The holidays are almost always considered the peak period for air travel. That means all flights for days before and after a holiday are full. It's almost impossible to get a seat and the airlines have this habit of overbooking. If you intend to travel during a holiday, there are certain things to consider before you take the trip. Here are six of them.
Plan your trip well in advance
And when the day comes for your flight, do get to the airport early, say about 2 hours before your flight departure time. With the ceremonious security checks in place, you could expect some heavy queuing before getting to the gates. Security inspections are much more thorough than prior to 9/11. The more time you allow for this, the better. It is so much more enjoyable to spend the last hour at the airport in the duty free area or lounge, than having to worry that you might miss your flight. Check with your travel agent
Or do some research on the internet about the country you plan to visit on your trip. Knowing the holiday periods in those countries can help ease your travel anxieties. It doesn't help to make a leisure trip to the Middle East when you know it's time for the Hajj when most Muslim people embark on a pilgrimage to their holy site. In addition, your travel agent can give you valuable advice on the best times for your trip in any city of your choice.
Consider when you buy your plane tickets
If you are booking airfare online, recent reports suggest that it makes a difference as to what day of the week and what time of day you book your flight. According to Lessno.com co-founder and CEO, Assen Vassilev, airlines update available seats around 12 a.m. Eastern time every day and weekend specials are usually released Thursday night. That means late Thursday night is a good time to check.
Allocate enough time
Planning for a trip is the first thing to do. Never assume that the airlines have a seat for you when you make a booking a day or two before a holiday, say Christmas or Thanksgiving. These are generally the times people make travel to visit relatives in different states or countries. Also, do consider seasonal peaks like the start of school or the start of the summer break. Many flights are full of returning or vacationing students and their families.
A really smooth travel experience comes when you give enough time for all the things you have to do before making the trip. Secure the house, pay the bills ahead, send the pets to your neighbor, and make sure you have everything you need packed. Nothing ever seems to go well when you are in a rush.
A really smooth travel experience comes when you give enough time for all the things you have to do before making the trip. Secure the house, pay the bills ahead, send the pets to your neighbor, and make sure you have everything you need packed. Nothing ever seems to go well when you are in a rush.
Travel light
You probably don't need half of what you think you want to bring with you on your trip. Traveling light is perhaps one of the best things to assure a smooth, easy and hassle free travel experience during the holidays. You could do some shopping when you reach your destination and get what you need there. There are some carry-on luggage restrictions during the peak months and your travel agent can advice you accordingly. Intentionally pack a bag light to allow room for those must-have gifts on the return flight.
An option
Rather than buying gifts and dragging them along with you onboard the plane, you might consider sending them ahead via DHL or any courier service. Bear in mind that the security checks at the airport require opening of luggage and packages for inspection. So it really isn't a good idea to have gifts already wrapped when you get to the gates.
Traveling during the holiday rush can be a nightmare. Make sure that you plan ahead and make the effort to consider what needs to be done during the trip, so that when you reach your destination you can do what you are supposed to do, RELAX!
Traveling during the holiday rush can be a nightmare. Make sure that you plan ahead and make the effort to consider what needs to be done during the trip, so that when you reach your destination you can do what you are supposed to do, RELAX!
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Lux66
I have enjoyed traveling for as long as I can remember and have been fortunate enough to travel to many places, but there are so many more destinations on my "to do" list. I look forward to exchanging ideas and sharing experiences. I hope to begin many friendships and welcome your input. Posted February 02, 2008 |
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