Are you visiting family or going on vacation for the holidays? Traveling during this time of year can be fun and exciting, but the crowds can make it stressful.  If you’d like a calmer, easier trip, take a look at the following eight tips on how to reduce holiday travel stress.

How to prepare for a couple’s trip

Overestimate how long it will take

Traveling is a lot less stressful when you give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, check-in, and go through security.  You never know if there will be a traffic jam or a longer-than-expected airport security line.  Play it safe.

Don’t want to arrive too early and sit at the gate?  Most airports have trendy eateries, interesting shops, and even massage chairs to keep you busy.

Do your pre-trip planning together

Check the weather at your destination together and create a packing list, then plan what you’ll need to bring.  If you’re both on the same page as to what type of clothing you’ll need and what you’ll be expected to wear you’ll stand a better chance of not forgetting anything. For example, do you need to pack cocktail dresses and/or a suit?  Some cruise lines still tend toward fancy evening dress.

When packing, it’s a good idea if you each put your clothes in both suitcases.  This way, if one bag goes missing, you’ll both have some of your things.

Bringing children along?  Involving them in the packing process is a great learning experience.

Pack your chargers first

If you leave them to last, you may forget them.  If you need to charge your phones and tablets the night before departure, rest the charges on top of your suitcase until then, and when your devices are fully charged, pack them immediately.

Make certain you won’t forget your passport

You should pack your passport first so that you don’t forget it in the last-minute rush.  Even if you lay out your suitcase days in advance, put your passport next to your bag so you’ll remember it.  And be sure to pack it in a purse or carry-on, not a bag you are going to check at the airport.

If possible, opt for a road trip instead of air travel

Traveling by car can be easier and a lot less stressful than traveling by plane. Your suitcase can weigh over 50 pounds (if you can lift it!) and you can bring as many bags as will fit in your car. If you accidentally pack something in your suitcase that you need along the way, no problem.

Try to get a direct flight

If you must go by air, try to get a direct flight.  You won’t have to worry about making a connection in time, and you’ll spend less time traveling.

Use your points

If you’ve been saving up points, treat yourself to upgraded seats, or that dream vacation you’ve been wishing for.

Accept that the inevitable will happen

Things can and may go wrong.  Try to relax and go with it.  And think about the great time you’re about to have.