Christmas is a holiday that is traditionally celebrated by christians around the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is typically a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and the exchange of holiday greetings. Many people also travel during the Christmas season to visit friends and family or to take a vacation, hence this safety Christmas travel tips post.
This years Christmas doesn’t seem to have much buzz yet probably because of the rising cost of living, however, if you are planning to travel during the Christmas season, it is a great idea to start making arrangements well in advance especially if you are going on a vacation to an entirely new country.
This can help to ensure that you are able to secure transportation and accommodation at a reasonable price. It is essential to take into cognisance that there would be increased crowds and traffic during this time as many people would equally be travelling.
Well, not all of us would be travelling. Some of us are stuck either at work or some where far from home, so Christmas isn’t an entirely sweet season for us. It comes with some low moods and self reflection time but it never hurts to share some of the travel tips with anyone who would be travelling this period.
Here are some best travel tips that could come in handy during Christmas:
Research your destination: Before you leave, take the time to research your destination and become familiar with any potential safety concerns. This can help you make informed decisions about where you go and what you do while you are there.
Get Virtually Familiar with the Country: With the world being a global village, you can access a lot of information about country of interest before arrival, this doesn’t go without saying, don’t believe everything you read on the internet. However, find about their DOs and DON’Ts involved in traveling to a location of interest: For instance the dos and don’ts of Ukraine are attached in this post while for most muslim countries, alcohol and indecent dressings are frowned upon.
Make copies of important documents: It’s a good idea to make copies of your passport, driver’s license, and any other important documents and leave them with a trusted friend or family member. This way, if you lose your original documents while traveling, you will have a copy to refer to.
Keep a low profile: Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself, especially when visiting unfamiliar places. Don’t flash expensive jewellery or electronics, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Stay in touch with loved ones: Let someone you trust know your travel itinerary and check in with them regularly. This can provide a sense of security and also allow someone to know where you are in case of an emergency. This is one of the most common travel tips that parents adhere very well to when their children are traveling down for holiday.
Be aware of local laws and customs: Familiarize yourself with the laws and customs of the place you are visiting. This can help you avoid inadvertently breaking any laws or offending local customs.
Use common sense: Trust your instincts and use common sense when traveling. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Avoid taking unnecessary risks and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
It is also a good idea to be mindful of any COVID-19 related restrictions or guidelines that may be in place or country you would be traveling to as these can vary from region to region. Although for most countries, if you are currently fully vaccinated, you are ‘less restricted’, however, the guidelines seem to have remained the same so far.
In countries like Nigeria, their travel tips informations as well as COVID-19 guidelines can be found on their website. There is still restrictions on non immunised travellers, and a compulsory form which is filled out before travel. In countries like the UK, the restrictions have been relaxed, there is no need to self-isolate upon arrival, however there are other travel tips that can be found on their websites as well.
Additionally, wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, and following other public health recommended travel tips can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus even though it seems to have become the new norm since the vaccine became available.
For Solo Travel Tips:
In addition to above mentioned travel safety tips, for individuals like myself that enjoy traveling alone sometimes, the following travel tips could suffice:
Plan Ahead: Make sure you have a clear itinerary and know where you will be staying and how you will get around. It is always best to have transportation apps like Uber or local transportation apps already downloaded into your device before arrival. This can help you feel more secure and stay prepared for your trip.
Bring a phone charger and a power bank: It is always good practice to have a charged phone/device with you when you are traveling, in case of an emergency. Bringing a phone charger and a power bank can help ensure that you always have a way to communicate.
For Travel Packing Tips:
Packing for a trip can be stressful, but with a little planning and organization, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some travel tips and tricks for packing for a trip:
Make a list: Start by making a list of everything you need to bring. This can help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
Pack light: Try to pack as lightly as possible. Bring only the essentials and leave room in your luggage for souvenirs. If you’re not sure if you’ll need something, ask yourself if you can easily buy it at your destination.
Roll your clothes: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help you fit more into your luggage and reduce wrinkles. I for one, never knew this travel tips until a few years back when I had a lot to fit into my luggage. I wish someone had compiled travel tips and shoved it my way earlier.
Wear your heaviest items: If you have heavy items, such as shoes or a coat, consider wearing them on the plane to save space in your luggage. This always comes in handy for me when I am travelling and I have no one to accompany me to the airport, it has saved me from paying for unnecessary extra luggage.
Keep valuables in your carry-on: It’s a good idea to keep your valuables, such as your passport, cash, and important documents, in your carry-on luggage so they are with you at all times.
Check the weather: Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. Bring layers if the weather is unpredictable. Some countries/continents are cold during Christmas, some others are hot especially some African, asian countries.
Consider your activities: Think about what activities you will be doing on your trip and pack accordingly. If you’ll be hiking or doing other outdoor activities, make sure you have the right gear. Christmas in Africa involves attending loads of Owambes, concerts, family gatherings, hence packing according to trip is one of the important travel tips. (so nostalgic about missing out on every owambe I would be missing)
Travel tips for Flying with Children:
Traveling with children can be challenging, but with some planning and preparation, it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips for flying with children:
Pack their favorite toys and snacks: Bringing your child’s favorite toys and snacks can help keep them entertained and happy during the flight. Pack a few new toys as well to keep things interesting.
Prepare for delays: Delays are a common occurrence when traveling, so be prepared for them. Pack some extra snacks and activities to keep your child occupied in case of a delay.
Bring extra clothes: Accidents happen, especially with young children. Pack some extra clothes for your child in case of spills or other messes. This happens almost all the time and my empathy towards parents is always high during meal time.
Consider their age: If your child is young, consider booking a seat for them. This can give them a little extra space and make the flight more comfortable for them. This travel tips encourages booking flight early ignorer to get good flight rate.
Bring a stroller or carrier: A stroller or carrier can be useful for getting around the airport and can also provide a place for your child to rest.
Plan ahead: Try to book flights during your child’s normal sleep times to minimize disruption to their schedule. If your child is old enough, consider booking a direct flight to make the trip as smooth as possible. If as an adult, I wouldn’t trade direct flights for anything because of the inconveniences associated with it, how much more children .
Be patient: Traveling with children can be stressful, so try to stay patient and understanding. It’s okay to have a few bumps in the road, and by staying calm, you can help keep your child calm as well.
Travel Tips for Airports:
Here are some top travel tips for navigating the airport and making your travel experience as smooth as possible:
Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, check in, and go through security. This can help reduce stress and ensure that you don’t miss your flight.
Check in online: Many airlines allow you to check in online and print your boarding pass at home. This can save you time at the airport.
Know the rules: Familiarize yourself with the airport’s rules and regulations, such as what items are allowed in your carry-on luggage. This can help you avoid delays or problems at security.
Pack smart: Pack your carry-on luggage efficiently so it is easy to access the items you need during the flight. Avoid packing prohibited items such as liquids over 3.4 ounces or sharp objects.
Wear comfortable clothing: Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in and shoes that are easy to take off. This can make going through security easier.
Use the airport amenities: Many airports have amenities such as lounges, restaurants, and shops to help make your wait more comfortable. If you have a long layover, consider taking advantage of these amenities.
Stay organized: Keep your boarding pass and other important documents organized and easily accessible. This can help you move through the airport more efficiently.
By following these safety tips for travel especially this holiday season, you would be are certain of having a memorable travel. Remember to stay safe, It’s definitely a merry Christmas from all of us over here.
