A Guide to Surviving—and Enjoying—Holiday Travel This Year

The holidays are a wonderful time of year to travel—if you have the intel you need to do so stress-free. Follow these expert tips, insights, and ideas to hold onto the joy of the season.

The illuminated Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in front of buildings, with people standing before it

New York City’s Rockefeller Center tree is an icon of the season.

Photo by Pe Dra/Shutterstock.com

You hear the same refrain every year: that the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holiday season is going to be busier and more stressful than ever before. But the truth is that with the right intel and planning, it’s all going to be OK. Better than OK, actually. Because the holiday season is a wonderful time to see the world, reconnect with family, or get away on your own. And no matter which type of travel is in the cards for you this year, Afar is here to help. We have expert tips on navigating crowded airports and TSA lines, dealing with flight delays, and packing your gifts, food, and winter gear to fit in your luggage. Plus, we’re sharing some of the most festive places to revel in the holiday spirit. Happy holidays, everyone—and happy travels!

Billie Cohen
If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, you’re not alone—so are more than 55 million other people. Here’s what to know before heading out.
Visit craft-filled wooden stalls, sip mulled wine and hot chocolate, and take in the lights at these delightfully festive markets.
These markets have all the fairy-tale appeal—no passport required.
If you haven’t already purchased your holiday flights, we’ve got you. Here’s when you need to book holiday travel, plus destinations that offer great value during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
The holidays and holiday weekends often bring some of the most congested days at the country’s airports and on the roads.
Save your sanity with this expert advice on booking the most reliable flights, reducing airport wait times, and ensuring you don’t miss your flight; plus, put these protections in place in case things do go awry.
Want to pack less when you travel, but not sure where to start?
From enrolling in trusted traveler programs to making sure your bag is packed well, these tips will help you breeze through security.
Guidelines around bringing liquids through airport security are pretty clear. But there’s a way around that 3-1-1 rule.
Get your festive fix at one of these more relaxed European locales.
Across the nation, cities like Nashville, Boston, and New York put their own regional spin on holiday festivities.
For your countdowns and midnight kisses, opt for a New Year’s celebration in these jubilant places around the world.

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