For most Americans, the winter holiday season is a magical time of year where friends and family come together to celebrate, eat delicious food and enjoy each other’s company. And while being home for the holidays is certainly something to commemorate, getting there can be a stress-filled nightmare. From overbooked flights to hours spent sitting in traffic, there’s no shortage of unwelcome surprises waiting around the corner.

Whether you’re flying across the country or taking your family on a short road trip, there are plenty of useful holiday travel tips that can save you time, money and frustration. Keep in mind, the holiday travel season is the busiest time of year – a projected 112.5 million Americans hit the road or runway in 2018 alone, according to estimates by the American Automobile Association. With so many people traveling at the same time, it’s bound to get messy at some point during your trip. So before you set out on your next holiday commute, be sure to consider these five simple holiday travel tips for reducing stress and preserving your sanity:

1. Book your flight early to save time and money

Travel planning is never easy, but the sooner you start finalizing your transportation arrangements the better. According to airline data compiled by AAA, the best window for booking holiday flights starts on Sept. 25 and runs through Oct. 25. During this month-long time frame, you can usually find exceptional deals and availability that are well suited to your budget and individual travel plans, with the average ticket price falling around $491 on average.

Generally speaking, the longer you wait to book your flight, the fewer discount options will be available. While last-minute travelers may be able to secure decent seating in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas, landing the best deals often requires a bit of proactivity.

2. Avoid peak travel days

Never underestimate how much time you can waste hunting for an airport parking spot, standing in security lines and waiting around for checked bags. While it’s true that long lines aren’t entirely avoidable during the holiday rush, there are often lulls in foot traffic you may be able to take advantage of. This year, the Transportation Security Administration projects that more than 26.8 million passengers will travel through security screening checkpoints between Nov. 22 and Dec. 2, with the Wednesday before Thanksgiving seeing 2.7 million passengers in a single day.

One easy way to avoid a crowded airport is to book a flight that takes off on the holiday itself. Although traveling on Christmas or Thanksgiving might not be ideal, it can keep you from having to stand in long lines before and after your flight. If you’re planning to travel by car, it may be beneficial to head out before (or after) the Christmas season’s peak travel days, which typically stretch from Dec. 20 to Dec. 24.

3. Travel as light as possible

One of the best ways to cut down on holiday travel expenses and save time at the airport is to pack light. Ideally, you’ll want to keep checked bags to a minimum and fit as much into your family’s carry-on bags as possible. This can not only help reduce your overall airfare, it can also prevent you from standing around the luggage carousel for hours after you’ve landed.

Although there is less than a 1% chance your luggage will be misplaced by a major airline, according to an Air Travel Consumer Report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, it’s important to consider how a lost bag may impact your holiday. If you’re bringing gifts along, it’s always a good idea to store them in your carry-on bags, along with any personal items you can’t live without.

4. Anticipate travel delays

Even if your travel planning goes off without a hitch, your holiday commute can still be slowed or halted by flight delays and inclement weather. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, more than 19% of U.S. flights were delayed by at least 15 minutes in 2018, while outright cancellations totaled 99,093 in that same year. Although there isn’t much you can do to avoid weather patterns and airline cancellations, there are a few travel tips that can keep you one step ahead.

While most airlines allow you to check in online and print your boarding passes at self-service kiosks, speaking with a representative directly can give you a stronger idea about possible delays. Arriving at the airport early may allow you to switch flights or secure last-minute seating at a later time, which can prevent you from being stranded with no alternatives.

5. Don’t forget to plan your return trip

When planning for holiday travel it’s easy to forget the return trip, but an uncomfortable flight or car ride home can be incredibly stressful. The first few days after Christmas are often just as busy for airports and highways as the week leading up, so it may be useful to extend your stay by an extra day or two. However, it’s important to keep in mind that New Year’s brings along a whole new wave of holiday commuters to contend with – if you’re planning on driving back after the holidays, be sure to stay alert and cautious behind the wheel.

