Holiday Travel Survival Guide: Tips for Stress-Free Journeys

Erin Moore
Nov 11
3 min read

A small white car with a giant pumpkin on its roof drives through an autumn forest, leaves swirling. Warm, whimsical scene. — A vintage car drives through an autumn landscape, carrying a giant pumpkin securely tied on its roof, with leaves swirling in the breeze.

1. Embrace “Good Enough” Packing

The key to surviving holiday travel? Don’t pack your entire closet.

Choose versatile outfits you can mix and match — think layers that work for chilly mornings and festive evenings. Leave the “just in case” shoes behind (we promise, you won’t miss them), and pack a small tote or foldable duffel for gifts or souvenirs on the way home.

Bonus tip: Keep one outfit and essential toiletries in your carry-on. If your bag takes a detour to Denver, you’ll still be dinner-ready.

Open suitcase on wooden floor with folded clothes, brown shoes, a belt, sunglasses, and a wallet. Cozy and organized travel setup. — Packed suitcase ready for a stylish getaway with essentials like jeans, a cozy sweater, sunglasses, and classic leather shoes.

2. Give Yourself the Gift of Time

Airports during the holidays are not the place to test your “arrive 45 minutes early” strategy.

Plan for lines — at check-in, at security, at coffee. Arrive early, take a deep breath, and use that extra time to grab a latte or people-watch. (Few things are more entertaining than the gate scramble five minutes before boarding.)

Bonus tip: Morning flights are less likely to face delays and cancellations. Plus, you’ll arrive in time for an afternoon nap.

Elderly couple with luggage reading documents in a busy airport. People in the background, bright lights, and blue screens overhead. — An elderly couple attentively reviews their travel documents in a bustling airport, surrounded by fellow travelers with suitcases in tow.

3. Make the Journey Part of the Joy

Shift your mindset — this isn’t just about getting there, it’s part of your holiday story.

Bring a good book, a playlist that feels like comfort food, or a podcast that makes the time fly. Smile at the flight attendants. Chat with your seatmate (if they look up from their phone). Little moments of kindness can make a long day brighter.

Bonus tip: Pack your own snacks — trail mix, chocolate, or even those festive cookies you baked. You’ll thank yourself when the airport café runs out of sandwiches.

Stack of chocolate chip cookies tied with red and white string on a parchment-lined surface. More cookies blurred in the background. — Stack of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies tied with festive red and white string, perfect for gifting.

4. Keep Traditions Simple (and Portable)

If you’re traveling over the holidays, you don’t have to leave the traditions behind — just shrink them to travel size.

Bring a small ornament, watch your favorite holiday movie from your hotel bed, or FaceTime family while toasting with hot cocoa.

Bonus tip: Create a new travel tradition — like buying a holiday mug or ornament wherever you go. You’ll build a collection of memories, not clutter.

Felt doll ornaments wearing knit hats hang on a Christmas tree. Colors are red, white, and gray with hearts and snowflakes. Warm bokeh lights. — Festive winter ornaments with cheerful knitted hats and heart-themed outfits hang joyfully on a Christmas tree, embodying the holiday spirit.

5. Expect the Unexpected (and Roll with It)

Delays, full flights, missing mittens — something will go sideways. Instead of fighting it, embrace flexibility.

Keep important documents, medication, and chargers handy. Confirm reservations before you leave home. And when things don’t go as planned, remember: you’ll laugh about this story later.

Bonus tip: A little travel insurance goes a long way — it’s the peace of mind that keeps holiday spirits high.

Woman with a floral backpack, holding a suitcase, looks at a bright airport departures board. Mood is focused. "Departures" text visible. — A traveler stands with her luggage, carefully examining the departure board at an airport, ready for her next adventure.

6. Celebrate the Small Wins

Made it through security without losing a sock? Found an empty outlet? Got upgraded to the window seat? Celebrate it!

Travel is full of tiny triumphs that deserve recognition — and maybe a festive drink.

Bonus tip: Treat yourself along the way. A nice coffee, a good meal, or that airport bookstore splurge? You’ve earned it.

Hands holding latte art cups and a glass of iced coffee in a toast over a wooden table, creating a warm and inviting mood. — Celebrating a successful dash through airport security with a toast of coffee and iced drinks.

Holiday travel doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be yours.

Pack your patience, lead with kindness, and let the season unfold. Because the best part of any journey isn’t the destination… it’s the memories you make getting there.

Happy travels and Happy Thanksgiving!