13 Stress-Free Travel Tips For The Holidays

Updated November 2024

If you’ve traveled during the holidays, you know how stressful it can be, but with the right stress-free travel tips, you can stay in control of yourself no matter what the journey throws your way.

As someone who has flown during the holidays and encountered crowded airports, cranky travelers, stressed-out airline workers, luggage mishaps, flight delays, and less-than-perfect weather, I have learned a few ways to navigate holiday travels that have helped me in years past.

In this post, I’m sharing 13 tried-and-true stress-free travel tips that help me stay calm when airports are busiest.

Also, remember to download my free guide with all the in-flight essentials you need to travel comfortably.

No matter how far your holiday travels take you, I hope these tips help you experience stress-free travels as much as possible.

1. Travel with a carry-on only

Holiday travel is hectic enough without the added stress of lost luggage.

With overbooked flights, winter delays, and potential layovers, checked bags can easily go missing or get left behind.

Packing only a carry-on and a spacious travel backpack means skipping long baggage drop-off lines, waiting at baggage claim, and avoiding the risk of lost bags.

If you’re bringing gifts, consider shipping them separately or sharing carry-on space with someone else if traveling with a friend or relative.

Traveling light saves you time and stress, which is how I travel normally, no matter the season.

The peace of mind of having just the travel essentials within reach is priceless.

2. Check-in ahead of time

By checking in online and traveling light, you can breeze past those obnoxiously long check-in lines and head straight to security.

Try to check in as soon as it opens, whether online or on the app. I prefer the app so you can get your mobile boarding pass directly and more easily.

Plus, with fewer items, getting through security is quicker, too, especially with newer security technology that doesn’t require you to take out your liquids like before.

3. Arrive early at the airport

As my mom says, I would rather be bored at the airport than stressed trying to get there.

Arriving early is key, whether a quick domestic flight with just a carry-on or a long international trip, especially during the holiday travel season.

When you get to the airport with time to spare, you can move at your own pace: ask questions at check-in, double-check TSA guidelines, grab a drink, hit the bathroom, explore Duty-Free, or people-watch near a convenient outlet.

Arriving early means you’re ready for any last-minute changes without stress.

It’s a simple luxury that keeps you calm and in a good mood—exactly what you and everyone else at the airport need during the holiday rush!

4. Charge up all your electronics beforehand

Keep all your devices fully charged before heading out!

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth sharing because whether we are checking our flight status, last-minute TSA regulations, or changing seats, we are constantly on our phones on the day of travel, well before arriving at the gate.

A low battery can add stress you don’t need while holiday traveling.

Make sure to bring a portable charger, as outlets at the gate aren’t always a sure thing, and consider downloading any essential apps in advance. Some of my favorites are:

• Airline app
• Flight tracking app like Flight Radar
• MPC (Mobile Passport Control)
• Netflix, Spotify, my local library reading app, Kindle, etc.

Also, remember to enable battery-saver mode to help your charge last as long as possible.

5. Download helpful apps

You want to be prepared not only with the right apps to keep you entertained but also to help you navigate if your flight gets canceled, you want to plan your clothing strategically, or you have to figure out a game plan because of severe delays.

These are some of my go-to helpful apps that I like to have on hand:

• HotelTonight – great for last-minute hotel deals.
• PackPoint – a cool tool to help you pack and organize your clothes the best you can according to your destination.
• Timeshifter – a helpful tool to help you adapt to the time change the closer you are to departure and while flying.
• LoungeBuddy – find the best lounge deals and separate yourself from the gate madness.

6. Bring a physical item to read

While your devices and portable chargers are essential, sometimes you need a break from screens.

Bring a physical book, magazine, or even a puzzle book to entertain yourself without draining your phone.

Not only does this give your eyes a rest from screens, but it can also help you unwind and stay grounded during long waits. If anything, it will also lull you to sleep on your flight.

And if you’re not a big reader, consider a gratitude journal or coloring book for a relaxing, screen-free way to pass the time.

7. Download movies/shows, podcasts, audiobooks, and music onto your device

It’s time to free up space on your phone or tablet and download offline media.

Download your favorite movies, shows, music, podcasts, audiobooks, and even meditations to keep you entertained or help you unwind on the go.

It’s the perfect way to dive into something you don’t usually have time for, and meditation can be a real lifesaver when things get stressful.

Just remember to download your content before leaving for the airport, as the wifi at the airport is not the best for downloading things.

8. Dress comfortably and as light as possible

When it comes to holiday travel, comfort is important.

Choose clothes that are easy to move in and won’t leave you feeling stiff after hours of sitting or feeling tight around you.

Think cozy layers you can easily add or remove since airports and planes can quickly switch from hot to cold. For extra comfort, I typically mix in some athleisure wear when I plan my airport outfits.

Avoid heavy accessories or bulky shoes that’ll weigh you down and slow you up at security.

Check out my favorite travel clothing staples to pack for practical, comfortable options.

9. Pack your snacks

Bring a few nutrient-packed snacks to fuel your body and help manage holiday travel stress.

As fun as flying can be, it’s physically draining. Think recycled air, cramped seating, sleep deprivation, temperature changes, and hauling bags everywhere.

Pack foods like protein bars or almonds for sustained energy to stay energized, and always have water on you to keep hydrated and alert.

A calming tea can also work wonders, soothing your stomach and mind.

Having your own snacks on hand helps curb hunger, especially when you have to be alert for flight updates and potential changes that can happen during busy holiday travel.

10. Come prepared with extra cash

When you travel—especially during the holidays—expect the unexpected.

I always tell friends to carry some extra cash because sometimes, not all airports take cards, surprisingly, the chip on your card might suddenly fail (it’s happened to me before at Duty-Free), or the machine might not work at all.

If delays occur, be prepared with cash on hand for overpriced water, snacks, or meals.

11. Have a backup plan

If the worst happens and flights are canceled, having a backup travel method to your destination is a good idea. This is assuming it’s safe to do so, of course.

Whether you can take a train from destination A to destination B, a bus, a boat, or a ferry, or drive yourself, you may want to make yourself aware of all the potential ways you can get to your destination and how to get there from the airport.

12. Research wifi codes and airport services offered beforehand

This tip falls under “things to prepare before you travel” because it can be a lifesaver during long holiday waits at the airport.

Check out the airport’s amenities, as many offer unique services like yoga rooms, gyms, beer gardens, spas, casinos, prayer rooms, and even museums.

With more restaurant options and local shops, there’s plenty to explore, which is good for knowing if you’re spending a few hours at the airport.

13. Take a deep breath and be nice

Whatever tips you take from this post, remember to stay calm and be kind (not that you wouldn’t, of course! 😊).

Holiday travel can be chaotic, whether flying, taking the train, or driving.

Things may go wrong, and venting your frustration at airline employees will not fix delays or make anyone feel better.

If something unexpected happens, take a deep breath, focus on breathing, and keep moving and following the updates. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are plenty of reasons to feel stressed, but by focusing on these tips, you’ll have the tools to stay calm and worry less about potential issues.

Concluding thoughts on the 13 stress-free travel tips for the holidays

I hope these tips serve you out in the wild as you plan your holiday travel.

I do all of these things to stay as calm as possible when I travel during the crazy holiday season.

As promised, below is the link to my holiday travel packing list of items to bring on board so you can ensure a comfortable journey once you get on your flight.

Do you have any other suggestions? Let me know in the comments below and the places you plan on traveling to this holiday season!

To more (calm) travel moments like this,