Planning a trip with your pup? Give these dog car safety tips your attention before you travel

Is there anything more fun than a road trip with your pet? Not really, unless your dog suffers from travel sickness or is car shy. That aside, though, taking a happy pet on a comfortable car ride to somewhere exciting has got to be one of our favorite activities as dog owners.

Before you go, it’s important to be hot on dog car safety so you can ensure you have everything you need and know how to support your pup in transit. Whether you’re going for a day trip or a dog-friendly vacation, read our top dog car safety tips to ensure your pooch gets a smooth ride.

Car safety tips for driving with your dog

1. Take regular breaks

Just like we humans need regular breaks to stretch our legs and go to the bathroom, so too do our canine companions. If you’re going on a long road trip with your dog, make sure you stop every couple of hours that you can both get some air and move about.

2. Offer your dog a calm, secure environment

A dog who is calm and content in the car is a dog who won’t offer the driver any distractions. Plus, there’s minimal chance they’ll wriggle out of their dog harness or try to bypass a back seat barrier to join you from the trunk.

According to companion animal vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan, stocking the car with comforting items can help.

“You can provide your pet with familiar items to help keep them settled, like favorite items of bedding and toys,” she says.

“Puzzle feeders could be considered to keep pets busy in the car, but care may be needed in dogs that are prone to travel sickness,” she adds. “Calming appeasing pheromones can be helpful for some anxious dogs. These can be spritzed onto your dog’s bedding or provided in an impregnated collar.”

3. Combat dog travel sickness head-on

Dr MacMillan recommends speaking to your vet if your dog suffers from travel sickness.

“Medication is available to help with this, which can make journeys much more pleasant for you and your dog,” she continues. “Your dog is likely to be much more settled and relaxed if they are not feeling nauseuous.”

If your dog is young, there could be light at the end of the tunnel.

“The good news is that many young dogs will grow out of travel sickness as they mature.”

4. Don’t let your dog hang out the window

Letting your dog hang out the window is incredibly dangerous as it increases the likelihood they will sustain an injury.

Above all, your dog must be appropriately secured in your vehicle. It’s the number one dog car safety concern, and you should be confident you know how to secure a dog in a car.

“To ensure your dog stays safe in a traveling car, appropriate restraint should be your top priority,” affirms Dr MacMillan. “This means keeping your pet in a dog crate, behind a dog guard or clipped into a dog car harness. This keeps them and you safe if your vehicle is involved in an accident.”

5. Take short trips to begin with

It’s a good idea to get your dog used to traveling in the car by taking short trips before you attempt longer ones.

“Some dogs can find travel stressful so try and work on positive association training,” says Dr MacMillan. “This means sitting in a stationary car for short periods with dog treats and praise, followed by small journeys to nice walks, and then gradually increasing the length of your travel time.”

6. Pack a dog-friendly travel kit

Make sure you have all the essentials on hand to help make your dog’s journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. Water, a pet bowl, food and treats for when you stop, dog toys, and a blanket and pillow can all help your dog feel safe and secure.

7. Never leave your dog alone in the car

Finally, never leave your dog alone in the car, whether restrained or unrestrained.

“When the vehicle is stationary, it is key that you don’t leave your dog unsupervised during warm weather,” says Dr MacMillan. “In even moderate temperatures, the inside of a car can heat up very quickly.

“Dogs have limited ways to lose their body heat, so they can rapidly succumb to heatstroke, even when the window is left open a crack. Brachycephalic breeds, or flat-faced breeds, and large dogs with heavy coats will be the most at risk.”

Seville is the gleaming jewel in Andalucía’s cultural crown and a superb introduction to the region.

Packed into Seville’s fairly compact Casco Antiguo (Old Town) are some of Spain’s great architectural treasures (including the Real Alcázar), its most impassioned art form, flamenco, and a whole host of museums, mansions and ornate churches.

The Romans, Moors and Reyes Católicos (Catholic Monarchs of the Spanish Empire) came, saw, conquered and then left the best of themselves behind, for all to see. And because a great trip is a well-planned trip, here are all the things you should know about health, safety and etiquette in Seville before you go.

