As the Christmas season approaches, it seems only fitting to address a fear many people have: traveling during the holidays. In the Christmas classic movie Home Alone, we see eight-year-old Kevin and his family rushing through the airport in hopes to reach their flight before take off. As they rush through the terminals, hundreds of people surround them – creating obstacles in their race to the finish line or in their case their seats on the plane. Like this movie, many other films and TV shows depict travel on the holidays as a hectic and stressful time, however in reality this does not need to be the case. This Christmas, whether you have to travel to family or for vacation, use some of the tips below to help make your holiday travel go smoother.
Tips and Tricks:
- The Airport:
This is going to come as a shock to some, but Christmas Day is one of the least busy days for travel in the year. My AP World History teacher will tell you it is the best day to travel. You will have to spend less time in airport security lines, boarding the plane goes smoother, and you’ll have more space on the plane for carry ons. The best part? Most flights on holidays are cheaper than on a usual business day.
- Tradition is Tradition:
For this situation, let’s say you and your family or friends choose to travel on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. With having to miss out on some holiday traditions, it is important to make sure you take them with you to the airport any way you can. What does this mean? My family every Christmas Eve does Christmas pajama opening and opens one gift from our grandparents while my younger sister reads us a children’s christmas book. If we decided to travel the night before, and found ourselves sitting in the airport terminal waiting to board, I would make sure we took our pajamas, one gift, and book in our carry ons, moving the tradition from our home to our airport. To help accomplish this in your family or friend group, do some research on the restaurants and shops in the airport – they might be able to help you guarantee your traditions take place.
- Some great places to go:
When it comes to traveling for the holidays, a lot of the time it is to get to your family members that live farther away. However, sometimes, if you’re like my AP World teacher, you are traveling to get away from the Christmas season. If you find yourself being the latter of the two, the hardest decision you must make is where to go. Below is a list of three countries- each offering a unique experience depending on your wants and needs for this holiday season. Tip: These countries also have the best New Year’s Eve and Day celebrations – make sure you plan to stay long enough to take part in the once in a lifetime party.
1.Goa, India- For those who are in search for warm, tropical weather this holiday season, Goa, India is the place for you! You won’t necessarily get to escape everything Christmas, as many people still finish off their ensemble with a Santa hat. However, the party never stops and carries into New Year’s Eve so get ready for a good time!
2.Prague, Czech Republic– Looking for a magical, winter wonderland? Prague is the perfect place to find it! As you walk the cobble stone streets, you will find a Christmas market to put you in the holiday spirit. If you get cold, the rich cuisine and mulled wine inside the cozy restaurants will warm you up quickly!
3.Zermatt, Swiss Alps– Matterhorn Mountain for skiing? Horse-drawn sleighs? Twinkling lights in trees? Zermatt has it all! Those who are lovers of the skiing and snowboarding, this holiday destination will give you the thrill of riding down the mountains during the day, and cozy Christmas celebrations at night in the village that sits at the base of the mountain.
Happy Holidays and as always, see you next week on The Road Most (Knowledgeably) Traveled.
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