How to Handle Stress over the Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

Travel can be stressful but traveling for Thanksgiving can be even more stressful. Before You Yank out your hair thinking about the stresses you will face for Thanksgiving holiday travel. Remember why you are traveling and the benefits of meeting up with family on Thanksgiving. Thinking about the light at the end of the tunnel should help ease stress. Knowing that you will be with family soon. These stresses can be managed especially if you know what specifically about travel stresses you out. An example is the long lines. Once you determine the stress, you can take action to mitigate the issue. An example would be to avoid the long lines by traveling on off-peak hours or on certain days. Some more tips on how to avoid holiday stress travel are the following;

If you feel anxious, count to 10 and take a deep breath. Remember that there are situations beyond your control. An example; the flight is delayed. You have no recourse but to wait. Stressing yourself over the situation does nothing but aggravate and upset you.

Arrive at the airport early giving yourself plenty of time to pass security and arrive at your gate. Get to that airport at least three hours before your flight. This will give you plenty of time to pass through TSA security.

Don't forget to wear a face mask. You will need it for air travel. It is a federal mask mandate and you can face heavy fines for not wearing a mask . President Biden doubled the mask fines after a wave of disorderly passengers had attacked flight personnel on airlines. It is better to follow the rules to avoid any stress.

Draft a plan B in case of flight cancellation or delays. Airlines have stranded passengers due to Staffing shortages. Jot down alternate flights to or near your destination. Book a hotel room if you can't get a flight out or camp out at the airport if no other recourse.

If you are driving for the holidays, take the safest route by using a travel app to plan your trip. Map out your route and research-heavy traffic times for the areas that are congested so you can avoid them. Some popular apps are Waze, GasBuddy, Roadtrippers, and Google Maps.

Don't text and drive if on the roads. Don't be a distracted driver on the busy roadways. Most people think it won't happen to them. They look away for a split second than an accident.

Have a designated driver in the event that the original driver can't drive or is impaired.

Make sure your cell phone is charged in case of an emergency on the road. In case you get into an accident or need roadside assistance. Invest in a phone bank charger if your car doesn't have a built-in phone charger.

Get your car serviced for maintenance before a long-distance trip. Make sure the oils have been added and changed. Make sure the brakes work and overall maintenance of the car. A tune-up before long-distance travel.

Winterize your vehicle if traveling to a state where there is snow. Practice driving in snow by braking and making turns.

Get snow tires on your cars if within your budget. Create a winter survival kit in the car such as blankets, flashlight, and jumper cables.

Traveling is stressful but if you follow some of these tips perhaps you will be less stressed. Keep the objective of being with family as the most important detail to keep you focused on getting through holiday travel. Depending on how you decide to travel, remember to keep safe and keep sober this holiday season. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.