1. Plan to spend at least three days in Seville

Seville demands a proper exploration. Barrio Santa Cruz is a great place to start for first-time visitors, with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Real Alcázar, Catedral de Seville and Archivo General de Indias – clustered at the edge of the labyrinthine neighborhood. These sights could easily consume a couple of days on their own, particularly with the riches of the Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes and flamenco tablaos such as Casa de la Guitarra also packed into this tiny neighborhood. But there’s so much more to experience within easy walking distance, including scores of fascinating museums, churches and mansions. And that’s without even mentioning the food yet. Three days is the minimum you’ll want to spend here.

2. Avoid visiting the cathedral and Real Alcázar on the same day

Although it’s tempting to pack all three of Seville’s UNESCO World Heritage sites into one long day, it’s not advisable if you want to experience them properly. Both the Catedral de Sevilla and Real Alcázar are accessible via a specific entry time ticket only (turn up early or late and you might be turned away). It’ll be less fun visiting the first site if you know you have to hurry through it to make it in time to enter the second site. They are also both vast places that demand a lot of walking and standing. The Real Alcázar and its gardens need at least half a day to explore thoroughly. The cathedral is one of the world’s largest and its Giralda is accessed via an approximately 100-meter climb, which is extra draining if you’re visiting during hot weather. The Archivo General de Indias, however, makes for a perfect second sight to see on day one, before tackling either the cathedral or Real Alcázar fresh the next day.

3. If you’re on a budget, try to grab the free tickets to major sights

Each week, Catedral de Sevilla offers 100 free tickets. The tickets allow access to the cathedral and Giralda tower, with 20 up for grabs each day from Monday to Friday, valid for 2–3pm entry only. These tickets can only be secured on the official cathedral website. Unsurprisingly, demand is monumental and they often get snapped up very quickly, so you might need to try a couple of times.

Similarly, the Real Alcázar has free entrance for an hour on Mondays. Reserve these free tickets on the official website for entry from 6–7pm between April and September, and from 4–5pm between October and March.

4. You don’t need to avoid high summer, you just need to prepare well

One of the great things about Seville is that there’s never really a bad time to visit. While some blogs will advise to avoid July and August, the reality isn’t all that bad. In fact, the old city was designed and laid out to keep most streets in the shade throughout the day. Most hotels have air-conditioned rooms and the advantage of visiting when most people are scared away is that you will bag some bargain prices for hotel rooms right in the Casco Viejo. If you’re happy to work an afternoon siesta into your itinerary – when many places are closed anyway – you can still make the most of the mornings and evenings to explore. But don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

5. Two major spring festivals draw crowds to Seville

The spring shoulder season is becoming an increasingly popular time to visit Seville. Average temperatures climb above 15°C (60°F), the sights aren’t overcrowded and the orange blossoms perfume the whole city. But it’s worth noting that this season also welcomes Seville’s two biggest festivals. The first is Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week), which draws huge crowds to the streets to witness the various protests and events. Two weeks later, Andalucian customs and cuisine are celebrated with a good measure of drinking for the Feria de Abril. The dates for both change every year. You might well want to experience these joyous events for yourself, in which case, book as far ahead as possible. Otherwise, aim to visit either side of these parties to dodge the crowds.

6. Driving in central Seville is challenging

If you’re planning to rent a car and drive around Andalucía, it’s worth considering ditching the car for the Seville portion of your trip. Similar to other historic cities in the region such as Córdoba, the narrow streets, one-way system, pedestrianized zones and complete lack of parking all make driving a hassle. Besides, Seville is one of the best cities in Spain to explore on foot.

7. Don’t expect to find any dinner before 8pm

Mealtimes in Seville are short, sharp bursts of frenetic culinary activity that demand a rest period in between. As with most of Spain, restaurants in Seville are not set up to sate the hunger whenever it rises. Instead, kitchens open at very rigid and specific times with little exception. In most cases, doors will be closed until 8pm. By 9:30pm the place will be packed out, as the locals come out to eat a light dinner of tapas.

