Surviving Holiday Travel

The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone, but they can be particularly stressful for business travelers. Travel takes a toll on their bodies and minds, and a recent study showed a 20% drop in work ethic due to lack of sleep. Whether your employees are traveling for business or pleasure this season, help spread some cheer with these helpful, sanity-saving holiday travel tips.

Plan for Delays

It’s always a good idea to leave some extra time, but it’s especially important around peak travel dates such as Thanksgiving and Christmas week. If possible, plan to arrive the night before. With unpredictable weather, crowded airports and flight delays, it is better not to leave anything to chance if you simply must be at your destination on a certain day. An unexpected delay or missed flight could mean missing an important business meeting or being a day too late for your holiday meal.

Pack Lightly

If you only have a few meetings or are taking a short trip, pack as little as possible. Take only the essentials in your carry on. Many travelers are bringing gifts to their loved ones and may already have them wrapped. This can cause long delays in the security line if the gifts must be unwrapped and inspected and may leave you rushing through the airport to catch your flight. Skipping a checked bag will save time and the added stress of a potential lost bag.

Stay Hydrated and Healthy

Although it’s tempting to have a drink or two in-flight, this will only contribute to exhaustion. While you’re rushing through airports and hopping from plane to plane, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Skip the alcohol, coffee, and sugary drinks. Instead, drink lots of water so you can stay as alert as possible. Avoid the temptation of fast food and stick to lighter options as heavy foods will weigh you down and contribute to fatigue.

Be Savvy

To save time at the airport, check in online and track your flight information. Many airlines will text or email you if there are changes to your flight, consider enrolling in TSA Precheck. Once you’re approved, you’ll typically get through security faster than other passengers. If your flight is delayed, find a way to use your downtime wisely.  Catch up on some work or organize your meeting materials. Need a break from work? Read, rest or play a game on your phone.

Know Your Hotel

It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep while traveling for business, especially if you’re on an airplane for half the trip. Without sleep, your performance is reduced, and your body suffers. Book accommodations early as hotels will fill up quickly during the holiday season. Select a hotel you’re familiar with or ask your colleagues for recommendations. You can also research hotels on sites like TripAdvisor.

Be Kind

It’s important to remember that airport employees are doing their best to get you to your destination as quickly as possible. Be cooperative with TSA agents and patient with your fellow travelers. Many holiday travelers are not familiar with the ins and outs of airport travel and may hold up lines. Try to keep your cool, even if you are stressed about missing your plane or making it to your destination on time. A little kindness goes a long way!

Choose chauffeured transportation

Traveling to and from the airport during the holidays isn’t always the most comforting idea considering the amount of travelers that are continually flying in and out of the airport. Expect to encounter traffic, limited parking and waiting if you’re getting picked up or dropped off at the airport. Chauffeured ground transportation can be the ultimate solution because you can take the worries of driving in the chaos off your shoulders. Your chauffeur will meet you at the airport when you arrive or deliver you to your terminal safely and on time.

Alpha Limousine is a great solution to taking the hassle of driving out of the holidays. We chauffeured services for business or pleasure in Tampa Bay, and that will have you comfortably relaxing without the stress.

Call us at (727) 520-1840 to learn more about the services we offer and to book your reservation today.

Safe Travels from Alpha Limousine!

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