While travel can be fun, rewarding, and even life-changing, it can also be very stressful for many people. Traveling during a busy season, such as summer or around winter breaks, can add more pressure. If you are traveling this holiday season, there are several tips to keep in mind to help make your journey as smooth as possible.

List Of Tips For Flights Around The Holidays

Let’s jump right into some tips to help travelers prepare for their journeys during the winter.

Give yourself plenty of time

Travel is subject to delays, regardless of whether you travel by car, train, or plane. There can be technical issues (like we saw with Southwest Airlines at the beginning of the year), bad weather, or a delay from one part of the country that creates a domino effect. You also want to give yourself plenty of time to get to and from your destination. Plan for long lines to get through security, check luggage, and even get to and from destinations.

Fly early

If you can take the first flight out, go for it. Flying early might be a hassle and have more crowds, but it’s also less likely to get delayed due to a problem at another destination. Plus, you’ll have more time at your destination.

Sign up for alerts

Alerts can help you plan or readjust your travels, especially if you can move a connecting flight ahead of time. Most travel apps from airlines will keep you updated, but signing up for text and email alerts is a good idea. I’ve had the unfortunate experience of being on an international flight and finding out via a text alert that my connecting flight was canceled. Because I knew this before we landed, I was able to get a jump on moving my flights before it was too late.

Shop around

Everyone wants to save money on flights, especially around the holidays. When booking flights, take some time to check the surrounding airports in your intended destination. Sometimes, you’ll find special deals at smaller airports. It is also worth checking if flying one-way instead of roundtrip is cheaper. If you can, play around with the dates of travel as well. You’ll find that some days leading up to Christmas will be much more expensive than others.

Consider trip insurance

Because this time of year is more unpredictable, thanks to more people and various weather conditions, you may want to invest in an insurance policy. Consider if/what kind of coverage you need, and ensure it’s covered. For instance, check for weather coverage if traveling somewhere in harsh conditions. Checking for illness coverage is also a good idea, as more people tend to be ill this time of year.

Travel with only carry-on luggage

Traveling with only one carry-on bag isn’t possible for everyone, but if you can swing it, you can forgo long check-in lines and head straight to security. You also won’t have to wait around for your bags to arrive. Plus, you don’t have to worry about luggage getting stuck somewhere if you have several connecting flights.

How Can You Prepare For Delays And Cancellations?

Preparing for delays and cancelations is not fun, but it can save you should an unexpected event occur. One way to prepare is to store all of your trip information in one place, like in your notes app or somewhere else that is easily accessible and doesn’t require the internet to find.

Keep phone numbers, emails, and social media handles on hand to get a jump on contacting airlines. It’s also a good idea to brush up on policies for delays and cancellations, especially if you are traveling abroad.

How Early Should You Get To The Airport?

If you are flying domestically, aim to be at the airport at least two hours before takeoff. Many domestic flights begin boarding 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

If you fly internationally, you should aim to be there three hours before departure. Boarding on international flights usually begins an hour before the departure time. You may also check the airport’s website to gauge estimated security times to help you better understand what to expect at the airport.

Where Should You Pack Wrapped Gifts?

While TSA does allow you to travel with wrapped gifts, if anything looks suspicious, they may ask you to unwrap the package. If they end up unwrapping a gift, don’t expect it to get rewrapped. You may place wrapped gifts in your checked luggage (just be sure it doesn’t contain any prohibited items) to avoid any hassle during the security process.

But, if you are trying to save time and money and only want to travel with a carry-on, consider wrapping your gifts after you travel or placing the gifts in a gift box or gift bag that makes it easy to remove.

List Of Tips For Car Travel Around The Holidays

If you travel by car during the holiday season, there are a few things to remember. Here are a couple of tips for any holiday road trips:

Map out your journey

Planning out your route beforehand can help you avoid unnecessary toll roads and prepare you for closures or construction projects. It’s also a great idea to have stops planned along the way. Having a set of predetermined stops helps you stay motivated and can relieve stress about finding a service station. You may also want to share this itinerary with a trusted friend or family member.

