7 Things To Remember When Traveling Over The Holidays

9/12/2016

Oh, the Holidays! Supposedly the most joyous time of the year, they instead tend to bring out the worst in people. Maybe it's the fact that it starts so early in the year. Maybe it's the stress of those last minute shopping trips, baking nights and work deadlines. Either way, add travel to the usual holiday race and it feels like a million times worst!

If you’re planning on flying home (or away from home!) this holiday season, these are the seven things you need to remember when traveling over the holidays.

7 Things to Remember When Traveling Over The Holidays

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1. Bring earplugs or noise canceling headphones

Holidays are the time of year when the highest amount of children and babies travel – after all, it's to grandmother's house we go for the best holidays! Now, not that there’s anything bad about kids and babies traveling, but we all know that they can get really uncomfortable in airplanes which makes them whiney, restless and loud.

Bring earplugs and your flight will be much more tolerable. If you have a shorter flight, you may be good with only a good pair of headphones, but noise cancelling earplugs or headphones are definitely best.

2. Take a small blanket and pillow

Unfortunately holiday travels also mean delays, storms and cancellations. For this reason, I always bring a small blanket or a large scarf with me to keep warm and comfortable when this happens. I like to bring a small pillow as well in case the delays get really long and I need a snooze.

And even if you get lucky and go through without delays or cancellations, it’s nice to have the small pillow for back or neck support during your flight.

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3. Always arrive early

And I mean always!! The airport will be busier than usual, and people will be late and running to catch their flights. Even though this is the “most joyful time of the year”, tempers tend to fly high! So, even if you’re leaving from a small airport, get there early so that you can get through security calmly without worrying about time. If you’re travelling with children, this is especially important. It’s easier to keep the kids entertained inside the airport terminal then trying to get them through security in a rush.

West jet aircraft posing in front of rainbow, Ottawa airport

A WestJet aircraft posing nicely in front of a rainbow in Ottawa

4. Bring entertainment

Let’s not forget entertainment! Once again, with delays and cancellations, there are chances that you may be at the airport longer than initially thought. The de-icing of the plane can also often means that you'll be on the tarmac longer than usual. Bring a good book (your Kobo is even better!), your tablet or computer, a travel size game or even some work to finish. You can entertain the kids with the game or the tablet as early as getting to the airport, or even work a little bit and get that last report sent off before you’re off to vacation.

5. Have all your chargers handy

If you want that entertainment to last, make sure to pack those chargers in your carry-on! Airports are full of charging stations now so you can be sure to stay connected and entertained until it’s time for boarding. Keep in mind also that not all planes have chargers, so keep yours fully charged for the duration of the flight or bring alternative entertainment that doesn't require power.

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6. Bring snacks

Long waits can make the most patient person of all “hangry”! Airport food is expensive, so pack yourself a few granola bars or other prepackaged snacks to munch on while you wait. Remember to check the import allowances if you're traveling to another country.

7. Hand sanitizer

With the throng of people loading in and out of those planes on a regular basis, there's bound to be a few sneezes or coughs

Bonus: Patience!!!

Last of all, make sure you’ve loaded up plenty on patience! Things may get hectic, people might push or rush pass you, others might even get into yelling matches. But no matter what happens, it's always better to be nice and tolerant. Practice some breathing techniques if you must. Nobody is delaying your flight to purposely make you late; they are all in the same boat as you are – trying to get home.

Things You Must Remember When Traveling Over The Holidays

Skate on the longest outdoor skating rink in Ottawa, Ontario!

Overall, if you’re traveling over the holidays, you can be sure that the airport will be chaotic. We hope that these seven things to remember while traveling over the holidays will help you get through it and have a much easier time getting to your destination. Good luck to you and happy travels!

J&C

*This article was originally posted in 2016, and has been updated in November 2018.

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