2023 Holiday Travel Tips

Travel Insurance

Check out these tips so you can spend less time worrying and more time celebrating.

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s shaping up to be a busy one! Experts predict that nearly 50% of Americans will travel this holiday season.¹

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With so many of us hitting the road, airports and highways will be packed, so we’ve looked at some of the best ways you can make your 2023 holiday travel experience less stressful.

Travelers are spending 12% more than last year on travel this holiday season.
They’re also ensuring their trips are protected with a 23% increase in travel insurance purchases.²

Fly direct and early to lessen your chances of something going awry. Opt for a direct flight—and if possible, the first flight of the day—to minimize delays and missed connections. Steering clear of the busiest travel days, whether you’re flying or driving, can also help to ensure a smoother trip. Two of the least busy days to travel during the holidays this year will be Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Not only will you find greater availability and lower costs, you’ll also contend with fewer crowds.
Travel light and ship your gifts. (Amazon will wrap them for you!) Avoid checking your bags to reduce your chances of losing anything along the way. You’ll avoid costly baggage fees, crowds at baggage claim, and the hassles that come with the airline losing your bag.
Watch the weather in the days leading up to your trip. Your airline may issue a “weather waiver” allowing you to travel before or after a storm hits without paying fees or fare differences. Weather aside, it’s always a good idea to monitor whether your airline is canceling or delaying flights in the days leading up to your trip. If you see problems, you may want to make alternate arrangements.
Prepare for the unexpected before you hit the road because driving in the winter can be just as stressful as flying. With almost 60% of Americans planning to travel within their state this holiday season, you may also need to contend with many other drivers causing potentially dangerous conditions.³ Make time for a quick tune-up and be sure you understand what your auto insurance covers before you set off on your holiday trip.
Plan ahead for delays and cancellations because we know holiday travel is unpredictable. Try to build some flexibility into your plans. And don’t forget travel insurance. Standard options cover everything from canceled flights to lost baggage. “Cancel for any reason” policies give you the freedom to change your travel plans altogether if things get so messy that it becomes easier to celebrate at home.