Travel Like A Pro, Part 6: Plan Your Holiday Trip
- May 6
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
TOP 5 TIPS FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL LIKE A PRO
Believe it or not, the holidays are upon us. Actually, they are always upon us and it is never too early to plan for holiday travel. Any holiday travel.
You always hear people say: "I hate holiday travel," "I never travel during the holidays," "I don't know how to plan a holiday trip."
But, travelers know that holiday travel (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, Spring Break, Memorial Day or even winter travel) can be done, you can have a good time and you may even want to do it again! So, let's travel like a pro with these tips.
1. Plan early: Good December holiday travel takes good planning. Many people plan at least 9 months to a year ahead. Cruises, air fares, lodging reservations; all of these are extremely popular at holiday times. Sometimes, you can get a good rate if you book early. In fact, there may be some package deals, sales or rewards during holiday times. If you are booking on your own, see our other articles.
2. Plan the itinerary: There is a lot to do during holidays. Holiday time is one of the peak tourist seasons and local businesses depend on these times for their profits. Once you have decided on your location, start looking at activities. With almost everything online, it is easier to plan effectively within your budget and to make a rough timetable for activities. Keep in mind NYC Traveler Tips For Your Trip: some major theme park resorts will allow you to make restaurant reservations at their hotels or shopping districts without a theme park ticket. Or, your hotel or resort might offer an activity similar to an outside excursion. Look carefully at packages, such as resorts that may be all-inclusive: sometimes the items are cheaper together, and sometimes not. Check out our tips or book a consultation to make your planning easier.
3. Plan downtime. Holidays are the time to relax and to enjoy your family and friends. Allow yourself some time to enjoy the lodging amenities or area. A simple drive, lounging at a lodge, hanging out by the pool; these help to make a holiday vacation enjoyable. It will also give you some stress free time without cramming activities into every second.
4. Plan your shopping: If you are going to an opposite season, such as a warm climate when you are normally in a cold one, shop for your clothes early. End of season sales are great for that. For example, I needed a white outfit in December, which is hard to find in New York at that time of the year. By planning in advance, I bought the clothes in June. Also, shop a little at a time. Buy your personal items throughout the year so that you always have shower gel, shampoo, etc. Last minute shopping can be stressful.
5. Finally, plan for any alternatives: Two weeks before you leave, check the weather. Then check it again at least 3-5 days before you leave, so that you have the right gear. If you are going to or leaving from a location that is known to have unpredictable weather, read your travel insurance carefully and your cancellation/postponement fine print for travel and lodging. Don't make a dining reservation for arrival day in case it has to be cancelled. Always be prepared for Plan B so that you are not overly disappointed.
Bonus Tip: all-inclusive resorts and cruises are great for travelers who don't want to plan much of anything. You just get there and go! Be open to alternative flight times and don't book them to return the day before you have to return to work. Allow an extra day for either flight delays, recuperating from jet lag or just to wind down.
Enjoy your holiday and Happy Travels!
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Articles in the "Kids and Travel" series:
Articles in the "Travel Like A Pro" Series
Articles in the "How To Cruise" Series
The NYC Traveler Presents Tips for Your Trips
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