Take Some Stress Out of Holiday Travel

This year’s holiday travel is shaping up to be as busy as ever. With so many of us sharing the roads and the sky, all hoping to make it to our destinations quickly and safely, stress levels are sure to rise. How can you keep a cool head and maybe even (gasp!) enjoy the journey? Whether you’re driving or flying, read on for our suggestions.

For Drivers

Heading out on the highway? Being in a car for hours doesn’t have to feel like you’re trapped in a cage on wheels. Try these tips to make your time on the road less monotonous.

• Make a Fun Playlist or Audiobook Queue – Feeling nostalgic for the hits of your teenage years? Now’s the time to unleash them on your kids while you amaze them with your ability to sing every. single. word. Or maybe you’d like a themed playlist — trust your favorite music streaming service to deliver the goods. If there’s a book or two you’ve been putting off reading, now’s the time to find the audiobook version. Don’t forget to check your local library!
• Plan Interesting Pit Stops – The Mid-Atlantic is full of fun stops to break up your journey. If you’re headed for Pittsburgh or points west, stop in Lancaster, PA’s Amish country for unique handcrafted wares and delicious foods. Heading north? Follow the Hudson River and stop to see West Point Military Academy, or tour President Roosevelt’s home at Hyde Park, NY. Southern-pointed travelers might want to spend a few hours at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, or explore Assateague Island National Seashore, the perfect place to stretch your legs along miles of oceanside trails.
• Play Travel Games – Aside from classic car games like 20 Questions and I Spy, check the App Store or Google Play for mobile games. You’ll find familiar favorites like Monopoly and Uno, as well as trivia and word games the whole car can enjoy. Just be sure the driver keeps their eyes safely on the road as the miles ease by.

For Flyers

For those heading to the airport, here are some ways to make travel less hectic and a lot easier on your whole group.

• Arrive Early & Enjoy the Airport – Instead of rushing to your gate, working up a sweat, and saying things to your traveling companions you might regret later, head for the airport way earlier than you usually would. Once inside, explore the concourse, do some shopping, and check out the art displays. Enjoy the peace of mind of not needing to run anywhere.
• Treat Yourself to a Meal – Many airports are stepping up their dining game, with offerings that will help you skip fast food in favor of local cuisine or healthy options. Leisurely enjoying a meal before your flight helps this leg of the journey get started on a positive note.
• Bring Comfort Items – Packing familiar items in your carry-on can make your flight much more comfortable. Bring along a warm scarf, fuzzy socks, or a favorite pillow to make the ensuing hours a whole lot cozier. Just be sure to respect your fellow travelers — don’t encroach into their space with your comfy item (despite how adorable you think it is).

Enjoy Your Holiday Travel

No matter your mode of transportation, there are ways to make the trip less hectic and more enjoyable. Caught in traffic or some other delay? Try deep breathing to chase away anxieties. And stay flexible — things might not always go as planned, and itineraries might need to change. Staying loose and spontaneous can make the trip fun and exciting.

Above all, be nice to yourself, to those on the journey with you, and to fellow travelers you meet along the way. From all of us at Traffic Plan, bon voyage!