Whether you’re driving or flying, traveling before and after Thanksgiving can turn into quite a headache. With people across the US eager to get to their loved ones (and the turkey!), lines at airports and traffic is inevitable. But don’t let the journey get you down! I’m sharing my 5 tried and true Thanksgiving family travel tips to help you survive this week’s travel. And if you are staying home and hosting these travelers, you may want to be waiting with a glass of wine when they arrive!

5 Tried and True Thanksgiving Family Travel Tips

1. Plan Ahead and Arrive Early – The Top Thanksgiving Family Travel Tip

The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year, so plan ahead with this family travel tip. If you’re driving, think about the rush hour times for each city you have to drive through. Even consider a scenic route. Sometimes the distance might be longer, but you won’t end up sitting bumper to bumper.

If you’re flying, arrive extra early. You’d rather be sitting at your gate reading a book. Or enjoying some fantastic people-watching than having a panic attack at the never-ending security line.

Check out these 10 tips for traveling safely with family! 

2. Stay Connected

Downloading key travel apps is another one of my favorite Thanksgiving family travel tips. These apps will immediately let you know of any flight delays or traffic issues. If you’re driving, download Waze. It connects you with other drivers. And you can see their updates on traffic, accidents, police traps, and more.

If you’re flying, it is helpful to download the app for the airline you are taking. However, if you have an iPhone, you can also text your flight number to yourself. Use the airline code in front of your flight number, so you can click on the link and receive updates and other helpful information.

How to connect with family during the holidays. 

3. Be Ready for the Unexpected

Weather delays are simply unavoidable. And you really can’t do much to change it, no matter how many Thanksgiving family travel tips you follow.

Prepare for unexpected hiccups by arriving early (see #1), building in extra time between connections, and packing necessities in your carry on.

As for driving, be prepared to stop for a while if the weather does take a turn for the worse.

After all, the goal is to be extremely grateful for traveling with family during the holiday season!

4. Pack Smart

If you’re flying, avoid checking a bag as best you can. If you have to check one, be sure to keep necessities in your carry on. Medications, toiletries, chargers, and valuables should be with you at all times.

Headed out on the open road? Pack a small cooler with drinks and snacks—you never know what food options (or lack thereof!) lay before you.

Forgoing this Thanksgiving family travel tip could cause more headaches than you want to deal with!

5. Relax

If something goes wrong, my recommended Thanksgiving family travel tip is to take a deep breath and relax. Some issues are simply unavoidable, so do your best to be flexible and patient. In 5 years, your bad travel day will turn into a funny story to share around the Thanksgiving table.

Tips for staying healthy while traveling with family for the holidays. 

Use these five tips when you travel for Thanksgiving to see family and avoid the issues that many others will experience. I guarantee you won’t worry about traveling over the holidays again once you have an amazing experience around Thanksgiving!

So, are you ready to utilize these Thanksgiving family travel tips and enjoy your holiday trip?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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