14 holiday travel tips

School’s out. The PTO got approved. Somehow, miraculously, everyone agreed on a destination and is actually ready to go. What does this mean? It’s holiday travel time!

But let's be real. Holiday travel can be a full-on circus. Between the crowded airports, jam-packed highways and that one person who always forgets their passport, it's enough to make anyone want to cancel and stay home.

But in this article, people will find stress-saving tips to keep the travel merry and most importantly, headache-free.

En este artículo:

14 tips to support stress-free holiday travel

1. Packing extra everything

Travel rarely goes according to plan. Halfway through a road trip, someone gets hungry with no place nearby to stop. A child spills juice on themselves or their parent. Or a flight gets delayed, leaving everyone stuck at the airport much longer than expected. The possibilities of "what can go wrong" are endless.

That’s why it’s smart to pack a little extra of everything, especially when using travel-sized products. While these smaller versions are convenient and take up little space, they might not last for the entire trip. Since they're compact to begin with, packing extras won't take up much room or add noticeable weight to a suitcase.

No matter how someone is traveling, it helps to have both extra saludables y bottles of water in case someone gets hungry or thirsty. It is important to remember that water bottles cannot go through security unless they are empty.

Phone chargers are essential, too. For added security, travelers can bring their own adapter and phone charger.

Desinfectante para manos is also useful for when soap and water aren’t nearby.

Airplane air is recycled and constantly circulating, which can lead to dry skin. That's why it's a good idea to bring personal care items like lip balm or lip moisturizer y skin moisturizers, and pack enough to use throughout the trip.

One thing people often overlook when traveling is how much sun exposure they get during those long stretches of time on the road or in the air. It's important to protect the skin, so protector solar should definitely be on people’s packing list.

Some other things to consider are nausea and motion sickness, which can happen anytime: on a plane, train, car ride or boat trip. Even a bad meal can leave someone feeling nauseous. That's why it's wise for people to consider packing nausea relief support medication for both adults and kids, just in case.

It's also smart for people to bring backup medications. Travelers should talk to their health care provider about getting an advance supply of any of their prescription medications. Para non-prescription items, it’s also a good idea to stock up on over-the-counter medications before the trip.

2. Checking TSA for what to bring and what not to bring

Planning ahead and packing carefully can make airport security go more smoothly and help reduce travel stress. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a detailed list of what is and isn't allowed in carry-on and checked bags. Checking this list before packing can save time and prevent issues at the airport.

3. Avoid traveling with wrapped gifts

TSA recommends not wrapping gifts before traveling. All items, including wrapped ones, go through security screening. If something sets off an alarm, it may have to be unwrapped. To avoid delays or having the wrapping torn open, people should consider using a gift bag, gift box or just adding a festive bow instead.

4. Getting to the airport early

The long-standing recommendation to arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights is there for a reason. It accounts for long TSA lines, delays and the many unexpected things that can happen on the way to or at the airport. Travelers should give themselves even more time if they are flying internationally or checking a bag, as security lines can still be long, even for those with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+.

5. Signing up for TSA Precheck

TSA PreCheck is a program that checks a traveler's background in advance to assess their risk, allowing them to move more quickly through airport security. According to the TSA, people with PreCheck usually wait less than 10 minutes in line. TSA PreCheck is valid for 5 years, and most travel credit cards will reimburse the sign-up fee.

There's also CLEAR, which partners with airports to help travelers skip the regular security lines with their CLEAR+ program. Members use a dedicated CLEAR+ lane, where they verify their identity with a quick fingerprint or eye scan, so there's no need to pull out an ID. CLEAR+ can even be used alongside TSA PreCheck for an even faster experience.

6. Making sure there’s entertainment when traveling.

It is easy to get bored on a flight or spending long hours on the road. So having good entertainment is important. For kids, CVS offers plenty of toys and activity books that can keep the young ones occupied.

For adults, downloading some movies, music, podcasts or video games before a trip can be a real gamechanger. Bringing a book or magazine is a solid way to pass the time. Some people can also try knitting or drawing. Who knows — by the end of the trip, someone may have a completed portrait or scarf!

Lastly, like tip No. 1, people should bring a little more than what they think they will need, just in case the trip is longer or more delayed than expected. That one extra book or movie may mean the difference between boredom and feeling like the time is flying by.

7. Investing in good noise-cancelling headphones

This is especially important to have for kids. Noise-cancelling headphones can help protect their ears from airplane noise or loud car conversations. Plus, it’ll keep them entertained without disturbing others. Other travelers may not want to hear ten episodes of Bluey or SpongeBob SquarePants during a long flight. And for adults, headphones make it easier to focus on work or enjoy some quiet time.

