The travel season is just around the corner. This is that time of the year when you visit relatives out of the country and spend Christmas in a new place. Travel tends to be infamously expensive, stressful, and hectic. But, it doesn’t have to be this way for you again this year.

There are still many things you can do to ensure that your travel trips will be joyous and merry instead of nightmarish and grim.

Stay Away from Peak Travel Dates

During Christmas and New Year, the peak dates for travel can change yearly depending on the days the travel will fall in. In general, you can guess the dates when travel will be the most expensive. Avoid long weekends with lots of days off work because these are the times when everyone else will also go on their own trips.

Shop Around

Thanks to metasearch sites or booking sites, it has become easier than ever to do a comparison shopping. Once the travel season starts, it is best that you cast a wide net so you will know and understand all the choices available for you.

Try to be flexible when it comes to airports and dates so that you can get the best schedule and fares. Remember that flying into or out of smaller airports can spell a difference with your travel experience during the travel. This is because smaller airports often have shorter lines and smaller crowds.

Leave Early

You will experience all sorts of delays during peak travel season, including traffic jams, full parking lots, long lines, absent shuttles, and more. Instead of aiming to arrive early at the airport, it is best that you leave early for the airport to anticipate all sorts of delays that you may deal with along the way.  Most flights are fully booked during travel so missing a scheduled flight because of unexpected traffic or flat tire will make it hard for you to get on a different flight within a short period of time.

Be a Wise Packer

When was the last time you flew? If you haven’t flown out of the country for some time, it is best that you familiarize yourself with the newest rules as to what you can put in your carry-on bags. Remember that the rules on gel and liquid restrictions are applicable to items such as travel leftovers and gifts like body lotion and wine. Be ready to put these in the checked luggage instead.

Plan for Parking Ahead of Time

Never assume that you can just pull right into the economy lot at the airport and spot an available space a day before Christmas. Parking lots in airports may be wide and all but during peak travel season, they tend to be filled up rather quickly. You can consider some alternatives instead of driving your own car. For example, you can book a shuttle, take public transportation, call rideshare or cab, or have some drop you off at the airport.

These travel trips will save you from the headache and stress for the season to be merrier for you.