Even without a pandemic, vacation travel isn’t for the faint of heart.
Millions of people are expected to travel this month, with threats of unsettled weather and omicron variation further straining those looking to close Year 2 of the pandemic.
To help travelers prepare, CNBC Travel asked industry insiders: What’s your advice for people traveling this December?
Travel planning tips
“Plan the arc of your trip. Think of a trip like a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. For example, plan to have the best hotels at the end, build build to end with a great note Then, for the entry and exit sections, plan ways you can make sure they go smoothly. Maybe it’s arranging personal transportation after a long flight, so you don’t have to navigate the public transit system between buses. progress.”
–Sarah Groen, founder of luxury travel agency Bell & Bly Travel Design
“If you’re planning to do some island hopping in Greece, keep in mind that Greeks themselves tend to stick with one island rather than cram as much as possible into one trip. Think about that. think by theme: Santorini has beautiful scenery, but the beaches are better in Mykonos… [but] Islands like Tinos and Syros offer great food and culture with hotel prices significantly lower than Mykonos. Crete has many varieties, but a car is essential. ”
—Anthony Grant, American writer based in Greece
Tips for flying during the holidays
“Choose early-morning flights, which are often less crowded. Avoid taking the last flight of the day whenever possible, especially during the winter months to reduce the risk of missed flights or delays due to flight delays. cancellations or weather. … Pick your carry-on on your next trip. You’ll skip the line when you get to the airport and won’t have to wait for your luggage when you land.”
—Anna Brown, public relations director at Expedia WE
“Please bring a change of clothes in your luggage. Be prepared for the worst. … With airline scarcity and increased travel, there is a higher-than-average chance that your luggage will get lost. Don’t travel with your gifts. … Consider shipping gifts directly to the final address. “
—Mark Hoenig, co-founder of digital travel agency VIP tourists
VIP Traveler’s Mark Hoenig recommends avoiding connecting flights, even if that means driving and parking at an alternate airport. “Each additional airport increases your risk of lost luggage, delays and cancellations.”
d3sign | Moment | beautiful pictures
“Buy your tickets as soon as possible. As people postpone their international travel plans due to Covid concerns, domestic flights tend to be more crowded and more expensive. To increase security at airports. , don’t wrap presents in case they need to be checked.”
—Rajeev Shrivastava, CEO of Travel Insurance Market AccessCoverage.com
Tips for vacation rentals
“Look for vacation rentals with the most flexible cancellation policies, so you can make the most of your stay last minute for whatever reason.
Guesty COO Vered Schwarz recommends that those looking to travel for longer periods look for homes with large closets, washers and dryers, as well as workspaces with ergonomic chairs, good lighting and High-speed Wi-Fi.
Stephen Simpson | Stone | beautiful pictures
“Short-term hotel brands are on the main booking channels but also have their own direct booking sites. Booking directly with a brand often comes with a discount. And, many of them. This… provides co-working spaces and digital concierge services.… Examples of such brands include Casita, D Alexander and Sentral. ”
—Vered Schwarz, COO of vacation rental software company Formal
Tips for family gatherings
For pre-Christmas travel: “I recommend traveling with family, and the ‘group of friends’ includes the people you’ll be spending the holiday with. If you need to quarantine when you get home for any reason. For whatever reason, you will be traveling with family members or friends that you plan to spend the holiday with.”
—Matt Berna, North American CEO of the travel agency Intrepid Tourism
Stephen Kissler, a research fellow at Harvard, recommends keeping holiday get-togethers small and taking a quick Covid test immediately before gathering.
Suzana Topita | Moment | beautiful pictures
“Ventilation is still really important. It’s one thing I think should still be overlooked and underestimated. With holiday gatherings coming up, I’m definitely planning it, regardless of the outdoors. no matter how cold it gets, I’ll have a 4 to 6 inch window crack… [and] checking immediately before gathering, ideally an hour or two before, maybe in the morning, is what we should do. ”
—Stephen Kissler, research fellow at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, at an online discussion in December 9 with Elana Gordon of the public radio program “World”
Hotel booking tips
“Many of the best hotels block online bookings for the ‘festival’ high season… and manage them directly through their staff. You should ask your travel advisor for help as they often have relationships to accomplish the impossible when everything seems to have sold out.“
– Henley Vazquez, co-founder of travel agency For a
“Independent boutique hotels and locally owned businesses need love more than ever, as they don’t have the privilege of being funded by big corporations to survive. So with that in mind. this and in the holiday spirit, give back to the destination you’re visiting by rotating your vacation around staying at these types of places and supporting local operators. “
—Brandon Berkson, founder of travel agency Hotels on Par
Tips for traveling with young children
“Planning respite for your infant and toddler during your vacation travel… kids don’t always perform well when they’re constantly on the go. Make sure to Make sure to schedule time each day to just sit, relax, play with toys and interact with your kids.
BabyQuip CEO Fran Maier recommends keeping a similar sleep routine for babies and toddlers when traveling. “If your baby usually sleeps in a full-size crib, don’t try to corner them into a game of Pack ‘n Play and expect them to sleep well.”
Oleksandra Korobova | Moment | beautiful pictures
“Children need regular breaks with others and planned activities to keep their minds active with creative play. Make sure to bring enough toys to keep them busy while you prepare meals, engage in adult conversation, or when they just need to redeem.”
—Fran Maier, CEO of children’s equipment rental company BabyQuip
Tips for renting a car
“Many rental car companies offer a contactless pick-up service where you can walk up to the lot and board. On Expedia, use the ‘Skip the counter’ filter to find options. this and avoid waiting in another line.”
—Anna Brown, public relations manager at Expedia US
“When pre-booking a rental car, set a ‘postpaid’ price … which gives you the flexibility to cancel and rebook if a better deal is available. Rental rates can change several times per day. AutoSlash game system by constantly checking your rental rates and they let you know if they find a lower price.”
—Jonathan Weinberg, CEO of rental car price tracking company AutoSlash