8. Getting compression socks for long trips

Some people who travel long distances by plane, car, bus or train may be at risk for blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots can form in the deep veins of the legs when someone sits still for long periods in tight spaces. The longer the period of inactivity, the higher the risk. Since many people already spend a lot of time sitting, everyone faces some level of risk during extended travel. Compression socks and leggings can help increase circulation and reduce swelling which can help prevent blood clots and lower the risk of symptomless DVT during travel.

Explore different kinds of compression socks and leggings.

9. Making an airport and travel essentials kit

Travelers should consider packing gum, hand sanitizer, lotion, any necessary medications, sanitizing wipes, a portable charger with cords, lip balm and a mini deodorant. These small items can make a big difference in comfort. Dry hands are common during travel; phones can lose battery power quickly. Plus, walking around all day can leave someone feeling overheated or sweaty. Being prepared helps avoid those discomforts. People should consider making a quick trip to CVS to get both those pre-trip and last-minute travel items.

10. Getting all the energy out before long trips

Engaging in some form of physical activity or exercise prior to heading out to the airport or on a long road trip is always a good idea. While on the road or on a long air flight, it's advisable to take periodic breaks to stretch or get up to move the legs, especially to lower the risk of developing blood clots. Legs will feel stiff after sitting for hours, and kids are bound to get cranky.

And for those at the airport, people can stretch or walk around to get some steps in before boarding. This helps because when people are tired, it's easier to relax or sleep on the plane.

11. Book early or wait? Rental car trade-offs

The major benefit of reserving a rental car early is for peace of mind and to lock in a rate. Waiting until the last minute to book a rental car can be risky, especially in places where public transportation or rideshare options are limited. Cars often sell out during busy times like festivals, sporting events or conventions. Booking early is also a smart move for anyone who needs an in-demand larger or specialty vehicle, such as a minivan, luxury car or SUV.

However, some say not to reserve too early if the goal is to save money. The cheapest time to book is about one week before a trip. People who booked this way saved an average of $78 on a weeklong rental compared to those who booked three months in advance.

Another study found similar results, saying the best time to reserve is within a month of the pickup date. Booking too far in advance, like several months out, can actually mean paying higher prices. Both studies found this to be true no matter the type of car or rental company.

In the end, it really comes down to doing some research and figuring out what works best for each person’s travel plans.

12. Making use of travel apps

There are tons of travel apps out there that can make a trip easier. People can search for things like "road trip apps," "hiking apps" or "hotel booking apps." But for anyone who'd rather not dig around online, here are a few standout options worth checking out:

• Hopper tracks flight prices and alerts users when to buy. It predicts when prices will rise and lets users book directly for a small fee.
• FlightRadar24 is a flight tracking service that shows real-time aircraft information worldwide. It's available online and on iOS and Android devices.
• VisitACity helps people plan their trips with customizable itineraries, maps, guides and activities. People can choose trip length, how busy they want to be and what time to do things.
• Rome2rio shows travel options and approximate costs for getting from point A to B anywhere in the world. It compares flights, trains, buses, ferries and driving.
• Splitwise helps track shared travel expenses and split costs with friends, so everyone stays even and gets paid back.
• Flush Toilet Finder and Map helps people find nearest public restrooms based on their location.

13. Emailing or printing copies of important documents

People should take photos of their pasaporte, ID, vaccine card and insurance information, then email the copies to themselves. That way, if they lose the originals, they can still access the essential documents.

14. Taking a photo of the hotel room number and the route from elevator to room

It may sound simple, but this helps travelers find their room quickly, especially in confusing or large hotels. Plus, it's useful for anyone who gets distracted after a long day.

It may also be helpful for people to take photos of where they parked in a parking garage, so they remember where their car is after a long trip

That's why people should considering using photo and print services at CVS, offered at over 4,700 locations across the country. The process is simple, and copies are usually ready within minutes.

Consideraciones clave

Holiday travel can be hectic, but a little planning can make a big difference. It helps to pack extra essentials like snacks, water, chargers and personal care items, since delays and unexpected situations are common. Travelers should check TSA guidelines before packing and avoid wrapping gifts to prevent hold-ups at security. Arriving early and using travel apps can make the airport experience smoother.

Keeping kids entertained with books, games and headphones can be a lifesaver, and adults should bring their own entertainment too. Compression socks can help with comfort on long trips, and a small travel kit with items like gum, sanitizer and wipes can make a big difference. Showing appreciation to flight crews with a small gift or thank-you note is a thoughtful touch. Whether booking a rental car or planning an itinerary, timing matters.

It's also smart to take photos of important documents and hotel details just in case. A quick stop at CVS can help with last-minute needs, from printing documents to picking up travel-sized items.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.