Download apps ahead of time

Don’t wait until you’re on the road to download or try out a new app to help you navigate. Practice driving with the apps before your trip starts so you’ll be used to the system.

Prepare your vehicle for rough weather

Before any road trip, you should inspect your vehicle to ensure it is safe and ready for your journey. However, you’ll need to make extra inspections for driving in the winter months. Check your car to ensure you’ve got everything you need should you get caught in a snowstorm or other cold weather.

Keep wrapped gifts out of sight

Finally, don’t keep wrapped gifts where others can easily spot them. Try to pack your items so that they are hidden. You don’t want to show that you’re traveling with plenty of valuable goods.

Summary

Traveling during the holidays can be excellent as you can see places decorated and ready for the season’s traditions. It’s also a chance to see places in a new light. However, many people travel during this time of year. Therefore, it is wise to set a few plans before you take your journey.

Travel can be the best therapy to deal with the struggle of daily life, at least for a few days. This holiday season, plan your travel itinerary by including these highly sought-after popular tourist destinations across the globe. Remember to cover yourself and your family with international travel insurance.

With the holidays coming up soon, many of the globetrotters would have started gearing up for their next adventure. When you wish to travel internationally, planning the journey isn’t a easy task. But buying the best international travel insurance, packing your favourite clothes, and making a list of things that you want to do are some of the easy things. Many of us, however, are not so quick when it comes to choosing the destination. Sometimes, picking the right travel destination can be tricky. But worry not, we have it all covered.

Here are the 7 best places to travel during the holiday season in 2024! Delve into this specially curated list featuring the finest destinations to explore!

• Maldives

The warm beach setup of Maldives is a great choice to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The picture-perfect view of Maldives may tempt you for more than one visit. It is also one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations due to its soothing scenic beauty. Water adventure sports like snorkelling and scuba diving are a few to mention. From underwater oozing hotels to floating resorts and bungalows with sea views is an excursion worth craving again. Be it with your friends, family, or spouse, the Maldives trip cannot be regretted.

• Niagara Falls

The hiking trails with jaw-dropping scenic terrains of Niagara Falls are a must-have destination when it comes to a USA travel itinerary. The mesmerising natural wonder shows a misty fog when the water from Niagara River falls at a speed of around 30mph. You may enjoy the scenic beauty for hours without being tired. Hop on a minivan or a two-seater and go for a trip around the location to enjoy every bit of it.

• The Statue of Liberty

One of the most popular travel destinations is The Statue of Liberty. The symbolic statue of the US represents freedom and liberty for the people of the country. Situated on the Harbour Island of New York City, the statue was once the tallest of its kind. Except for Christmas Day, the Statue and Ellis Island is open around the year. You can witness the enormous statue closely by travelling by boat from New York or New Jersey.

• Northern Lights

Popularly known as Aurora Borealis or Aurora, Northern Lights is one of the wonders worth witnessing. It is a spectacular atmospheric phenomenon that looks dazzling, and the lights seem dancing. Viewers get lost in the mesmerising beauty of the Northern Lights, and it is nothing less than a lifetime memory. Aurora is visible from a number of places like the Arctic region, Canada, Norway, Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Siberia, and Scotland.

• Burj Khalifa

One of the recently hyped international travel destinations is Burj Khalifa. Being the tallest building in the world with a height of 828 metres, Burj Khalifa has become the iconic symbol of Dubai. It is impossible to wind up a Dubai trip without witnessing the sturdy Burj Khalifa. The 163-floor building of Burj Khalifa is located next to the popular Dubai Mall and surrounded by city lights. When you are planning a trip to an international destination, remember to complete your preparation with international travel insurance.

• Big Ben

Big Ben in the United Kingdom is among the tallest buildings in the world and is also a popular tourist attraction. The cast iron dials of the clock make it look beautiful in the dusky light of the sun. Not just a travel destination, Big Ben has also been a popular spot for film shooting.

