Tips for stress-free travel during the holidays

Thanksgiving is approaching faster than we may realize. The holiday is known to be the busiest travel day of the year; and according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), around 90 percent of Americans travel more than 50 miles from home to celebrate. Last year's AAA Thanksgiving traveling forecast, projected around 54.3 million people commuted either through road trips, flying, traveling on trains or waterways to get to their loved ones.

While the projected travel numbers have not been released for 2019, according to Sergio Avila, a media and public affairs representative for AAA, we can expect to see the same kind of numbers as we did in 2018, "So far this year, both Labor Day weekend and Independence Day weekend saw very strong travel numbers. Labor Day weekend saw the highest forecasted travel for Americans since 2008 with 35 million Americans expected to hit the roads. Independence Day weekend saw a record-breaking forecast of 48.9 million Americans traveling. We can expect those strong travel trends to continue through the holidays as the U.S. economy remains strong. Americans have disposable income in their pockets and are using that extra cash to travel".

As reported by AAA, the Thanksgiving holiday is typically defined as the two days prior to Thanksgiving, as well as the two days following. That means this year's Thanksgiving holiday period will be Tuesday, November 26 to Saturday, November 30. More times than not, people will experience some kind of transportation delay while commuting. Whether it's on the road or in the air, a little planning ahead can reduce the stress that coincides with traveling during the holidays.

Granted, many of you have already booked tickets if you are flying somewhere for Thanksgiving. However, even the slightest anticipation of entering any airport this time of year can solicit apprehension and distress from even the most experienced wayfarers among us. A few easy tips to remember this year will help your trek go a lot smoother.

Now days, airlines give you the option to receive text messages with information regarding your trip. These messages give you flight time updates, as well as last minute gate changes. You want that kind of crucial information as early as possible, especially when traveling around this holiday season. Lines can get long rather quickly, and it's easier than you think to get lost in an airport when the pressure is on to make it to your gate on time. Another smartphone advantage allows you to check in and get your boarding pass delivered to your phone electronically. This allows you to bypass the lines at the counter and the check-in kiosks, so you can head straight to the security screening.

If you can travel with only a carry-on bag, do it. Not only does this save you money by not having to pay to check a bag. You also don't have to deal with waiting at the baggage claim area and you can forget about the worry of your bag ending up somewhere else. Now if you do have to check a bag, a lot of the times your ticket price will include one free checked bag with certain weight restrictions. Don't get hit with any additional fees by checking and re-checking the baggage allowance on your ticket.

Supposing everyone is already familiar with the TSA regulations for all liquids and prohibited items, you will be happy to find that TSA does allow you to carry on (or check) both pies and cakes; even if the filling may qualify as a gel-like substance. Albeit, the final decision rests upon the TSA officer, make sure you've got your "famous apple pie" on a tight lock down with a secure lid and additional wrapping for protection. Another fun fact, TSA does not explicitly ban you from bringing a turkey along for the ride. Keep in mind, if you do decide to go this route; the weight of that turkey will need to be calculated with the rest of your carry-on luggage as to not go over the carry-on bag weight restrictions. Some bad news however; mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce are all considered liquids. So, unless you want three ounces or less of these items, which let's be honest, should be considered un-American, you will need to figure out a different plan for bringing along these dishes.

If you are hitting the roads this Thanksgiving holiday, sans weather conditions, a road trip can be considerably less stressful than high tailing it through a busy airport. While you should be realistic about anticipating trouble during your travels; taking a few extra cautionary steps prior to taking off, will undoubtedly help, even in the smallest of ways.

The cleaner your car is, the happier you will be. You are going to be spending a lot of time in your car, and obviously a clean space will make for an easier ride. Consider getting rid of any extra clutter and give your car a good thorough cleaning before taking off. While bad weather can hit without any notice, being fully prepared for car troubles is key. Plan alternate routes if roads are closed. Bring extra cash for any kind of tolls along the way. Brush up on how to change a flat tire, or how-to put-on chains for getting over those snowy passes. Allow for some built-in leisure time, because when these issues inevitably present themselves, you will want to be fully prepared to handle them.

Some other small tips to help you along the way include: bringing a spare key, a first aid kit, and extra windshield washer fluid. Make sure your phone is fully charged, and bring along either your car charger or a portable USB charger; we rely on our phone's maps more than we may like to admit to. While eating locally is a definite highlight to any trip, consider bringing along plenty of snacks and water to keep extra expenses down. Following these helpful tips will not guarantee and stress-free Thanksgiving, but it surely can't hurt to give at least a few of these a try.