Holiday hacks for traveling this Christmas Eve

When it comes to traveling for the holidays, to say it’s stressful is a bit of an understatement.

Whether you’re jumping on a plane, train, or automobile, chances are you’re not looking forward to the transportation part of your trip.

That’s why I’ve compiled these essential hacks to traveling for the holidays (tomorrow is Christmas Eve after all).

Focus on the presents under the tree and the food on the table, rather than the hustle and bustle booking a trip always entails.

These hacks will ensure your holiday travel is merry and bright.

While artists sing that there’s no place like home for the holidays, perhaps your festive spirit calls you to other destinations.

Or, perhaps the place you call ‘home’ is a distance away.

No matter the reason you’re traveling for the holidays, there always seems to be something in the way of having a seamless trip.

Between delayed flights, confusing reservations, expensive add-ons, and every other small detail that could go wrong on your trek, it’s no wonder some people give up and remain where they are.

But don’t forsake your chance to be with people you love, or in a place you enjoy, just because life got in the way.

I’m going to give you a few essential travel hacks that you can use this holiday season, and for many more to come.

The first requires a bit of planning, so maybe file this one away for use next year.

But booking a flight is always one of the most stressful parts of my travel preparation.

That’s why I’m going to recommend you do it in advance.

Not only can you save yourself a lot of money (hundreds of dollars in some cases), but you can also make the most of bundles and appealing amenities if you play your cards rights.

When I mentioned I was preparing to write this article for you, The Midas Legacy’s Chief Editor, Jordan Bishop, spoke up.

A seasoned traveler himself, Jordan recommended tracking flight prices for a few weeks or months prior to booking your own.

I dove in to find services that would do that for you—and save you money in the process—and I wasn’t disappointed.

Several discount flight websites offer the ability to notify you when a flight you’ve been eyeing drops (or increases) in price.

They also set up alerts for other options you would be willing to defer to, should your first choice not pan out.

Some of my favorites include Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Airfare Watchdog.

Not only do these sites compile cheap flights from different airlines across the globe, but they also help you get the best deal at no cost to you.

My next holiday travel hack is to pack wisely.

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that restrictions on your luggage at airports are only getting stricter.

But even if you’re driving to your destination, you have limited room in your vehicle to be taken up by thick sweaters (or beach towels, depending on your idea of a holiday getaway).

That’s why I suggest familiarizing yourself with the items you use daily.

I’m the worst culprit when it comes to overpacking. In the past, I would bring double the amount of clothes I needed and cosmetics I hadn’t used in months just in case.

Now, I try a new tactic when prepping for a trip.

I look in my bathroom and my bedroom to only pack the things I use every day, or a smaller version if possible.

For example, I may feel the need to bring my contact solution and saline solution on a weekend trip, both full-size bottles.

But if I’m only going away for a few days, I don’t need both solutions, and I can bring a travel-size bottle instead.

Back to packing for flights, airports are another beast entirely when it comes to overpacking.

I suggest researching airline restrictions prior to packing your luggage, and well before arriving at the airport.

That way you’re not stuck throwing away items, or making an emergency trip back to the car to leave things behind.

My last holiday hack for you is pretty simple: be prepared.

And I know that’s really general, but let me break it down for you.

No matter how you’re traveling this holiday season, or where, there will be little details throughout your trip to keep your eye on to ensure nothing goes awry.

Print your boarding pass or train tickets at home.

Don’t pre-wrap Christmas presents when going through security because they will open them to scan them.

Charge your cell phone and other devices so you’re always online and able to be contacted.

Triple check your reservations and receipts just in case.

And, as always, enjoy your vacation.

With that, I hope these holiday hacks help you in your adventures.

From myself, and everyone here at The Midas Legacy, I wish you the warmest and happiest of holidays this year.

Safe travels!