According to TripAdvisor winter travel trends A report released last November found that 58% of Americans are planning to travel this winter. Every season brings waves of travel, and winter is no exception. This period includes the popular December holiday travel season, but extends into January and February, when travelers seek warmer weather and getting outside.
Families travel during the winter for a variety of reasons. Escape from cold weather is an obvious example, but families are also looking for more affordable trips outside of Christmas when the kids are off for long weekends or holidays around winter break.
If you have a holiday coming up this winter, make these seasonal tips your top priority. These tips don’t necessarily apply to the rest of the year. Therefore, it is important to refresh your memory every winter. Experts agree that one severe snowstorm can ruin even the most carefully planned trip. Families should be prepared and heed these warnings before hitting the roads or skies this winter.
Plan extra time for your trip
Under perfect conditions, savvy travelers know exactly how long it will take to drive to the airport, park, and go through security. However, if you add weather to it, those calculations are ignored.
Whether you’re traveling by plane or car, experts agree that adding travel time is important. Leaving home early for the airport, leaving him an hour or two earlier than necessary will provide a buffer in case of bad weather. As Kimberly Fidler, Get Away Today’s vice president of marketing, advises, if snow is expected on the day of your trip, be prepared to drive slower. “If you drive, make sure your car is prepared for winter. Bring extra snacks and water. If it’s a long drive, you may be able to stop overnight. No,” she says.
Fidler also urged people traveling by air to add extra time, including connecting flights, if possible. Longer layover times allow some delays on the first leg of the journey to be tolerated without causing catastrophic ripple effects. Consider every step of the journey. Ground transportation from the airport to the hotel.
Plan and prepare for success
Avoiding the potential pitfalls of inclement weather starts with preparing the right equipment. The ideal winter packing list says more than just snow boots and a jacket, especially if you’re driving. Traveling with Sarah. she says: “An emergency car kit is a must if you drive in areas that are often affected by winter weather. Include a blanket, flashlight, batteries, nonperishable food, water, and jumper cables in case you get stranded on the road. is needed.”
beyond pack travel essentials, Gilliland also recommends travelers be strategic when flying during this time. “Flight delays and traffic jams are inevitable,” she added. “Try to book your layover in a location that doesn’t have as much winter weather that can delay your trip.”
Choosing a layover in a city that is less affected by snow will increase your chances of having a successful trip. So instead of booking a connection through O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois or Denver, Colorado, look for hubs further south, such as Atlanta, Georgia, Houston, Texas, or Dallas, Texas.
Plan a flexible itinerary
Bad weather can disrupt your vacation plans. If weather delays your arrival time, it will also delay the start of your vacation. If the storm is severe, it could take an entire day. Experts advise families to include an extra day at the end of their vacation to accommodate these potential challenges.than that Book a 5-night tripFor example, add a 6th night if your budget allows.
Mikkel Woodruff, as co-founder and editor sometimes sailing“If your work schedule and budget allow, consider adding another day. You’ll be grateful you did that in case a winter storm delays your arrival by a day.” .”
Overall, flexibility is a key factor in winter travel, and families should remain vigilant and be prepared to change plans at a moment’s notice. Snowstorms are difficult to predict, and severe weather in some parts of the country is still affecting flights across the country.
Eric Beigel, Co-Founder insider“Flexibility is key when traveling in the winter. Flights are often canceled or changed due to the weather. Even in areas that don’t get much snow, snowstorms and winter weather can force you to change your plans.” Being flexible during this time will make it much easier if something happens that forces you to change your plans.”
Winter travel can come with delays and bad weather, but you can never be too cautious when planning your vacation, as more families will be traveling in 2024.
This article was created by Media decisions Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
