Holiday Travel 2021

It is anticipated that this will be a busier than usual travel season (from Thanksgiving through New Years) since last year we were in lockdown and many of us were unable to spend the holidays with extended family and friends.

There are some things you need to know about holiday travel 2021 before you go.

FLYING THE FRIENDLY(?) SKIES

First, expect issues with the airlines if you will be flying. Due to a shortage of airport personnel and flight crews, there will be cancellations. Recently, Southwest cancelled 2,000 flights in two days and then American Airlines cancelled one out of every five scheduled flights. Furthermore, there will be weather problems or staff/plane problems that will create delays.

So, how to prepare for holiday travel 2021? First, mental preparation is key. Go into it with the right attitude. There may be delays or cancellations, so be prepared. Bring snacks and entertainment or budget to spend some money on airport dining and/or a cocktail. Look up your airport(s) online and see what options there are. Some offer movies now! Many offer spa services (including massages, manicures, and facials) and shopping. Bring games, books, and magazines on your device. Consider this a relaxing start to your holiday vacation and try to make it a positive rather than a negative. I have a friend who works a lot and has small children and she says she is always grateful for delays. It gives her a rare chance to read or treat herself with a massage or a leisurely meal. That’s the attitude I’m talking about!

Do NOT book tight connections. Allow enough time if there is a delay that you will not miss your connecting flight(s). The same is true for your origin flight. Be sure to allow enough time for traffic on the road and in the airport security lines that you do not miss your departure flight.

Buy your ticket as soon as possible. Do not wait and hope for better deal. It is most likely not going to happen this holiday season. It is more likely you will pay more the longer you wait. Or worse still, you will not be able to find a seat available or be stuck in a middle seat!

Do NOT buy nonrefundable tickets. Saving on the front end could cost you big bucks on the back end this year.

Buy travel insurance if you are taking a holiday vacation and not just flying home. Check out InsureMyTrip for more on that.

Have a backup plan. Book an airport hotel room or an airport rental car in case your flight is cancelled. You could drive the last leg of your trip or at least get a good night’s sleep before (hopefully) departing the next day. Just be sure to read the fine print before booking about their cancellation or change policies. Ask nicely about vouchers for an airport shuttle, food, and/or hotel if your flight is cancelled. Of course, rebooking your flight for the next available one without any charge is a given if the airline cancelled your flight. If you miss your connection, the answer is not so clear. It depends on whether the airline is responsible or it is a weather issue or it’s your fault. Check our airhelp for specific situations and solutions.

FYI: Effective November 8, 2021, all visitors to the U.S. must be vaccinated with very few exceptions. This means that proof of vaccination must be shown before being able to board any flight to the U.S. The rules are different for U.S. residents returning to the U.S. Check out the CDC site for the latest information.

TRAVELING BY CAR

First of all, expect high gas prices. Gas is up $1.33 per gallon on national average. Use GasBuddy to find the lowest prices on the road. Don’t take your big gas guzzler SUV or truck of you have another option.

If you will need a rental car, book it NOW. There may be a shortage at the holidays, especially in certain tourist destinations and airport rental agencies. Ask about discounts for teachers, students, first responders, military and vets, seniors, AAA members, etc. Check out kayak and priceline to find the best deals. For the best ride share option, check out turo.

Use an old-fashioned map to find alternative routes to busy interstates and highways. Navigational systems do not reveal these, they only show the most direct routes. I have found that alternative routes are more scenic and less traveled, which can actually reduce travel time to be less than the “most direct route.” And it can certainly be less stressful than bumper-to-bumper traffic. Just be sure you have a full tank of gas and a charged up cell phone before getting off the main highway.

TRAVELING BY TRAIN OR BUS

I love traveling by train. Leave the driving and logistics to someone else! And it is COVID safe and better than flying, at least to me. Check out Amtrak’s specials and schedules. You can even travel in a private room (choose between a roomette or a bedroom suite) on many U.S. routes! Trains have dining cars that are so much more enjoyable than airplane meal carts! They also have room service, lounges, and car attendants on many routes. Click here for more information on all bus service in the U.S.

Consider creative means of transportation, such as a camper, charter, or ride share.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

No matter what mode of transportation you take, it is best to travel early in the day if flying (night travel is great if driving) and as far in advance of a holiday as possible. The busiest travel days are December 23 and the first Sunday after Christmas. The day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday) is always the busiest travel day of that week. If you cannot fly or drive a few days before those dates, consider traveling on December 24 or 25 or Thanksgiving Day. You can take the first flight out and be at your destination early that day or you can even fly out late on the day before Thanksgiving or early afternoon on Christmas Eve Day. While this may not seem ideal, it is a much smoother experience. I have flown on New Year’s Day and Christmas Day and we had whole rows to ourselves and friendly, attentive flight attendants! If you are driving, drive at nighhttps://terrancetalkstravel.com/uber-adventures-perfect-places-to-celebrate-christmas/t or start at sunrise if you are not comfortable driving at night.

Lastly, wherever you go and however you get there, just make sure you plan and prepare as best as you can. And remember, whatever you do and whatever happens, it is still probably better than the 2020 holiday season.

HAPPY & SAFE HOLIDAYS!

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