This article was published on December 10th, 2017

It’s the most streeeessful time of the year! There is plenty of hustle and bustle at Christmas, especially if you live far away from family and loved ones. Don’t sweat the upcoming inevitable Christmas trip back home. Take a deep breath of winter air, take a sip of water, and have a seat. Here are the best advice and holiday travel tips for getting home this Christmas:

1. When planning which days you’ll be away, avoid peak travel days / times to save money.
2. The day you are set to fly out, leave ample amount of time so you’re not stressed before you go. You can always walk around the airport to kill time prior to your flight.
3. Don’t panic if you’re late. Remember that everything happens for a reason, and there’s probably another flight if you’re late to leave.
4. During the winter months, plan for snow delays when traveling to, or through, anywhere north of the Mason Dixon line.
5. Don’t wrap gifts if you’re going to be traveling by air as there is a good chance TSA will open them.
6. If you’re going to be doing some winter driving, pack smart smart and plan ahead.
7. If you are flying, make sure family/friends know so they don’t get you a big bulky gift you can’t take home / have to ship. Consider getting Express TSA / Global Entry / Nexus check in.
8. Use services like Amazon to have gifts delivered directly instead of having to travel with them.
9. Be patient!
10. Don’t drink before you travel. It’s harder to deal with emotions, time zone change adjustments, emotional baggage, issues with delays, etc. Drinking is not a good idea at all during holiday travel– stay sober!
11. Dont forget your ugly Christmas sweater, warm jacket, mittens, and that fabulous new scarf. Just because you’re going back home to the boonies, doesn’t mean you can’t still represent with some fierce fashion!