Travelling during the holidays? 9 Ways to skip the stress and enjoy your Christmas vacation

When you’re travelling during the holidays, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a movie, rushing through the airport to the tune of a chaotic Christmas song.  

Travelling during the holidays requires patience and planning. As one of the busiest times of year, it can be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle—with luggage to pack, tickets to book and family to wrangle, you might start to wonder if your Christmas in the sand or trip across the country is worth it.  

When you need help to get through the holiday shuffle, we’ve got your back. Here are nine tips to make travelling around the holidays smooth as a fresh blanket of snow.  

Book everything in advance

Snag seats on your flights as early as possible. However, that doesn’t mean grabbing the first tickets you see—prices for the same flights will fluctuate based on demand, so check in periodically. If you set up price alerts well in advance, you’ll be notified when the tickets drop within your budget.  

Reserve your airport parking spot online to save yourself the pre-flight rush. Services like Park’N Fly—save 10 per cent off the already discounted rate when booking online—allow you to do this hassle-free. If you’re planning to drive around when you reach your destination, don’t forget to book your rental car ahead of time to avoid getting stranded.  

Flight and car booked? Don't relax yet! Reserve your spot at restaurants and other attractions you plan to visit, and double-check the holiday opening hours to avoid last-minute disappointments.  

Choose your flight carefully

A little extra thought when selecting your flight can save you a headache later on. If possible, choose a direct flight to minimize the risk of mix-ups and delays. No direct flights from your local hub? Consider driving to an alternative airport outside of town to expand your options.  

Flying smart also means hunting for savings. Some airlines offer holiday flight packages that allow you to bundle and save, providing more value for your money with added perks. How about those points you forgot you’ve been collecting? When budgets are tight and expenses can pile up, holiday travel is the perfect time to cash in.  

Allow extra time

Think you can just squeak through security 30 minutes before your flight? So do the hundreds of people lined up in front of you. Allowing extra time for your travels will make your journey smoother and less stressful.  

Snowy roads? You have the time to drive slowly and carefully. Delayed at customs? There’s plenty of buffer. Flight lands late? You're not rushing to your first activity at your destination. Allowing yourself a cushion will reduce stress and enhance your overall experience. 

Make the most of flight delays

Even with the best planning, delays can happen—especially during the busy holiday season. CAA Delay Pass offers complimentary access to an airport lounge or similar when your flight is delayed by 60 minutes or more. That way, you can avoid crowds and turn a late flight into an opportunity to pamper yourself.  

Travel on off days

The best way to save while also avoiding crowds is to travel on off days. Instead of booking that Friday night flight, consider travelling on a weekday to beat the rush. You could even take some advice from Christmas with the Kranks and travel on one of the slowest days of the year—Christmas Day. Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day will also be quiet in the airport.  

This year, the busiest travel days include December 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 and January 2 and 3.  

Pack smart

No one wants to feel like Santa carting a huge bag of stuff across the globe. Conscientious packing will free you to enjoy your trip without too much luggage weighing you down.  

If you’re bringing gifts, you’re better off shipping them to your destination rather than trying to take them on the plane—but if that’s not possible, pack them in your carry-on. They'll be more secure, plus if your checked luggage is delayed, those carefully chosen gifts will still arrive at your loved ones in time. However, if you have any liquid food items, like a large bottle of perfume, they will need to be checked. When packing gifts, leave them unwrapped for a smooth security screening process.  

Prepare before you hit the road

Planning to skip the flight altogether? Driving can save you money and stress, but with you behind the wheel, it’s important to be strategic. Holiday traffic can make you feel like Buddy the Elf on an odyssey through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, but leaving on a weekday will save you time idling in traffic. Having plans for alternate routes can also help you escape holiday jams.  

Before you go, get your winter tires installed and take your car in for a tune-up. No one wants to spend precious hours on the side of the road when they could be relaxing or visiting with family, so get everything in top shape before you start your journey.  

Bring entertainment

Delays? No problem. Download movies, bring a book or a small game to keep you occupied while waiting on the tarmac or sitting in traffic. A Christmas movie or a seasonal read is the perfect way to pass the time, and you could even put together some holiday trivia to keep things interesting while you wait. With the right attitude, a delay is just an opportunity for festive fun. 

Be merry

The number one way to have a positive travel experience during the holidays is to be kind to staff and other travellers. The holidays are about spreading joy, and you can bring the holiday cheer that we all need during a stressful time. Everyone around you will have a brighter day after interacting with you, and your trip will be more fun if you take things in stride.  

Book with a travel consultant

When you have gifts to buy, food to cook, and family to wrangle, planning your trip can be a daunting task. A CAA Travel Consultant can help you with all your essentials, like getting travel insurance, reserving a rental car or finding you a guided tour or cruise—which can include holiday-themed trips! Book an appointment to get started.  

*CAA Premier® Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date) or other CAA Members in good standing can access this service when they purchase an eligible vacation package (including air), tour, cruise, Together. Groups by CAA Travel departure, or flight through CAA North & East Ontario travel agency. Eligible tours and cruises are listed here https://caaneo.ca/travel/partners/. Hotel, rail, travel insurance, and car rental purchases do not qualify for CAA Delay Pass benefits. CAA Premier Members can access CAA Delay Pass benefits at any time if they are in good standing. Other CAA Members can access CAA Delay Pass for up to 12 months from the final payment date on their eligible travel purchase. Eligibility is subject to change without notice. CAA Delay Pass is carried out on behalf of CAA North & East Ontario by Collinson Service Solutions Limited, Cutlers Exchange, 123 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7BU. Visit caaneo.ca/caa-delay-pass-terms for details.