Lunch is the day’s main meal for most Andalucians, and takes place during a similarly rigid window of 1–3pm. If you’re accustomed to eating lunch or dinner at different times, buy some snacks at a supermarket such as Carrefour Express to keep you going.

8. An introductory cheek kiss is (mostly) the norm

When you’re introduced to a local, it can be rather surprising to see them coming in for a light peck on either cheek, particularly if you come from a place where personal space is a thing. If it’s between two men, a firm handshake is expected, but any other gender combination applies the two-kiss rule.

9. Seville’s LGBTIQ+ community is welcomed and celebrated

Like the rest of urban Spain, Seville is a culturally open-minded and liberal city where the LGBTIQ+ community is embraced. The city hosts the region’s biggest Pride parade – Orgullo de Andalucía in late June – and there are gay-friendly businesses throughout the city. The community’s hub is around Alameda de Hércules which is, unsurprisingly, Seville’s best nightlife area.

10. Tipping is appreciated but not expected

As with most of Europe, tipping in Spain isn’t mandatory. As a customer, you’re not expected to supplement somebody’s wages here. But giving a little extra at restaurants and tapas bars – 10% is adequate – is always appreciated, and often well deserved. You’ll soon discover that service in Spain during peak mealtimes is an art form that combines patience, endurance and the unique ability to balance a great amount of crockery while weaving through impossibly tight gaps in the crowd.

11. Drink more water than you think you need

Part of Seville’s allure to visitors is the hot and dry climate, meaning you’re less likely to travel all that way for rain to dampen the plans. But the caveat is that the heat is a dry heat. You might not realize how much you’re sweating, as it evaporates so quickly. Naturally, this means dehydration and heat stroke can creep up on you. Always carry at least a liter of water with you and drink little but often throughout the day.

12. Seville is generally safe, but…

While it always pays to be cautious and stay in control (go easy on the sangria), Seville is considered to be one of the safest cities in Spain. From the tap water (which is completely fine to drink), to the low levels of pickpocketing and street crime, even at night, it’s acceptable to bring down your barriers in Seville. Of course, as with all human habitations, crime does exist, however rare it may be. Maintain vigilance of your belongings, particularly in the train and bus stations and during busy or crowded times, such as at festivals.

In today’s busy world, a bit of peace and balance go a long way. For this reason, many travel enthusiasts have decided to embrace the concept of soft travel.

Offering the opportunity to thoroughly refresh and recharge, soft travel has gained increased popularity in recent years. Many people are opting to spend more time at one destination and to enjoy more immersed experiences. Moreover, simplicity and spontaneity are being prioritized more.

For some travellers, soft travel has also been a way to enjoy authentic experiences while letting go of the pressure that comes with wanting to have the perfect holiday.

Here are a few tips to embrace soft travel:

Allow for spontaneity

When it comes to soft travel, spontaneity plays a crucial role. Although planning is important, make sure that your plans are flexible.

Have a loose schedule which will allow room for spontaneous interactions and recommendations from locals. This way, you will be able to enjoy an experience that is not too curated but rather authentic.

Spend time connecting with nature

Nature offers a number of refreshing experiences. Time spent in nature is also greatly advantageous for your well-being. Whether you are enjoying a hike or some camping, it helps to disconnect from a fast and busy life to enjoy nature’s embrace.

Less is more

Try to stay away from a jam-packed itinerary. Rather, stick to only a few activities and spend more time immersing yourself. This will ensure that you have experiences that are less rushed, but rather more immersed and authentic.

Consider a digital detox

Our technological devices provide much-needed convenience. However, taking regular breaks from all things digital is healthy and beneficial. When embracing soft travel, consider forgetting about constantly being on your phone to update your social media community in real time. Rather, capture special moments when necessary and spend the rest of your time enjoying authentic experiences that will leave you rested and recharged.