• Go Local
  India is highly underrated when it comes to travelling and doesn’t really get much of the due credit. From deserts to rainforests, from untouched beaches to mysterious valleys, you’ll be in for many overwhelming experiences if you plan to cherish the local places in India. Along with a wealth of natural beauty, you can enjoy the warm hospitality of your own countrymen, even in the most remote corners.
• Trek the Himalayas
  Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Enjoy breathtaking sceneries as you scale some of the most sought-after terrains across the world.
• Munnar
  Want a holiday that conjures your mind? Then Munnar is the place for you. A manicured tea garden, tranquil backwaters and enchanting forests will soothe your soul.
• Andaman Islands
  While the ideal time is from October to May, you can visit these beautiful islands anytime you want! Beach excursions, sightseeing and water sports, there’s so much to do!

Travel insurance: A must-have document

International travel insurance is the protective cushion that protects you against travel distress and mishaps. Insurance companies offer  different types of travel insurance as per your needs. If you are a student, travelling to study overseas and explore different locations getting travel insurance for students, which is specifically designed to cater to the needs of a student in a foreign land, is a good idea. From loss of belongings to medical emergencies, travel insurance covers all these to ensure you have an exciting and peaceful trip. So, next time you plan a trip to an international destination, make sure to get international travel insurance.

Conclusion

Travelling is therapeutic and helps you regain the lost energy due to the chaos of life. Travel plans with family or friends can be quite relaxing, and one must try to find this escape occasionally. As a student, you may also make travel plans with your friends or family. Wherever you go, make sure you go with a travel insurance plan.

International travel insurance is a mandate for tourists in many foreign countries. It offers you the much-needed assistance in case of mishaps in a foreign land. Your luggage and documents are quintessential belongings, and losing any of these can be distressing. This is why you need travel insurance to ensure your overall safety. Travel insurance for students offers comprehensive coverage so they can have a safe stay in a foreign country until they complete their course.

Are you finally set to travel to Bali, a holiday destination that’s been on your bucket list for long? With the sunscreens and the sarongs, there’s more you need to pay heed to while packing your bags for Bali. A packing list will help you double-check and avoid any last-minute mishaps. And since shopping in Bali is half the fun of the holiday, you will need to keep some space in your bag to bring back some Bali keepsakes and gifts for your loved ones.

Here are 7 tips to help you pack like a pro for Bali:

1. Make a packing list

Write down everything you need to bring and check it off as you go. This will help you avoid forgetting anything important. Only pack the number of items needed to cover the duration of your trip, to avoid overpacking. If you need something, you can easily explore the Bali markets for inexpensive but beautiful items. Visit the Ubud Art Market, a crowd favourite for handwoven bags or baskets, silk scarves and Balinese souvenirs. But if you are looking for familiar brands like Dolce & Gabbana, head to Kuta Beachwalk. Other than this, there are many malls and supermarkets where you can buy all your necessities like toiletries, water and snacks.

2. Pack versatile clothing

Bring clothing that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. This allows you to travel much lighter than you realize. Pack clothes according to the spots you intend to visit. While casual clothing and swimwear work for beaches and most other places, you might need something a little fancy for a high-end club or resort. Also, remember to pack a long dress or a long-sleeved shirt for temple visits. Hindu temples like Tanah Lot, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, or the Elephant Cave, require you to cover your knees and shoulders before entering. Carrying a sarong works for the beach and also for covering up your shorts at the temples. It is always best to respect local practices and cultures by keeping such things in mind while traveling.

3. Use organizing hacks

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help save a lot of space and prevent wrinkles on your clothing. Packing cubes will help you organize your luggage and prevent a mess every time you need to unpack. These organizing cubes come in many sizes and shapes to help save space.

