As December is right around the corner, plans for travelling throughout the festive period are already underway. You may be travelling home to visit family and friends or maybe you have booked a trip abroad to try something new.
Whatever your journey looks like, preparation is key when it comes to festive travel. Here are some tips to keep your trip as smooth as possible.
Plan your journey in advance
Everyone knows that the weekends surrounding Christmas and New Year are incredibly busy for travelling either by road, train or air. This is why planning in advance is the key to keeping it stress-free.
If you are driving somewhere else, see if you can drive overnight in the quieter hours. If this isn’t possible, you may be able to head to family early and work from your accommodation or their house which eases the burden.
Some like to go abroad for the festive period. Remember to book tickets as early as possible to avoid higher prices and maximise the availability of seats and flights.
Check weather forecasts and road conditions
Winter weather can be beautiful but unpredictable. No matter your form of transport, the weather can find ways to disrupt your journey.
For drivers, keep an eye on the weather forecast in the days leading up to your trip. If it looks particularly bad, consider changing your plans slightly to avoid unsafe driving conditions.
Remember to make sure your vehicle is winter-ready too. This means checking your tyres are safe, having an emergency supplies pack in your car and potentially booking it in for a professional check before you leave.
Review your travel insurance
Whatever your mode of transport, you will have some form of insurance that needs sorting before you travel.
If you do find yourself delayed or your flight cancelled because of weather or unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, check your travel insurance policy. You may be able to claim back the cost of a hotel or new flights.
Drivers should also double-check that any car insurance is still active and will cover you should you have an accident. Sometimes you may end up borrowing a car over the festive period. If you do, make sure you have temporary car insurance sorted in case of any issues.
Pack smart and light
Packing can be a stressful part of planning to go away, especially as the festive period is close to schools finishing and workplaces closing – it can feel like there aren’t enough hours to get it all done!
Airlines have restrictions on the amount you can take so make sure you weigh any cases before you head to the airport to avoid extortionate fees. Although it’s better to pack light, remember to take the weather at your destination into account. If you are headed for a ski break, you will need plenty of warm layers.
Keep medications, personal documents and essentials in a separate bag that doesn’t get checked at the airport or that stays with you in the car. If there was an issue such as a car accident or bags getting lost, you still have the important bits with you.