Amy A. Mousavi of Mousavi Law is an experienced attorney and avid traveler. In the following article, Amy discusses the best strategy to having a stress-free vacation from booking through the last mile home.
The holidays can be the happiest time of the year but can also be the most stressful. 2022 is set to be a very busy year for travelers as the travel industry has now made a major recovery after the pandemic.
A well-laid plan is essential to ensuring a stress-free holiday season – here’s how it’s done.
Amy Mousavi Says to Start Now
Amy A. Mousavi of Mousavi Law recommends getting started with planning a trip early. Preferably, 2-3 months of prep time will give travelers the opportunity to plan and book efficiently. Travelers doing this should keep a list or spreadsheet of things that need to get done before leaving. This could also include a packing list, as well as a budget.
It’s also a good idea to finish any work or school-related tasks before leaving. Leaving work for the plane or vacation can pile on top of other stressors.
Book Smarting: 5 Tips
Planning the perfect trip requires a few strategic moves to lessen the risk of travel-related issues. For example:
1. Purchase Tickets Well in Advance
Amy A. Mousavi of Mousavi Law recommends purchasing tickets as far in advance as possible. This will ensure that the prices stay low and buyers can secure their preferred times, dates, and airlines. It can also assist in securing a flight without lengthy layovers.
2. Spreadsheets Are a Lifesaver
Spreadsheets can be used for budgets, gift buying, arranging the schedules of a large family, planning multiple visits, meal preparation, packing, and more. Better yet, Amy A. Mousavi of Mousavi Law says to use a service like Google Drive to share the spreadsheet among family members so everyone can be on the same page.
When it’s written down, it is difficult to overlook.
3. Avoid High Travel Days
If possible, avoid booking a flight on the day right before Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s no surprise those two days are the most expensive travel days of the year. It might even be helpful to book on the holidays themselves, as fewer people want to book on those days.
Amy A. Mousavi of Mousavi Law says that travelers who have the means should consider booking their flights a few days earlier for extra leisure and cheaper prices.
4. Read the Policies
Double-checking the cancelation policy will be super helpful in an emergency explains Amy A. Mousavi of Mousavi Law. Knowing or having access to general policies about airlines or airports will also be helpful. Travelers who know their rights will be more adept at navigating tough situations in the airport.
Just in case, it might help to buy trip insurance as well since the holidays are prone to mishaps.
5. Cushion Time
Be sure to add plenty of cushion time to any holiday travel plans. This means either booking direct or ensuring that there is plenty of time between flights in a layover to avoid running through the airport with luggage.
Amy A. Mousavi says that this also means allowing extra time before holiday events in the event of traffic, flight delays, or other unexpected emergencies.
Book Rental Cars Ahead of Time
Rental cars can be overlooked in the grand scheme of things, but they can also be subject to holiday crowds. The best deals are present early on in the season. This is especially true for large groups of travelers who may need a larger car that can accommodate lots of bodies and luggage.
Pack Smart
The most experienced travelers keep a running packing list that they can constantly add to and reference. It may also be best to travel with a carry-on to avoid lost luggage. Packing a light bag could also help avoid having to haul around a heavy bag on a long day’s trip.
At the very least, Amy Mousavi says to be sure to pack essentials in the carry-on, such as medication, valuables, important documents, chargers, and a spare change of clothes. Having a snack or two to avoid buying costly airport food is also a great idea.
Take a Deep Breath
The holidays may be jam-packed with stressful things, but that doesn’t mean they need to be inherently stressful. No matter what happens this holiday season, it can be recovered from.
Flights can be rescheduled, dinner parties can run a little late, and family can be a little cramped, but the holidays are ultimately about spreading joy and gratitude.
If things go wrong, just remember that it isn’t the end of the world. Pick it up, take a deep breath, and make the most of this holiday season.
