The most wonderful time of the year can very quickly become the most stressful time of the year if you haven’t planned ahead. A little planning can go a long way to avoid panic and stress during the busy holiday travel season. Control the things you can and pack your patience for the things that are out of your control.
Here are some things you can control to make sure you have a happy (and smooth) holiday travel season.
Book Flights and Rentals Early
Although there is a lot of debate about when to get the best prices on flights, to avoid the extra stress, we recommend you book your flight early. According to data from the travel app Hopper, domestic airfares for flights the week of Christmas are higher than in the last 5 years. At the very least, book before Thanksgiving to avoid the highest prices.
Also, consider flying ON Christmas or ON Thanksgiving and off-peak hours to save money. The days around the holidays are the most expensive so you can find deals if you are willing to travel on the holiday.
Reserve Airport Parking
Airport parking lots — especially the ones that are either the cheapest or the closest to the terminal — fill up on holiday weekends, and your best bet is to book a spot in advance. Not only does that guarantee you a spot, but sometimes it is cheaper, too.
Get to the Airport Early
Nothing increases your stress faster than running late for your flight! So don’t put yourself in that situation during the holidays when it’s extra busy and the lines are long.
Think About the Gifts
Don’t wrap your gifts ahead of time because TSA has the right to unwrap and inspect all packages. Better yet, ship your packages well in advance so you lighten your load and save the expense of an extra bag.
Pack the Right Card
It’s not too late to add the right card to your wallet to make your holiday travel easier and earn reward points. A Members Trust Credit Card comes with great perks such as:
- easy cash advances through ATMs worldwide,
- emergency card holder replacement, and services,
- travel accident and baggage insurance,
- price protection, and ID theft restoration services.
- Plus, with a reward card, you’ll earn 1 point per $1 in purchases that you can redeem for merchandise, travel, or credit back to your credit card or deposit into your MT savings or checking account.
Also, download the Card App so you can keep tabs on your account and update the status of your card if lost or stolen. Learn More!
Keep Tabs on Your Accounts
Before you leave town, download the MTFCU mobile app so you can easily keep tabs on your account, transfer money, and make a deposit, if needed.
You also have access to free ATMs via our MTFCU debit card.
Be Prepared
Depending on your trip, this includes packing healthy snacks, bringing backup chargers for electronics, downloading travel apps, knowing current TSA rules, mapping out routes, getting a car inspection, making copies of travel documents, carrying prescriptions in their original bottles, confirming reservations, gather entertainment options, set reminders and pack wisely. The more prepared you are, the better equipped you’ll be to handle surprises.