10 tips for travelling during the holiday season
Find out how you can make your holiday travel more enjoyable, and it's never too late to start planning your next one!
For some, any public holiday is a reason to travel. However, travelling during the holiday season can be a hectic experience due to increased crowds, weather challenges, and other factors.
Whether you’re going for a long-awaited trip with your friends or embarking on a family bonding journey, here are some ways to make your holiday travel more enjoyable.
1. Arrive early
As holiday travel will see a surge in tourists, it often involves longer lines and delays. It’s best to arrive at the airport, bus station, or train station with plenty of time to spare.
2. Use technology
To save time and avoid the crowd, you can check in online and use mobile boarding passes. You can also utilise travel apps to stay up to date with real-time information on flights, traffic, and accommodations. For instance, the Changi app lets you save your flights and even track your baggage.
3. Be flexible
As delays and cancellations due to weather or other factors are common during peak holiday periods, you have to be open to changes in your travel plans. You can also draft a backup plan in case of unexpected events.
4. Pack light
Especially if you’re a solo traveller or travelling with friends, try to pack as light as possible. Travelling light can save time and make navigating crowded airports or train stations easier. But don’t forget to check the weather at your destination and pack accordingly.
Check out these travel essentials that you should bring during your trip.
5. Avoid peak travel dates
Although the end of the year is the peak travel period, you can still choose to travel on relatively less busy days. This means avoiding public holidays, Fridays and weekends.
6. Stay connected
As your travel plans may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, it’s important to keep your family and friends informed about the latest changes. Ensure your phone is fully charged, consider bringing a portable charger, and stay connected with affordable data plans.
Luckily for us, certain flights on carriers like Singapore Airlines and All Nippon Airways are also offering free Wi-Fi onboard.
7. Pack snacks and entertainment
As delays may be unavoidable, you should pack some snacks to keep you fuelled during your journey. You can also bring entertainment like books, music, or movies to pass the time during delays.
8. Plan and book early
Peak season crowds increase the demand for tickets, restaurants, accommodations and equipment for hire. Booking in advance, such as on Klook or KKday, will help secure the best prices and availability. You can also use comparison sites like Skyscanner and save big with all-inclusive passes at GoCity.
9. Be patient and stay calm
As delays may be unavoidable, be patient with airport or transportation staff who are working hard during a busy season.
10. Get travel insurance
Given the greater unpredictability of travelling during peak season, it is ideal to get yourself covered. Having travel insurance, such as with Alliance Assistance, Income and Prudential, can help offset some unintended purchases and costs due to delays, cancellations, medical treatments and damages to your belongings.
Check airfare here: Skyscanner | Trip.com | Expedia
Book accommodations and activities here: Agoda | Booking.com | Klook | KKday | HotelsCombined | LuxuryEscapes
Save big, get the all-inclusive pass & explore your destination in-depth: GoCity
General info here: Tripadvisor
Affordable data plans here
And while you are at it, get your travel insurance with Alliance Assistance | Income | Prudential!
