Stay Connected

Last year it was predicted that the number of holiday travelers at the end of the holiday season, December 23rd to January 2nd, would increase 3.1%, according to AAA. That means that approximately 92.3 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more by road, rails and the friendly skies during the holiday season. According to the AAA, 93% of holiday travelers would drive to their year-end holiday destinations and 3% by plane. So, if you're traveling this holiday season, you'll need to realize that everyone else is traveling too. Here are tips to survive the holiday season without having a meltdown.

Do Research
If you're driving, research alternative routes should traffic become too overwhelming. The scenic route may take longer, but at least it has less traffic. Find stops along your route to stop and take a break too. If you're flying, check the airline's restrictions ahead of time on carry-on luggage and bag check fees.

You should also do some research and plan for the unexpected. Schedule extra time before flights to deal with security and between connections for flights. Pack your car accordingly with tire chains for snow, flashlights and snacks and water.

Get Connected
Prepare your smartphone, or tablet, with the latest travel apps before you hit the road. The Travel Channel recommends Flight Status for real time updates on flight delays, baggage numbers, etc. and TSAwait for approximate times that you should plan on spending in the security line. Don't forget to look for an app for the specific airline that you're traveling for updates and flight information too. For those driving, Travel Channel recommends Cheap Gas! and SitOrSquat to find the cheapest gas and cleanest restrooms on the road.

Pack Lightly
Avoid waiting for your luggage or worse, losing it by packing lightly and not checking your bags. If this is not an option, make sure you have everything important, medications, documents, gifts and change of clothes, in your carry-on in case your luggage is lost.

Remember Earplugs
You can't escape the chaos, but you can tune it out and mentally take a break. Remember to bring earplugs to tune out the crying baby, couple fighting, your husband's sports talk station and everything else that may be stressing you out.

Ship Gifts
The TSA recommends shipping wrapped gifts or waiting until you reach your destination to wrap them because they may have to unwrap a gift to inspect it. Ship gifts ahead of time to take away some of the pressures of packaging and traveling. If that doesn't fit your travel plans, get something small and easy to pack, such as a gift card.

If you are also planning on bringing food, the TSA recommends that you ship food ahead of traveling. They have a list of liquids, gels and aerosol items on their website. Download the MyTSA app to your smartphone for easy access to information to get through security and onto your flight safely and smoothly.

Schedule Wisely
Plan on traveling on off-peak days to avoid the bulk of the traffic, long lines and hoards of travels by driving or flying the day of the actual holiday itself.

Travel Smart
Statistics show that flights leaving early in the day have a better record of arriving on time. Plus, if your flight is cancelled, you have more options of finding another flight later in the day. The best time to drive is when everyone is else is sleeping, so early in the morning or late in the evening. If you're the driver, you'll have less traffic and if everyone sleeps on the car ride, less passenger stress to deal with on the way.

Don't travel hungry too. When we're hungry, we don't think clearly and can get cranky. Pack snacks and drinks for the road trip and get some food before the plane.

Accept Stress
Go into your trip expecting and already accepting the stress and you'll be able to deal with it. Think of it as a holiday tradition and the great story you may be able to share over dinner with family or friends.

Happy, and safe, traveling!

Sources: AAA.com, TSA.com, TravelChannel.com