4. Avoid heavy items

Keep out the heavy books and items that will have you paying for extra weight on the flight! If you want to read, go digital, and for everything else, you can always shop in Bali. If you intend to backpack, packing light is even more important. You can also just shop for inexpensive lightweight clothing in beautiful tropical colours and prints in most places you visit in Bali.

5. Pack for the weather

Check the weather forecast for the month you plan to travel. This will help you pack accordingly. The temperatures run high between April and September, so pack as light as possible. Traveling between November and April, you will need an umbrella or raincoat to brave the wet season. Don’t forget your sunblock and a pair of sunglasses no matter the weather. And if you plan on hiking to spots like Mount Batur, don’t forget to bring along a sturdy pair of boots that are already broken in. This tip helps you avoid hurting your ankle or getting any cuts from new boots on your holiday.

6. Pack essentials in your carry-on

Keep your essentials like passport, travel documents, and medication in your hand luggage. Any expensive items like jewelry should be kept on you as well. Keeping them in checked-in luggage puts you at risk of losing them in case the airlines lose or misplace your luggage (which happens more often than anyone wants). We recommend leaving them at home and instead exploring the artsy shops around areas like Seminyak, Badung, and Ubud where locals sell unique jewelry designs.

7. Leave some space in your luggage

Don’t stuff your suitcase or bag to the brim just because you can. With some light packing, you will have room to bring back souvenirs and other items you might pick up on your trip.

Unlike Santa, we do not have a sleigh to easily travel about at Christmastime, but luckily there are a few simple ways to make holiday travel much more easy.

Christmas is meant to be a time to put your feet up and relax, but travelling during the holidays can sometimes make you dread the festive season.

Whether you are driving, taking a train or flying, this time of year is incredibly busy and it can be easy for things to go wrong if you are rushed or do not prepare.

Geoff Whitmore, a travelling journalist and expert, has shared his best tips for stress-free Christmas travelling so you can get to your loved ones as efficiently as possible this festive period.

He wrote: “Traveling during a busy season, such as summer or around winter breaks, can add more pressure.

“If you are travelling this holiday season, there are several tips to keep in mind to help make your journey as smooth as possible.”

Be prepared in advance and arrive early

It is common sense to always leave early to travel no matter the occasion, but during Christmas is it even more essential as airports, train stations, and roads will be extremely busy. Plan your travel well in advance, pack days in advance and have a list of everything you need checked off the morning you are to leave.

Geoff wrote: “Travel is subject to delays, regardless of whether you travel by car, train, or plane. There can be technical issues (like we saw with Southwest Airlines at the beginning of the year), bad weather, or a delay from one part of the country that creates a domino effect.”

Sign up for alerts

Having a travel app for whatever your transportation is will help keep you updated on the latest traffic and weather information. It can help you stay informed about delays at the last possible moment, so be sure to download a road, train, or airport app or sign up for text or email alerts.

Geoff added: “I’ve had the unfortunate experience of being on an international flight and finding out via a text alert that my connecting flight was cancelled. Because I knew this before we landed, I was able to get a jump on moving my flights before it was too late.”

Shop around

If possible, avoid travelling during the peak dates over Christmas, as not only will it be busier but it will likely be much more expensive, so try to avoid travelling the few days leading up to Christmas if you can. Also try to think outside the box when booking, as going to the biggest airport or train station in your area will likely be much more packed.

Geoff explained: “When booking flights, take some time to check the surrounding airports in your intended destination. Sometimes, you’ll find special deals at smaller airports. It is also worth checking if flying one-way instead of roundtrip is cheaper.

Travel with only carry-on luggage

Take time to consider packing and try to pack lightly if you can. This is not always possible if you are bringing Christmas presents, but if you can have them delivered through post or order online it will make travelling much more convenient, especially for those travelling by plane.

Geoff wrote: “Traveling with only one carry-on bag isn’t possible for everyone, but if you can swing it, you can forgo long check-in lines and head straight to security. You also won’t have to wait around for your bags to arrive.”