The holidays are here, and while this season is all about joy and togetherness, let’s face it—holiday travel can feel more like a marathon than a Hallmark movie. Crowded airports, bumper-to-bumper highways and unpredictable winter weather are enough to make anyone want to hibernate until the spring.
But, with a little planning and some clever hacks, you can navigate the holiday rush like a pro. Whether you’re flying across the country or just dashing through the snow to Grandma’s house, these 7 holiday travel tips will help you sleigh the season stress-free and keep your holiday spirit intact.
1. Plan ahead and book early
The holidays are one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, with airports and highways brimming with travelers. According to Faye data, 10% of those insuring their trips are staying domestic while a whopping 90% are heading abroad for Christmas and New Year’s.
What does this mean? Prices are climbing, and last-minute bookings can cost a fortune. Lock in your flights, accommodations and transportation as early as possible to secure the best deals and avoid last-minute headaches. For additional tips on cost-effective ways to plan your trip, check out Faye’s guide to traveling on a budget.
2. Keep your gifts TSA-friendly
If you’re bringing presents, think twice before wrapping them ahead of time. TSA agents might have to open them during screening, so stick to gift bags or pack wrapping supplies to finish the job after you arrive at your destination. Need some more tips directly from the source? Check out the TSA Holiday Travel Guide.
3. Pick off-peak travel days
Want to avoid airport lines that stretch longer than Santa’s gift list? Timing is everything. Skip peak travel days like December 20th to 22nd and the day after Christmas, and opt for quieter travel windows like December 18, 19, or even Christmas Eve. If your schedule doesn’t allow flexibility, aim for off-peak times like early mornings or late-night redeyes. Fewer people = less stress = a merrier you.
4. Pack smarter, not harder
Winter clothes are bulky and overpacking is a surefire way to rack up fees—or waste time juggling an overstuffed suitcase at the airport. Instead, focus on layering lightweight pieces and wearing heavier items (like boots and coats) on the flight. If you can fit it all into your carry-on, even better!
Pro tip: Keep essentials like a change of clothes, gloves and hats in your carry-on. If your checked bag gets delayed, you’ll at least have the right items to keep you warm and cozy in the meantime.
5. Monitor the weather
Winter storms don’t care about holiday plans. Keep an eye on real-time weather updates for both your departure and arrival cities through the Faye app. With instant flight alerts, you’ll be the first to know if the weather impacts your travel plans.
For additional weather resources, bookmark the National Weather Service to stay ahead of potential disruptions.
6. Download must-have travel apps
Holiday travel can get overwhelming, but the right apps can help you stay ahead of the chaos. For driving, apps like Waze keep you updated on traffic and road conditions while Packpoint creates personalized packing lists based on your destination and itinerary.
For an app that does it all, meet your ultimate travel sidekick: the Faye app. From destination-specific tips like visa info, emergency contacts and local app recommendations, to real-time flight alerts and a Safekeeping feature for your important travel documents, it’s designed to keep your trip running smoothly. Plus, our team is available 24/7–even during the winter holidays–to help keep your spirits bright.
For more tech-savvy travel planning tips, check out these 11 tools to plan your next adventure.
7. Don’t skip travel insurance
Nothing ruins holiday cheer faster than canceled or lost luggage. Travel insurance can cover trip delays, cancellations and even lost bags filled with gifts. With Faye, you’ll have a safety net that keeps your plans on track and your holiday spirit intact, no matter what the season throws your way.
Fa la la la la
The holidays are meant to be filled with joy—not travel headaches. Whether you’re navigating crowded airports, snowy roads or unexpected delays, Faye has your back. We’re here to keep your plans on track so you can focus on what really matters: celebrating the season with the ones you love most.
Merry travels from all of us at Faye!
These activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you tips on how to travel during the holiday season.
