Ahhhh, Christmas holiday season! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but possibly the busiest time to travel. With over-crowded roads, airports, bus and train stations, winging it on your travels is no longer possible.
Tammy Switzer, travel advisor with Fun in the Sun Travel, joined the agency in 2018 after retiring from the military. She served 20 years full-time with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard. This experience provided the ability to be able to work through many complex issues and short-notice requests in a coordinated and organized manner. Her family is from the Topeka area, but has called Arizona, Ohio and Texas home in the past. She has settled down in Topeka with her husband of 15 years, and her son’s family, including three grandchildren.
Here are Tammy's top travel tips to help make sure your trip runs smoothly.
Plan Ahead: The holiday season is a peak travel time, and prices tend to skyrocket closer to the dates. Book flights and accommodation early to secure the best deals. When traveling with children, it's important to plan ahead and be well-prepared. Research child-friendly accommodations, activities, and attractions at the destination.
Be Flexible: Have flexibility with travel dates. If possible, avoid traveling on Christmas and New Year's Day. Midweek flights are often less crowded and more affordable. Remember, traveling with children can be unpredictable, remain flexible and patient if things don't go exactly as planned. Embrace the unexpected.
Pack Light: Pack only the essentials, don’t over-pack. Be sure to check airline baggage restrictions and try to stick to carry-on luggage to avoid long waits at baggage claim. Always bring a first aid kit and any necessary medications in your carry-on.
Stay Organized: Create a checklist to make sure you don't forget anything important. Packing cubes can help keep belongings organized, and a travel wallet can keep documents easily accessible.
Stay Connected: Download essential travel apps, such as airline apps for mobile boarding passes and hotel booking apps for easy check-ins.
Arrive Early: Arrive at the airport or train station well in advance. During the holiday season, security lines tend to be longer, and unexpected delays can happen. Traveling with children often takes longer than expected, allowing extra time for getting through security, boarding, and other travel-related tasks. Aiming for a stress-free journey is key.
Boarding Plane: Don’t be in a hurry to board with the children. If possible, have one traveling adult board with bags and get settled. Keep children entertained in the gate area and board close to last if not last. This will help eliminate being restless while everyone else boards.
Be Comfortable: Make sure to dress in comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for the weather and travel activities. It's also a good idea to bring a small blanket or a favorite stuffed animal for added comfort for children.
Plan for Rest Stops: If traveling by car, plan for frequent rest stops to allow children to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and burn off some energy. This can make the journey more pleasant for everyone.
Snacks and Drinks: Bring along a variety of child-friendly snacks and drinks to keep hunger and thirst at bay. Opt for healthier options like fruit, granola bars, and water. It's wise to avoid sugary snacks that might lead to excessive energy levels.
Entertainment: Keeping children entertained during the journey is crucial, bring books, coloring supplies, tablets with kid-friendly apps, or even portable DVD players with their favorite movies. This will help keep them engaged and minimize boredom.
Consider Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. It can cover unexpected cancellations, flight delays, lost baggage, or medical expenses.
Be Patient: Patience is key during holiday travel! Delays and crowds are inevitable, so maintain a positive attitude and enjoy the journey!
Contact Tammy at 785-409-5647 / tammy@funinsuntravel.com or visit funinsuntravel.com.