Planning to head out this coming weekend to visit friends or
family for Thanksgiving? Be warned,
With low gas prices and lower than average airline fares, it’s
no surprise that people are taking advantage. Unfortunately that does mean you
will likely run into crowds wherever you go; the airport, taxi services, gas
stations, roadside restaurants, and more. Does the idea of being surrounded by
crowds make you feel panicked? Here’s our top tips for avoiding the crowds as
much as possible.
1.
Pick the least busy days to travel. If you
already have plane tickets you’re likely out of luck, but for those of you
driving, changing your departure times can make a big difference. The two
busiest days to be on the road are the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and the
Sunday after Thanksgiving. If you can leave on Thanksgiving Day, or head home
the Saturday or even Monday after, you should encounter less traffic.
2.
Leave early. Maybe you have a flight, or maybe
with your work schedule you are limited with the days you can go out of town.
If that’s the case, always try to get an early start. If you’re flying get to
the airport early. Lines will be long and navigating the crowded airport will
be a nightmare. Traveling is stressful enough without adding the stress of
trying to be on time. Driving? Avoiding the traffic is all about timing. If you
have to leave Wednesday, leave earlier in the day. The same goes for Sunday.
Getting an early start is almost always better.
3.
Less luggage is more. More time, that is. If you’re
driving this isn’t such an issue, but if you’re flying, listen up. Checking
baggage takes up a lot of time. You have to check your bags, hope they arrive
to your final destination, and wait in baggage claim to collect them. With most
flights each passenger is allowed carry-on luggage, and for a long weekend trip
that will usually suffice. Pack smart and avoid long waits by not checking bags
at the airport.
4.
Give yourself plenty of extra time. Let’s say,
for example, you’re supposed to arrive at your in-law’s house at six in the
evening on Wednesday, with dinner plans for seven. What if your flight is
delayed? What if you hit traffic? What if your child gets car sick and you have
to make a stop? Things like this happen, and if you’re only giving yourself an
hour-long window you’re going to be stressed out. Keep plans casual for your
arrival day, or give yourself a few hours as a buffer.
5.
Be patient. No matter what you do, you are
likely to run into some crowds if you plan to travel during the holidays.
Remember that you do not own the roads, the airports, or the sky. Everyone else
who is traveling is just as deserving as you are. Bring something to entertain
yourself with for long waits. Going to the airport? Bring a book, portable game
system, or a laptop. Driving? Get some books on tape or a bunch of CDs. Try to
have fun with the crowds. It will make you much less miserable.
Those are our top tips for traveling
during the holiday weekend. Drive safe, and have a great Thanksgiving!
