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Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Many people love celebrating the holidays with loved ones, especially since it makes the occasion all the more memorable. They often travel to their home province or visit beautiful spots in the Philippines to take advantage of their much-deserved vacation time.
The only problem is that this isn’t a unique idea since the influx of holiday travelers can make airports quite crowded. It’s not unexpected to see long lines and even longer wait times at security checkpoints as a result. Additionally, there are potential flight delays and lost luggage. All these can make the prospect of holiday air travel stressful for anyone.
Thankfully, there are some ways you can make the journey more pleasant. From careful planning to strategic packing, here are some tips you can consider on your next flight.
Allow for Extra Time
The holidays can be a very busy season at the airport. This means everything about your journey can take longer, including getting through security. If you want your trip to be less stressful, go to the airport earlier. Many aviation professionals and those enrolled in a pilot school in the Philippines also recommend this because it gives you ample time for all your travel needs as well as moments to relax.
As a general rule, try to be at the airport two hours before your flight if it’s a short trip and three hours if it’s a longer flight.
Plan and Book in Advance
The key to stress-free air travel during the holidays is meticulous planning. This involves securing flights, accommodations, and transportation well in advance. Doing so can give you access to the best deals. If you’re flying overseas, pick non-stop flights. This helps avoid missing a connecting flight in case you run into some delays.
It’s also a good idea to avoid traveling a couple of days before Christmas and after the New Year. While this travel schedule allows you to maximize your days off work, these are typically the busiest. Instead, consider flights on the actual holidays to experience fewer crowds at the airport.
Choose Your Seat
When you’re booking your flight, take time to pick your seat too. Having an assigned seat means you’re less likely to get offloaded from an overbooked flight. You also get the advantage of choosing seats next to your travel companions. While you’re at it, consider paying for the privilege of selecting seats with larger legroom. It may cost a bit, but the comfort is worth the extra money.
Go Digital
Another way you can enhance your overall travel experience is by leveraging technology. Many airlines offer passengers online check-in and boarding passes. They also have separate check-in counters for those who opted for the digital route, helping expedite the process. So, check with your airline and see if such options are available.
Pack Strategically
Efficient packing is a fundamental aspect of stress-free holiday travel. However, it can also be a challenging task if you don’t do it correctly. You want to ensure you don’t forget any travel essentials without overpacking. Otherwise, you might find yourself paying extra fees for excess baggage. With this in mind, create a list of everything you need and stick to it.
Additionally, find out what items will be available for you at your destination. For example, if you’ll be staying at your relative’s home or a rental property, there might be a washer and dryer you can use. If so, it means you can pack fewer clothes. In the case of hotels, check for basic toiletries like shampoo, bath soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. You may no longer need to bring your own, which can help lighten your bags.
Keep Valuables in Your Carry-On
One of the worst nightmares for any traveler is losing their luggage. The additional stress of such an event can also dampen your holiday mood. With this in mind, secure essential items in your carry-on luggage. This means keeping important documents, medications, and necessities with you when boarding. Make sure to bring a carry-on bag that fits the overhead bins and the airline’s regulations, along with the contents.
Opt for Travel-Friendly Gifts
Many individuals consider gift-giving as one of the highlights of the holidays. But when you’re traveling, you need to be extra mindful of the items you’ll be bringing. It’s best to avoid anything fragile. If you’re planning to bring anything breakable, it’s important to pack them securely with sturdy wrapping to prevent damage. You can also consider having gifts shipped to your destination to avoid any mishaps.
Get Travel Insurance
Consider adding an extra layer of protection to your holiday travel plans by investing in travel insurance.
Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost baggage. It also offers you peace of mind, knowing that you are financially protected in case of unforeseen circumstances during your holiday trip. When selecting a policy, ensure it aligns with your specific needs and travel plans.
Traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Start by planning the trip early and allotting more time than you would usually do. By incorporating these tips into your travel plans, you can get to your destination safely and without worry, allowing you to focus on making lasting memories with your loved ones.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
