Forgive us if we seem a little previous on the traveling at Christmas tips, but since there are already Christmas music flooding the airwaves, and stores in an advertising frenzy, why should we be any different?

Many families tend to vacation this time of year since it is billed as a time for family reunions and the like. It is the peak travel season all over the world. Besides, we need to prepare you for this hectic time of travel which is usually marked by confusion (more than the norm) at the airports, cancellations, delays, lost and delayed luggage and a host of other traveling mishaps are bound to be a part of the season. Here are some tips to guide you through the Christmas travel maze:

• Since many people travel before Christmas day itself, booking your flight on that day will give you a bonus of empty flights and airports and quick processing. You can schedule your return flights off-peak days for the same purposes.
  • Booking on line can be quite convenient, but sometimes a follow-up phone call is what you need to confirm that you have everything you requested including seat numbers. You need to ensure that you and your family are not separated, especially if you travel with small children. This follow up call to the airline can save you a lot of confusion.
  • Knowing where you’re going is very important especially if you have only a few days to make the jost of your vacation. So, if you are not familiar with the city you’re going to, buying maps and guidebooks can be a big help. That way you can map out tourism sites, restaurants, and any other place of interest you might want to visit. Maps will also give you the confidence to move around the city as well. 
    • Arrive early. That point cannot be over emphasized when it comes to holiday travel. At times, even with the technology available, flights are overbooked. Arriving early allows for early check-in and secures you a place on the plane without confusion. If you are far away from the airport, you can check into a hotel near the airport the night before you flight, to ensure that you make it. Sometimes between late arrival of your drive to the airport and extra traffic on the road, you might not arrive in time.
      • Now I know you are as tired of security as I am, but it is a necessary evil. One way to prevent your clothing and other items from getting soiled or being touched with dirty gloves is to pack them in clear plastic bags. This helps both you and the security officer to move quickly. Of course, if you bring gifts along with you, avoid wrapping them, as they may be opened and checked. Better yet, you could ship these items ahead of time.
        • If you are a Diabetic or you have allergies, you should ensure that you have a note from the doctor to carry the needles and injections while traveling, so you do not encounter security problems.
          • Since having a cell phone is now a necessity, keeping it charged is advisable. Be sure to keep a charger with you all time, since delays can happen and having to spend a night in a hotel or other facility because of inclement weather or other delays is not uncommon with holiday travel.