A Guide to Surviving—and Enjoying—Holiday Travel This Year

The holidays are a wonderful time of year to travel—if you have the intel you need to do so stress-free. Follow these expert tips, insights, and ideas to hold onto the joy of the season.
The illuminated Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in front of buildings, with people standing before it

New York City’s Rockefeller Center tree is an icon of the season.

Photo by Pe Dra/Shutterstock.com

You hear the same refrain every year: that the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holiday season is going to be busier and more stressful than ever before. But the truth is that with the right intel and planning, it’s all going to be OK. Better than OK, actually. Because the holiday season is a wonderful time to see the world, reconnect with family, or get away on your own. And no matter which type of travel is in the cards for you this year, Afar is here to help. We have expert tips on navigating crowded airports and TSA lines, dealing with flight delays, and packing your gifts, food, and winter gear to fit in your luggage. Plus, we’re sharing some of the most festive places to revel in the holiday spirit. Happy holidays, everyone—and happy travels!

Billie Cohen
If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, you’re not alone—so are more than 55 million other people. Here’s what to know before heading out.
Visit craft-filled wooden stalls, chase sausages and molten cheese with mulled wine, and take in the glittering lights at these nine Christmas markets.
Travel industry insiders and experts offer some tips and advice for how to navigate the higher airfares that typically accompany the holiday travel season.
The holidays often bring some of the most congested days at the country’s airports and on the roads. Here’s what AAA and TSA predict.
Save your sanity with this expert advice on booking the most reliable flights, reducing airport wait times, and ensuring you don’t miss your flight; plus, put these protections in place in case things do go awry.
Want to pack less when you travel, but not sure where to start?
From enrolling in trusted traveler programs to making sure your bag is organized, these tips will help you breeze through security.
Guidelines around bringing liquids through airport security are pretty clear. But there’s a way around that 3-1-1 rule.
Here’s where to get into the holiday spirit across Europe with Christmas markets, festive food and drink, and fewer people.
American cities are ringing in the holiday season with unique local traditions, including country music concerts in Nashville and film-focused festivities in Los Angeles.
For your countdowns and midnight kisses, plan a New Year’s celebration in these jubilant places around the world.

Sign up for our Daily Wander newsletter to get the latest holiday travel tips and deals delivered right to your inbox.

FROM OUR PARTNERS
Journeys: Europe
Journeys: Europe
Journeys: Europe
Journeys: Europe
Journeys: Europe
Journeys: Europe
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
MORE FROM AFAR