for an informative summary of the holiday season.