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Flying overseas or driving to the countryside during the holidays can be very thrilling. As exciting it is to see new places and meet people, the traveling can sometimes take a toll on vacationers. During the holiday season, the roads and flights are packed to the hilt, which can make planning and the actual traveling part quite stressful. To optimally enjoy your vacation without even a hint of stress, here are several tips for managing holiday travel:
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Getting Through Airport Security
Airport security has become very tight recently in many countries. Getting through airport security is not a breeze anymore. You can seriously risk missing your flight if you are not prepared in advance. Therefore, arrive at the airport with plenty of time to get through security. If you are booking connecting flights, make sure there are at least two hours in the airport between the flights. Also, have all your travel documents ready at hand to show security. Read guidelines in advance so you don’t pack anything that the security might take an interest in. Some airports have expedited check-ins, which you can sign up for in advance online. It would help you avoid the long lines.
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Transportation Expenses
The transportation expenses can really pile up if you are not careful. To save money on flying, find a good app or a service for cheapest flight tickets to any destination. There are multiple services out there. Browse through each and find the one that suits you best. You can find similar services for finding cabs, trains, and other modes of transportation on the ground. Ask about public transportation modes to keep costs down low. In some cities, public ferries and buses haul tourists for free.
Traveling with Relatives
Holidaying with parents, in-laws, or other relatives offers plenty of opportunities for family bonding time. But it can also create moments of minor conflict. Older relatives, especially, may not be at ease during travels because they are venturing out of their comfort zone. Therefore, before leaving, lay out some ground rules. Establish who will pay for transportation and what will happen during the trip. For example, if you are driving, ask everyone where they want to stop for a meal beforehand. Make plans together so expectations don’t end up clashing.
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Unfamiliar Taxi Hauling
When you are in a different city or a country, you may have to rely on taxis to get from point A to B. Most travelers are very uncomfortable or overwhelmed by calling a cab in an unfamiliar region. There are legitimate safety concerns. Also, some drivers may overcharge when they realize the passengers are tourists. To avoid these problems in advance, ask locals or the tour agent about what normal cab fare in the region is. There are smartphone apps that allow travelers to book cabs in advance at set rates, which can prevent unpleasant price disputes on the way. Use a GPS app on the smartphone to map out the shortest routes so an enterprising local cabbie doesn’t get the best of you.
If you stick to the above tips, you will be able to eliminate most of the stress associated with traveling during the holidays.