Travel & the Holiday Season

With the festive season just around the corner, many of us are thinking about our holiday plans and what gifts to buy. However, this doesn't mean that traveling for business gets put on hold. For the frequent business traveler, heading into a more-choatic-than-normal airport filled with new travelers, can cause added stress.

Your UNIGLOBE expert has some tips to help you survive traveling during the peak of the holiday season.

Consider an alternative airport

It is always nice to fly in and out of your preferred airports when travelling abroad. In most cases this means you are using your country's main international airport. However, this is likely the same airport that most holiday travelers will be using as well. To avoid the throngs of people, consider booking in and out of an alternative airport. The reduced stress and frustration can save you a lot of pain and time. As an added bonus you will often save on parking, rental cars, and traffic to and from, nearby hotels.

Pack light, extra light

It is always best to pack light when traveling as it reduces the chances of lost luggage, and makes clearing security much smoother. Now is the time of year to be even more ruthless with your packing. Only bring a carry-on bag and if you opt to have two carry-on items, place your valuables and medications in the smaller piece. This will help avoid the last minute shuffle of contents should you be faced with no overhead bin space and be forced to gate check you larger piece of carry-on luggage.

Dress the part and use your preferred airline

Fewer business travelers will be in the air at this time of year, leaving more vacancy in the business class and first class cabins. During the holiday season when the coach cabin is often 100% sold, upgrades are sometimes given to frequent fliers. If you commonly fly coach and your status doesn't normally entitle you to an upgrade, now is a great time to try for one. Show up for your flight dressed neatly and professionally, be polite and respect to airline staff and volunteer to give up your economy seat so a family might sit together.