10 Hidden Dangers of Christmas Travel You’ve Never Considered
Everyone loves the Christmas season! It’s a time to visit family, unwrap presents, and catch up with friends. It is a time to show love and appreciation to the people around you. As we all dream of picture-perfect Christmas gatherings, there is also the issue of travel to consider. Holiday travel comes with many challenges despite the excitement and festivities.
Here are 10 hidden dangers to stay aware of this season and to ensure you have a jolly Christmas celebration with your loved ones.
Holiday Scams
Sadly, the season of giving can also be the season of taking. Fake deals, phishing emails, or offers that are too good to be true are methods scammers use to prey on holiday travelers. Fake airline websites and fraudulent vacation rentals are among the common scams the Federal Trade Commission warns about. Staying cautious and checking before booking can save you from a financial nightmare.
Strained Road Relationships
Traveling with family can be a Hallmark moment, but cramped spaces and long hours can quickly turn the closest bond into a tug of war. It’s possible to keep the peace and retain the holiday spirit by building in breaks or solo activities during your travels.
Increased Risk Of Illness
Crowded airports or sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers on a flight can make you a magnet for germs. Flu season peaks during the holidays, and long travel hours make you more susceptible to catching the flu. Bring hand sanitizer, wear a mask if you need to, and don’t cut corners on sleep before your trip.
Travel Restrictions
In 2024, some parts of the world may be operating under the toll of health issues or local emergencies. Travelers might be caught off guard by rules they were not expecting. Researching ahead will help you avoid disappointment. No one wants to get to their dream destination only to find that attractions are closed or access is limited.
Overpacked Highways
Flying is tough, but hitting the road is even tougher. Families are driving down to visit relatives, filling highways and causing hours of slow-moving traffic. When you find yourself in traffic, patience, podcasts, and a well-stocked snack stash are your friends.
The Cost of Convenience
You pay for convenience more than you think during the holidays. Parking at airports, checked baggage fees, and overpriced airport meals can drain your wallet fast. These surprise expenses can be reduced by packing light, using rideshare apps, or using public transport.
Pet Travel Challenges
It might sound heartwarming to bring your furry friend along for the holidays, but it’s not always easy. Pets have strict rules on airlines and not all accommodations are pet friendly. Also, travel can be an anxiety inducing experience for animals. Talk to your vet and do some research on pet friendly options to keep tails wagging.
Airports And Train Stations That Are Overcrowded
Airports and train stations during Christmas week can become very crowded. It’s the busiest travel time of the year, so everyone’s on the move. During the 2022 holiday season, 47.5 million people traveled by air, according to Airlines for America. It’s not just about long lines, it’s about heightened stress, misplaced luggage, and an increased likelihood of missed connections. Arrive early, be alert, and make peace with the chaos.
Winter Weather Woes
While snowflakes may be pretty to look at, they can mess with travel plans. Flights can be delayed or canceled, drivers can be stranded on icy roads, and your festive mood can turn frosty. According to AAA, 46 percent of all crashes involving bad weather take place during the winter. To brave the elements, one should keep a weather app nearby and have some contingency plans.
Sky-High Ticket Prices
Everyone knows that Christmas travel is expensive. Due to high demand, airlines, rental car companies, and hotels increase prices. Booking late means you could end up paying a lot more than you intended. Fare alerts can certainly help you out.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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