Ways to Combat the Stress of Flying Around the Holidays

Listening to delightful holiday music, seeing loved ones and exchanging presents is what we look forward to during the holidays. What we don't look forward to-the stress of getting to where you need to be. More people travel during the holidays than at any other point in the year. Although airline employees are prepared for the influx of passengers, it can still get a little congested at times. Here are some ways to help keep your cool while traveling during the holiday season.

Don't wait until the last minute to buy your plane ticket to go see a loved one. If you haven't done so already, it's important to go ahead and book your travel plans now-waiting any longer can result in higher fares and fewer options.

If you have a trusted travel agent, go ahead and call them. Getting someone else to do all the legwork for you can save you the headache of comparing multiple flight options. Plus, your travel agent is so accustomed to helping people during the holiday season that they know exactly what needs to be booked to give you the most stress-free travel-and they may even be able to save you some money. If you don't have a travel agent already, see if your friends and family can suggest one, or check out TravelSense.org to find a trusted agent.

Whether it's flying at a time that works better for your schedule or cashing in points to upgrade your seat, now is the time to shell out a little more cash for the sake of comfort. Think about what stresses you out the most about flying. Is it having to wait until the last zone is called to board the plane? Worrying that you won't have enough legroom if the person in front of you reclines their seat? Don't settle for the redeye flight just so you can save a little extra money-if you're not accustomed to it, you'll just arrive at your destination groggy and grumpy.

If at all possible, opt for a direct flight. With a layover, you not only add more time to your overall travel, but you're also constantly having to worry about whether you're going to make your connecting flight. If you happened to check a bag, you'll have the additional unease over whether or not your suitcase made it onboard, too.

If you're traveling out of the country, it's important to go ahead and check your passport when you book your ticket as some countries will not allow you entry if you are within six months of your expiration date. Also check to see if you need a visa when traveling. For re-entering the United States, make sure to have Mobile Passport download for shorter custom lines.

If you wait until the morning of the day you leave to pack, you're just adding on additional stress and increasing your likelihood of forgetting something. No, you don't have to pack days in advance either, but you also don't want to go looking for your luggage only to realize that you've loaned it out to someone and forgotten about it or that the handle is now broken.

Make a packing list. Run down the activities you plan to do on your trip and pack accordingly. Need an ugly Christmas sweater? Want to wear a specific outfit when meeting family members? Making a list ahead of time will remind you of what you still need to pick up from the store or what you need to put through the laundry.

Personally, I don't like checking a bag. Getting to walk past the check-in counter when you first enter the airport is one of my simple pleasures. During the holiday travel season, these lines can be exceptionally long and slow-moving. With a carry-on, I don't have to worry about whether or not my bag made it on my flight because it's right there with me. My absolute favorite carry-on is the Tom Binh Aeronaut 30-it fits a week's worth of clothes, can be worn as a backpack and is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

Is there anything worse than walking out to your car and it not starting? Yes-walking out to your car and it not starting when you're already in a hurry to get to the airport, or coming back from France only to have a dead battery in the parking lot. (Not one of my more fun experiences.) Take the time to bring your car in for a quick tune-up before leaving on your trip.

It's important to remember that your departure time is not your boarding time. Plan to arrive at your gate by the boarding time listed on your ticket and give yourself ample cushion to make it through traffic, park your car and check-in for your flight. If you're traveling at a busy time of day, add just a little extra time for your trip to the airport in case you hit traffic or get stuck behind a wreck.

Along the same lines, make sure to plan how much time it will take you to get through security. Take note of the average wait time at your airport and give yourself more cushion than that. TSA has already been breaking records this year with their busiest days, and the holiday season is the prime time for most people to travel. Don't cause yourself extra stress because you didn't allow yourself enough time to get through the lines-your plane will not wait for you.

Whether it be your driver's license, boarding pass or passport, make sure to have it ready to hand to gate agents and TSA personnel. You don't want to get all the way to the front of the security line to realize you packed these items in your checked bag or left them in your car. If you have your boarding pass on your phone, turn your phone brightness all the way up as it helps with scanning the QR code.

TSA can go through your luggage, and they can also unwrap any presents you may be bringing with you. Do yourself a favor and wait until you arrive at your destination to wrap your gifts.

Don't try to bring toy guns or model grenades as a present for your nephew-TSA agents will stop you. They seized a record number of firearms in 2018 from people who 'forgot that was in there' or didn't think they'd get caught. There were even two rocket launchers found in bags this past summer. Please, don't be that person and check what is and isn't allowed through security.

Staying hydrated is one of the best pieces of advice for people flying. You may have to get up a couple of times on the plane, but your body will thank you. Bring your own water bottle and fill it up after you pass through airport security. Also bring yourself a couple of snacks-no one likes a hangry passenger.

There is a lot of downtime when it comes to flying, so make sure you have plenty of entertainment options to choose from. Whether it's a new book you want on your kindle or the latest movie you've been dying to see on your tablet, don't count on the airport having good enough WI-FI to download these things before boarding your flight-most likely you'll be sadly disappointed.

Whether you prefer earbuds or over-the-ear headphones, invest in a nice noise-canceling pair-they'll help to eliminate all the mutinous background noise and lessen the screams from the child in the row behind you, and a wireless pair will allow you to sleep easier without a cord getting tangled in your blanket.

But what's the point of going through all the hassle of downloading everything you need just to have your device die as soon as you turn it on? Do yourself a favor and make sure headphones, eReaders, tablets and phones are fully charged before leaving your house.

If you have a long travel time, consider bringing a battery backup with you. Even if everything is fully charged when you leave the house, it's not a guarantee that it will last during boarding and through the entire flight. And not all flights have outlets in the seat.

Everything that you know or think you might use while on your flight, you should keep in your personal carry-on item at your feet. If you stow it in the overhead bin, you may not be allowed to grab it when you need it if the fasten seat belt sign is still on.

I'm all for looking cute for when you step off the plane to meet friends and family you haven't seen in ages, but don't make yourself uncomfortable for hours just for those few brief moments after you land. There are plenty of stylish travel clothes that will give you the flexibility and comfort you deserve while flying. Treat yourself to a travel wardrobe that won't leave you feeling even more constrained in your tiny airplane seat.

Many people get caught up in the excitement of finally landing. If you're meeting friends or family members you haven't seen in a while, take a minute to stop by the restroom after deplaning to freshen up. Maybe spritz your face to wake it up, put in eye drops or brush your teeth. A couple of minutes of a little extra pampering will make you feel good when you meet your arrival party.

Especially for those traveling out of the country, check with your wireless provider about whether or not you will receive phone service once you land. You don't want to come home to a massive phone bill because you didn't take the time to sign up for the International Plan or have to go without service entirely because that country isn't included in your plan.

Have confirmations for airport transfers and car rentals handy. If you know that you won't be able to use your phone, then go ahead and print these out. Plus, if booking through a third party, you'll see if you're already covered with additional insurance, so you won't fall for the company trying to sell you even more coverage.

Airports are confusing. If you've never been to an airport before, it can be easy to get lost-especially if all the signs are in another language. Take a minute to look online for an airport map to find baggage claim, car rental companies and rideshare pickups.

Most importantly, take a moment to breathe and enjoy the ride. Air travel has advanced so much in the last few decades and it allows hundreds of people to see the world and their loved ones so much easier. Yes, the airports will be crowded and everyone is trying to get to their destinations, but staying calm and finding little things to smile about should help to ease your travel worries.