Tips on Traveling this Thanksgiving season

By: Susan Sherren for Couture Trips
Published: 1/18/21

​This Thanksgiving will see more air travel and ground travel than in prior years. The pandemic curbed our regular holiday travel routines. While we all are anxious to have our holidays return to normal, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind as you hit the ground running.

 First and foremost on any to-do list is to stay home if you are not feeling well. Friends and family will be grateful if you decide not to spread your germs during this holiday season. Stay well-rested, eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 

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If you are traveling by air, make sure to get to the airport a bit earlier than usual. You can download The MyTSA app; according to the TSA it, "provides airline passengers with 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information on any mobile device. Save time and money with our helpful tips for preparing for security, including a searchable database of items that can and can't go in checked or carry-on bags".​

 Make sure to bring along hand sanitizer and plenty of masks. Ideally, it would be best if you changed your face mask every 4-6 hours. Rewearing masks isn't a great idea. Go for the disposable ones vs cloth. Also, change your clothing once you arrive at your destination. Remember to use frequent hand washing and avoid touching your face.

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​Try and travel light with one carry on if possible; if your bags don't make it, you won't have to make another trip to the airport or wait to locate a lost piece of luggage. 

Bring along some healthy snacks that can satisfy you in case you become delayed or are stranded. Nothing is worse than an irritated or growling stomach while you're waiting for a flight.

Be patient; this time of year, people can become quite stressed and angry. Try and smile; you decided to travel during one of the busiest times of the year so have a little compassion for those airport and TSA employees who have to work during the holidays. Throw out a compliment or two! 

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​If you are driving to your destination, consider taking the shortest distance due to rising gas prices. This probably isn't the year to take the longer scenic route—budget for this added expense. You can offset the cost by packing a picnic for the road or hunt up a few roadside fast-food restaurants coupons in advance of your travels. Make sure to stay on top of the weather forecast and don't travel in poor weather conditions. 

Scheduling your travel dates around Thanksgiving will lessen the strain. Don't book your trip the day before Thanksgiving, and expect everything to go smoothly. Airport systems will be under pressure as the holiday approaches. If you have a flexible work schedule, depart a few days earlier than you usually would of in years past and delay your return a few days following the holiday. 

Have an exit strategy in case of illness. If you become ill at your destination or during your travels and exhibit COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, have a pre-planned way to deal with the situation. Pack the necessary over the counter cold remedies, and you might even consider pre-purchasing an over the counter COVID-19 test kit. 

Most of all, enjoy your time with your friends and family. This year more than ever, we will appreciate our ability to sit face to face at the dinner table with our loved ones. 

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Happy Thanksgiving

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