As the holiday season approaches, the question on everyone’s lips is: Are you going away for the holidays?
Many Aussies are gearing up for a well-deserved holiday, whether it’s reuniting with loved ones or venturing overseas for a tropical escape. With travel at an all-time high, it’s important to plan ahead to keep the festive cheer intact, even amid busy airports and packed roads.
Here’s your go-to guide to holiday tips and tricks for navigating the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Let's face it: holiday travel is no joke. And remember, the best gift you can give yourself is travel coverage for added peace of mind, whether you plan on visiting family domestically or jetting off to Southeast Asia.
1. Plan Ahead
Airport parking, especially long-term parking, can be a hot commodity during the holiday break. Book online ahead of time to guarantee a spot near the terminal. If you're driving to major events like Sydney’s Carols in the Domain or Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight, hotel parking might also fill up quickly - reserve that too!
Navigating holiday traffic can be challenging. It’s better to leave early, allowing extra time for any unexpected mishaps along the way. Traffic may be heavier than usual and airports busier, so be prepared to spend longer travelling than you usually do. Additionally, leave extra time for the drive, as holiday traffic tends to be anything but jolly.
Pro Tip: Use dynamic pricing tracking apps like Hopper to predict the best booking windows. For airport parking, book at least 3-4 weeks in advance and consider off-site parking with shuttle services for better rates.
2. Leverage Travel Apps
Skip the lines by checking in online. Most airlines offer apps that provide real-time updates on-boarding times, gate changes, and baggage claim details. And if your loved ones are planning to pick you up, flight-tracking apps are a lifesaver to coordinate when to meet you at the airport pick-up locations.
Staying in a hotel? Many accommodations now let you check in via mobile apps, offering perks like digital keys and instant notifications when your room is ready.
Recommended Apps:
- TripIt for comprehensive itinerary management
- FlightAware for hyper-accurate flight tracking
- Google Translate with offline capabilities
3. Check Your Luggage
With the average excess baggage fee priced approximately at $50-$200 per bag, it’s time to give your luggage a holiday health check.
Make a packing list for holiday travel. Remove old airline tags, update ID information, and ensure your bags are sturdy enough for the season's travel frenzy. Investing in a smart tag can help you track your bags in case they take an unexpected detour.
Traveling with gifts? Leave them unwrapped as security may need to inspect them and destroy your hard blood, sweat and tears of gift wrapping. Double-check restrictions for items such as electronics with lithium batteries. For lighter travel, consider shipping gifts directly to your destination, but ensure you allow for potential delivery delays.
- Use compression packing cubes to maximise space
- Create a digital inventory of packed items
4. Stay Healthy
While Covid-19 restrictions have eased, it’s still wise to stay vigilant. Wash your hands regularly, sanitise high-touch surfaces such as aeroplane tray tables, and pack a small health kit with essential medications, hand sanitiser, and a mask for crowded areas.
Ensure your travel vaccinations are current, such as the DFAT Yellow Fever vaccine, and pack any necessary prescriptions to last longer than your planned stay, in case of unexpected delays. A little precaution goes a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe over the holidays.
5. Keep the Weather in Mind
Australia’s Christmas doesn’t come with snow, but it can bring its challenges, such as thunderstorms, cyclones, and bushfires. Protect your plans by adding a natural disaster add-on to your travel insurance policy.
- Stay Informed: Use weather apps to receive real-time updates and alerts. Apps like AccuWeather or Weather Underground can be very helpful.
- Flexible Plans: Have a backup plan in case of severe weather. This could include alternative travel routes, indoor activities, or even rescheduling your trip if necessary.
6. Be Proactive with a Backup Plan
"Expect the unexpected" is a wise travel mantra, especially during the holiday season. Having a backup plan in place before you leave home can save you a lot of stress.
Use flight apps to track where your aeroplane is coming from and check for widespread delays. Real-time tracking can help you stay ahead of potential issues, allowing you to make new plans before a cancellation or delay is officially announced, avoiding the rush when everyone else is seeking assistance.
As soon as you hear about a significant delay or cancellation, start looking up alternative options on your own while waiting for official help from the airline or car rental’s customer service line.
Develop a traveller's contingency mindset:
- Have digital and physical copies of all documents
- Maintain emergency contact lists
- Create a flexible itinerary with buffer times
- Understand your rights with airlines and insurance providers (check out our PDS)
7. Celebrate Safely
The holiday season is all about making memories with loved ones. By planning and taking a few extra precautions, you can ensure the only surprises you encounter are joyful ones.
So together let’s prioritise:
- Mental health breaks during travel
- Cultural sensitivity and local engagement
- Sustainable and responsible tourism practices
- Moments of genuine connection over perfect Instagram shots
At the end of the day, travel is about experiences, not just destinations!
And remember, whether you're sipping Grandma’s eggnog or lounging poolside in Phuket, packing travel insurance is the ultimate stocking stuffer.
