Hassle-Free Holidays
This holiday travel season is poised to be a busy one as more North Americans opt to leave home after a year that was heavily impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The influx of travelers is compounding staffing shortages being faced by airlines, airports, TSA, hotels, car rental companies and other key players across the industry. Therefore, navigating the holiday travel period could prove even more challenging in 2021.
Here are some tips on how to ensure the most stress-free experience possible.
Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to advise that people delay any travel plans until they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition to added protection against severe illness, getting vaccinated and having proof in the form of your CDC vaccine immunization record will also eliminate some of the hurdles travellers currently face when visiting international destinations, allowing them the freedom to bypass testing and quarantine requirements in some cases.
Mask Up
Face coverings continue to be required at airports and on planes, buses and other public transportation in Canada so there’s no excuse to be caught off guard by mask requirements this holiday season. Be sure to pack a few extra face coverings depending on the length of your trip.
Understand the Latest Travel Restrictions, Requirements
Make sure you understand the latest requirements for travel to your destination, especially when traveling internationally. Air Canada’s Travel Ready Hub is an excellent tool that allows users to enter their travel details, no matter whom they are travelling on, including passport-issuing country, departure and arrival countries and vaccination status, to get instant, detailed information on travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, testing rules and documentation required for travel.
Check Your Flight Status Ahead of Time
Whether it’s the result of inclement weather, labour shortages, computer issues or otherwise, flight delays and cancellations will happen this holiday season. That’s why travellers are always encouraged to check their flight status before arriving at the airport to save themselves the time and cost of getting there only to be forced to wait around or go back home.
After checking that flight status, travellers will want to give themselves plenty of extra time when hitting the road or skies this holiday season. Crowded airports and the anticipated staffing shortages impacting ticket counters and TSA checkpoints could spell long lines and increased wait times in some instances.
Avoid Checking Luggage
Packing during the winter can be challenging but if you’re able to avoid checking luggage, limiting yourself to a carry-on is another easy way to minimize hiccups at a busy airport as lost or delayed luggage is just another obstacle in the way of a memorable getaway.
Stay Hydrated and Don’t Travel on an Empty Stomach
Travelling can be hard on your body so be sure to drink plenty of water to keep those unnecessary headaches away and also make sure you eat something ahead of your flight or have a snack handy to avoid becoming hangry. I become hangry. Labour shortages have impacted the food and beverage offerings at many airports across the country. Therefore, if you’re flying super early in the morning or late at night your options could be limited and airlines have also limited their in-flight service to minimize contact amid the pandemic.
Talk to a Travel Advisor
Working with an experienced travel advisor is a surefire way to reduce headaches while saving yourself precious time this holiday season. A trusted travel professional can match you with the ideal trip based on your level of concern relating to COVID-19, trip type, priorities and interests and package your getaway to save you some of your hard-earned money. Having a travel advisor in your corner can also come in handy in the event of an unexpected flight cancellation or issues upon check-in.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Protecting your holiday trip has never been more important so be sure to at least consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that can reimburse you and or cover medical expenses in the event that something goes wrong. Protect you, your loved ones, and your investment.
