There’s nothing quite like the chaos and charm of holiday travel season with airports buzzing, playlists blasting, coffee cups in hand, and that mix of excitement and mild panic that only December can deliver. It’s one of the best times to explore new cities, visit family, or finally take that winter getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
But let’s be real, traveling this holiday season can also test your patience. Between packed airports, traffic jams, and flight delays, the chaos is real. The good news? With the right prep (and a few insider hacks), you can keep the stress low and the holiday spirit high.
So whether you’re traveling by car, hopping on a plane, or taking the scenic route with stops along the way, these travel tips will help make your trip smoother, cheaper, and way more enjoyable.
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16 Tips For Traveling During Holidays
How To Save Money On Holiday Travel
Book Your Trip Early
The best way to save on holiday travel? Plan ahead. Flights and hotels get more expensive the closer you get to December, so aim to book flights at least 2–3 months in advance. Use flexible date searches to compare prices, and don’t forget to clear your cookies or use incognito mode when booking (those sneaky price increases are real!).
Be Flexible With Dates
If your schedule allows, shift your travel by just a day or two. It can make a huge difference in cost and crowds. Flying on Christmas Eve or early on New Year’s Eve if you holiday plans allow it can sometimes save you hundreds. Same goes for hitting the road early if you’re traveling by car; you’ll skip most of the traffic and actually enjoy the drive.
Use Price Alerts
Set up price alerts on Google Flights or apps like Hopper to track deals automatically. This is a good idea year-round but especially during the holidays when fares change by the hour. The second you spot a price drop, grab it. Hesitation is not your friend this season!
How To Prepare For Holiday Travel
Make A Packing List
Holiday travel is hectic enough without realizing you forgot your charger or your favorite sweater. A packing list keeps you sane, especially if you’re juggling gifts too. Pro tip: keep a separate small bag for essentials like headphones, snacks, and your credit card so they’re always within reach.
Related: How To Pack For Winter Travel
Plan For Delays
Even the best-laid plans can hit a snag. Pack patience (and snacks), and always have a backup plan. Bring a book or download your favorite shows, and keep essentials like a toothbrush, charger, and clean shirt in your checked bag and your carry-on just in case your luggage goes on an adventure without you.
Check Your Travel Documents
Before you even leave for the airport, make sure your ID, passport (if needed), and travel documents are up to date. Print or save digital copies of confirmations and boarding passes. And if you’re driving, make sure your driver’s license and insurance info are current. Nothing kills travel joy faster than a last-minute document panic.
When Is The Best Time To Book Holiday Flights
For most travelers, the best time to book flights for Christmas or New Year’s is mid-October to early November (at a minimum). Prices tend to spike right after that. If you’re a super planner, start watching fares as early as September so you can pounce when prices dip.
Another insider trick? Look at flying out on Tuesday or Wednesday and returning midweek after the holiday, those are often the cheapest (and least chaotic) travel days.
How to Handle Holiday Airport Crowds
Arrive Early
Airports are packed during the holidays, and lines move at a snail’s pace. Give yourself extra time (yes, even more than you think) so you can grab a latte instead of sprinting to your gate. I’ve done that before and trust me, it’s not as exciting as it sounds.
Use TSA PreCheck or Clear
This is honestly the best gift you can give yourself if you travel often. Skipping those security lines feels like winning the holiday jackpot. We ended up signing up for Global Entry since we travel abroad so much, and it actually included TSA PreCheck with it which has been a lifesaver many times.
Keep Snacks and Essentials Handy
Between long waits and delayed flights, you’ll thank yourself for packing snacks and a water bottle. Keep your charger, headphones, and credit card in an easy-to-reach spot, too.
Related: Airport Tips
How to Travel With Gifts
Ship Gifts Ahead of Time
If you’re traveling with presents, skip the stress of lugging them through security (TSA can and will unwrap them). Instead, ship them directly to your destination or order online for local delivery. It saves space in your suitcase and keeps your checked bag under the weight limit.
Don’t Wrap Gifts Before You Fly
If you do bring gifts, leave them unwrapped. Airport security may need to inspect them, so pack wrapping paper or gift bags separately. It’s one of those holiday-specific travel tips that’ll save you frustration at TSA.
Go for E-Gifts
Gift cards, experiences, or digital presents mean zero packing, no wrapping, and no stress. Bonus, they can’t get lost in transit.
How To Avoid Stress While Traveling
Leave Early (Seriously)
Whether it’s getting to the airport or hitting the road, give yourself extra time. The worst feeling is watching your flight board as you’re still in the TSA line. Aim to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three for international. If you’re driving, map out an alternate route ahead of time in case of traffic.
Pack Snacks and Stay Hydrated
Airport food lines are no joke during the holidays. Bring your own snacks and refillable water bottle so you’re not hangry at 30,000 feet. Toss in hydration packets to beat that dry cabin air. Your skin (and mood) will thank you.
Charge Everything (Twice)
A portable charger is a must. Between e-tickets, maps, and playlists, your phone battery won’t last long. Charge your devices the night before and keep a backup charger handy for peace of mind.
What Is The Most Traveled Holiday Of The Year
It’s probably no surprise, Thanksgiving takes the crown as the most traveled holiday in the U.S. Millions of people hit the road or take to the skies for turkey, football, and family time. This means the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving can get pretty crazy on the roads and at the airport.
But Christmas and New Year’s aren’t far behind! Airports see some of their longest lines and highest passenger numbers during that week, so plan ahead and expect crowds wherever you go.
Holiday travel doesn’t have to feel like a survival game. With the right prep, flexibility, and a few clever strategies you can actually enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Whether you’re flying across the country, driving to visit family, or chasing sunshine somewhere warm, these tips will help you get there stress-free and in good spirits.
If you’re already dreaming up your next adventure, check out my post on dream vacation destinations for even more travel inspiration.
And if you need more travel inspo (or want to see where I’m off to next), follow along on Instagram @sierrainthecity, I’ll be sharing more travel tips and destination ideas all season long!
More Holiday Season Travel Resources:
