Expert Tips for Relaxing Holiday Travel

Image: PHOTO: Follow this expert's advice and your holiday travel should be a breeze. (photo via Flickr/Charles Dyer)
Image: PHOTO: Follow this expert's advice and your holiday travel should be a breeze. (photo via Flickr/Charles Dyer)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 9:00 AM ET, Sun December 24, 2017

Travelers will take to the road and sky in droves these upcoming holidays, which means we're in for yet another hectic end-of-year travel season.

Fortunately, frequent traveler and RetailMeNot's shopping and trends expert Sara Skirboll has accumulated several helpful tips over the years to ensure a relaxing holiday trip, whether you're visiting family or breaking free from reality.

For flyers, Skirboll recommends locking down an aisle seat for easy access to the lavatory since staying hydrated is key to feeling your best. (Don't forget to close the door with your elbow to avoid spreading germs with your hands.)

Additionally, Skirboll encourages air travelers to use sanitizer or travel size wipes onboard to disinfect their area.

An aisle seat also means your seatmates will be less likely to despise you if you need to get up more than once.

When packing, double check to make sure you have easily-forgotten items like glasses, contact lenses and device chargers. Skirboll points out that tossing a light snack into your bag can fend off your appetite at the terminal and ensure you make it to your final destination comfortably.

Travelers can use shower caps or leftover plastic bags to wrap their shoes in and protect their clothing from stains. The extra space inside the shoes is also perfect for storing socks and other small items. While you're at it, pack a pair of cheap slippers so your feet will stay comfortable and warm wherever you decide to spend the night.

Skirboll has also pinpointed more than a dozen travel items she deems essential for the holidays, including ginger tea, electrolyte tablets, candles, facial spray, a scarf, eye masks and a baseball hat, among others.

Helpful advice is also available for those traveling with children or struggling to overcome anxiety ahead of the holidays.


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