For many St. Louisans, the holidays are synonymous with traveling. Whether you’re visiting family or taking advantage of time off work and school, it’s prime time to pack the car or head to the airport—and you’re not alone! But before the panic sets in, read our tips from Angie Wheeler of Vacations by Angie to make tackling Lambert or a road trip with the kiddos a piece of cake.
book it early
While last-minute booking often brings to mind discounted prices from airlines trying to fill seats, Wheeler says those deals aren’t as common as they once were. “In general, when it comes to booking, the earlier, the better,” she says. “You have greater availability and more choices.”
save time, avoid the line
Security lines are just the thing to take the jolly out of any holiday. If you fly more than twice a year, Wheeler recommends getting TSA Pre-Check. “You don’t have to remove your shoes or jackets, and you can keep your laptops and liquids in your luggage” she notes. “It really expedites the process. You can apply online for a five-year membership for $85.”
Not a frequent flyer? Avoid lines by booking evening flights, according to Wheeler. “Most people want to fly in the morning,” she says. “If you have flexibility, the airport will be less crowded and you’ll save time.” Bonus: the tickets will likely be cheaper, too!
special delivery
Gifts and packages are a given with any holiday trip. But what’s the best way to handle them? “I would ship any packages ahead of time to avoid hassle at the airport,” Wheeler says. If you’re not shipping gifts separately, Wheeler says don’t wrap them. “Security will just make you unwrap it,” she says. “It’s a waste.”
en route entertainment
Travel means sitting still for an extended period of time. That can be hard enough for any adult, let alone kids excited to see family or go on vacation. What can you do to provide appropriate entertainment and distractions? “You want to travel with things that if they don’t make it home, it won’t be a big deal,” Wheeler says. She creates care packages for families when she books trips and recommends checking places like Target for inexpensive books and games that will entertain kids.
To keep adults happy, Wheeler says to pack your patience! “Wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow,” she says. “The plane is going to be packed tight. Be aware of that, and be patient.”
holiday abroad
If you’re traveling overseas, Wheeler recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. State Department. It’s a free service that enrolls your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. “It keeps a record of your out-of-country travel, and makes it easier if something were to go wrong,” she explains.
fly vs. drive
The debate between the benefits of flying versus driving is a big one. Flying is faster, but driving gives you more freedom. While we don’t have a clear winner, Wheeler recommends a road trip if you’re only going a state or two away and can make the trip in one day. “It’s great for the kids,” she notes. “They can see and experience things they wouldn’t if they were stuck on a plane.”
vacation destination
Holidays mean families coming together from all over—a wonderful thing, but the logistics can be a nightmare. It leaves some family members traveling long distances, and others stuck playing host. Wheeler recommends skipping the hassle and booking a cruise where no one has responsibilities. “Everything is taken care of, and there are so many things to do,” she says. “Everyone will be happy.”
packing problems? there’s an app for that
Packing requires even more planning and organizing. Wheeler recommends the PackPoint app. It generates a list of what you need based on the length of travel, weather and any activities you have planned. “It’s easy to forget something,” she says. “PackPoint helps lift the burden.”