The holidays, while intended to be bright and merry, can often bring more stress than cheer. There’s a lot to consider when planning your holiday travel, from searching for an affordable plane ticket, to packing, to securing a reliable airport limo service, and everything in between. Rather than gearing up for the vacation and beginning your journey to relaxation, you may find yourself overwhelmed with all the coordination that goes into making it happen.
The best way to avoid holiday travel troubles is to be prepared. Check out these simple travel tips to get you through the holidays and reduce your stress before it starts.
Don’t Overpack
If your trip is expected to last a couple days, there are really only a few things you’ll need. Try to fit all of your items for the trip into a carry-on bag. This way you’ll forego having to check a bag and wait in those long lines at the check-in counter. Not only will this save you time and stress, but it’ll make the whole process simpler and keep you from waiting at baggage claim on the other end.
We all know an over-packer, or we are the over-packer. If that’s you, a carry-on might not be an option. But you can still pack smart! When you do check a bag, be sure to pack the essentials in your carry-on bag (i.e. toothbrush, chargers, etc.) so you’ll have anything you might need there with you in the event of a delay.
Leave in Plenty of Time for Your Flight
Holiday travel, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, can get especially hectic. More people are on the roads, causing traffic jams and unexpected delays when traveling to the airport. Additionally, the masses in the airport can cause ridiculously long lines to check into a flight, check a bag or even to go through security.
Plan ahead by looking for alternative routes that would help you avoid traffic and get to the airport several hours before your flight. Adding a couple of hours to your travel time will offer a cushion so you can avoid any hiccups or missed flights.
Read the Fine Print
Many airlines require additional baggage fees that aren’t stipulated when you’re actually buying the ticket. Instead, they’ll include language after the fact in the terms and conditions or confirmation page that states extra fees for sometimes both checked and carry-on bags.
To avoid any surprises and risk being wrung out for an additional $50 or $100, be sure to read the fine print of your travel bookings. Take any necessary action ahead of time – like pre-purchasing a spot for your bag – and reduce the risk of an unexpected fee or other surprise when you get to the airport.
Take a Deep Breath
Traveling during the holidays can feel like a whirlwind, and it’s easy to get swept up in the stress and anxiety that can come from even the smallest of mishaps. When we forget to breathe, we find ourselves getting drawn deeper into despair and can forget the whole reason we wanted this vacation in the first place – to relax!
This trip you worked so hard to plan and make sure everything goes off without a hitch can impose unrealistic expectations and cause you to lose the feeling of holiday magic. Letting the little things go and going with the flow is really the only way to get the maximum amount of relaxation out of your trip. So, take a breath and enjoy!
Secure Your Ride Home with an Airport Limo Service
An often-overlooked aspect of planning for holiday travel is securing a ride to and from the airport. Whether you’re flying home or plan to pick up relatives flying in, driving to the airport is never convenient. Instead, secure a comfortable ride with a professional chauffeur to get you to the airport safely and start your vacation in full-relaxation mode.
With Empress Elite Limousine’s airport limo service, you’ll receive the full door-to-door experience with baggage assistance and curbside service. Our courteous chauffeurs all go through fingerprint background checks and extensive training to ensure you have the safest and most comfortable trip possible in any of our luxury vehicles. We understand your schedule is unique and can change at a moment’s notice, which is why we’re proud to cater our services to your needs, and ensure your trip begins and ends in luxury and relaxation.
If you’re flying in or out of any of Atlanta’s major airports, or if you have loved ones coming in to visit, call us today at 678-431-7222 or visit our website to reserve your airport limo service. Learn how we can help you enjoy the holidays stress free!
