Holiday Travel Tips to Keep Your Season Merry

Smart Strategies from Travel Editors

As the holidays draw near and airports, highways, and train stations fill with travelers heading home, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your trip smooth. Travel editors weighed in with their best advice to help you navigate the busiest travel season of the year—without losing your cheer.

Pack Smart: Skip the Gift Wrap

Before you zip up your suitcase, rethink how you pack holiday gifts. TSA agents may need to inspect wrapped packages, so hold off on the wrapping paper until you arrive. Gift bags are a safer bet if you must wrap early, but shipping gifts ahead of time is the easiest stress-free option. And remember—holiday travel often ends with more than you left with. Pack lightly and leave room for souvenirs and exchanged gifts.

Stay Healthy and Get There Early

Airports can feel like organized chaos during November and December, so it pays to arrive earlier than usual. Expect long lines, packed parking lots, and extra time at security. Cold and flu season overlaps with peak travel, too, so bring disinfecting wipes and clean your seat area before settling in. A quick swipe of the tray table, armrests, and air vent can help you avoid spending your holiday under the weather.

Fly or Drive on Off-Peak Days

One of the savviest holiday travel hacks? Hit the road—or take off—on the holiday itself. Roads are quieter, flights are cheaper, and crowds thin out. If your trip requires extra distance, leave a day or two early to dodge the rush. And if you’re driving, winter-proof your ride: check tire pressure, confirm your spare is usable, and stock your emergency kit.