If you are like me and go to a university far from home, you probably know how hectic traveling during the holidays can be. The excitement of going back to your hometown, petting your dog, and stuffing yourself with a home cooked meal is what we are all looking forward to during break. While this excitement awaits us, here is a quick guide to making your travel experience a little less stressful during the chaotic holiday season.
1. Download Your Airlines’ App:
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Since the days that come before the holidays are the busiest time of the year for airlines, airports will be packed with families, college students, and businessmen and women attempting to go home. To avoid missing your flight, running to your gate, or anxiously awaiting to get through security, download your airlines’ app. By downloading your airlines’ app, you will be able to check into your flight from anywhere and avoid the lines! Doing this simple and preventive step will save time and you will immediately be able to go through security. This will also allow you time to navigate the crowds, get food or coffee if necessary, and find your gate. Also, consider arriving at the airport a few hours earlier before departure. You will feel a sense of relief rather than experiencing feelings of distress, worrying if you’re going to miss your fight. As you arrive at your gate early, you won’t have to rush, and will even be able to finish homework.
2. Do Homework While at The Gate:
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While waiting to board your flight, use the hours at the gate to finish any assignments that will be due the week after break. It is almost guaranteed that once you step foot in your hometown, you won’t have any motivation to complete these assignments, and would rather be spending time with family, friends, eating, or shopping. Arriving at your gate early gives you the opportunity to finish all of your assignments before they are due, so instead of worrying and procrastinating about school, you can be eating or spending quality time with family or friends.
3. Switch out your Clothes:
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Take this opportunity at home to switch out your clothes. With temperatures dropping quickly, you might not need your mini skirts, shorts, or tank tops. In order to make space in your closet and keep your room clean, bring back your shorts, skirts, and tank tops and replace them with warmer clothes, such as an abundance of jackets, leggings, and closed toed shoes, especially for the rainy days! This way, you’ll be able to keep your closet from overflowing with items you don’t need.
Following these simple tips and tricks will help you avoid the stressors that come along with the busiest travel season. Rest assured, you will get through security quickly and on your flight safely.