|
|
Web Resources
Internet Resources:
|
Related Resources: More Resources
Destinations: Travel
Destinations
Tips to ease holiday travel planning
By Marnie Hunter
After all, for many the big draw is family and friends -- rather than the destination -- and getting to those loved ones among the throngs is a yearly ritual most people would rather forget.
There are a few strategies to keep in mind to ease travel during the holiday season. CNN asked Paul Eisenberg of Fodor's travel guides and Amy Ziff, Travelocity's editor at large, for some planning tips.
Buy early
"For the holiday travel period, I always say earlier is better," Ziff said.
Waiting until the last minute to buy airlines tickets is ill-advised if you're traveling to see family in the rush periods around Thanksgiving and Christmas without a lot of flexibility of dates and times.
"It's been my experience that you're just going to hem yourself in on last-minute fares," Eisenberg said.
For deals on airfares Ziff recommends looking at low-fare carriers on routes where they are competing with the major airlines. The competition keeps prices down despite increased fuel costs.
Gauge expectations
Evaluating the host's expectations will help travelers make plans that are convenient and acceptable to all parties.
"I feel this is key because I think people assume that their families are going to want them at the house at a certain time," Eisenberg said.
"But as your family grows and your considerations change, I think you would find it's certainly acceptable to arrive a few hours later, or even a day later."
Check alternate dates, times, airports
Flexibility is key to getting a good value and avoiding some of the crowds. Eisenberg advises travelers to consider flying on holidays. While this tactic may take some time away from the main event, it's likely to cut down on hassles. Those not wild about traveling on the big day should still consider shifting travel dates.
"If you can stay an extra day or two, maybe leave a day or two earlier. It'll make your flying experience a whole lot more enjoyable, and it may even bring down that price substantially," Ziff said.
Flying into an alternate airport in the destination city or a nearby city also may provide savings, Ziff said.
Full Story
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20
21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30
31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40
41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100 |
