The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year, but it’s also one of the busiest and most stressful for travelers. Whether you're flying to a snowy Christmas getaway, planning a Thanksgiving vacation to see family, or heading for sunshine in Mexico, a little preparation goes a long way.
From holiday travel safety tips to what to pack, here’s your complete guide to staying safe, healthy, and stress-free while traveling during the holidays.
The earlier you plan, the better. Flights, vacation rentals, car rentals, and even restaurant reservations fill up fast during peak holiday travel dates.
Check your route ahead of time if you're driving, especially for potential delays, road closures, or icy roads.
Book your stay early if you're heading to a popular winter sun or ski destination.
Use travel apps to track prices, confirm reservations, and get real-time updates at airports.
Looking for a luxury rental with space for the whole family? Wander offers top-rated holiday vacation rentals across the US and Mexico with modern kitchens, fireplaces, private pools, and space to gather.
If you're planning a Thanksgiving holiday road trip or driving home for Christmas, your car safety checklist is key.
Inspect your vehicle thoroughly: check the tires, fluids, lights, and brakes.
Pack a car safety kit: jumper cables, flashlight, first aid kit, blankets, snacks, water, and phone chargers.
Buckle up: Ensure car seats are installed properly and seat belts are fastened at all times.
Stay focused: Avoid distracted driving. Set your GPS before you leave, and pull over to use your phone.
Allow extra time: Holiday traffic and bad weather are a given. Don’t rush. Arriving late is better than not at all.
Holiday travel safety tip: Driving long distances with kids? Take regular breaks to stretch legs, switch drivers, or change up entertainment.
Flying during the holiday season can be overwhelming. Here's how to avoid some common pain points.
Arrive early: Plan to be at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international.
Pack light: Try to fit everything in a carry-on to avoid lost luggage and long waits at baggage claim.
Keep essentials handy: Snacks, travel documents, medications, and a water bottle should be within reach.
Stay healthy: Airports are crowded. Use hand sanitizer, stay hydrated, and wear a mask if you’re feeling unwell.
Protect your gear: Keep your phone and wallet in a zipped bag or a cross-body bag that you can wear securely.
Pro tip: Holiday travelers with young kids should board early to get settled, or consider family lanes at TSA if available.
With flu, colds, and other bugs spreading easily during the colder months, protect yourself and your loved ones by being proactive.
Stay hydrated with a refillable water bottle.
Wash your hands often and pack disinfecting wipes for use on plane trays, rental car controls, or rest stop tables.
Bring snacks: Think nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, or crackers to avoid pricey and unhealthy convenience food.
Get good sleep the night before your trip and take breaks from screens when you can.
Dress in layers: Airports and cars can get hot, but the outdoors might be freezing.
Whether you're traveling domestically or heading off to a sunny destination, packing strategically can reduce stress.
Clothing: Plan for temperature swings. Think warm jackets for mountain cabins or sun hats for Mexico beach rentals. Check out our full beach vacation packing list here.
Essentials: Include chargers, medications, ID/passport, and printed travel info.
Kids’ gear: Toys, books, tablets, and snacks to keep them busy on long flights or drives.
Pets: If you're bringing furry family members, don’t forget leashes, beds, and travel bowls.
Don’t forget festive extras like holiday pajamas, hot cocoa, or a small Thanksgiving-themed table setting if you're celebrating on the go.
For more help, check out our Christmas vacation packing list or our handy guide on what to pack for a mountain vacation, so you don't forget a thing!
Your travel plans don’t need to be packed with activities from sunrise to sunset. One of the best things you can do during the holidays is slow down and enjoy your surroundings.
Plan simple meals or Thanksgiving dinner you can cook together in a top-of-the-line kitchen.
Make time for family traditions, board games, or a walk in the snow.
Book a Wander vacation rental with space to relax as well as cozy firepits, private hot tubs, or sunny pool decks.
Taking a deep breath, spending time with loved ones, and staying present in the moment is the best gift you can give.
✅ Check the weather and road conditions before you go.
✅ Avoid peak travel days when possible.
✅ Communicate your plans with someone not traveling with you.
✅ Stay flexible. Delays and changes are part of holiday travel.
✅ Drive safe, stay hydrated, and take time to rest.
Wander’s luxury vacation rentals across the US and Mexico are designed to make the holidays feel truly special. Whether you’re cooking a Thanksgiving dinner in a top-tier kitchen or curling up after a snowy day with hot cocoa by the fire, you’ll find everything you need to make memories that last.
Expect plush luxury bedding, crackling firepits, cozy hot tubs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and space for the whole family to gather in style.
✨ Make your next holiday travel experience unforgettable. Browse Wander's Christmas, Thanksgiving, and winter sun vacation rentals.
The heaviest travel days for major holidays are typically the day before and the Sunday after.
Thanksgiving: The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is also packed, as travelers return home.
Christmas: Traffic peaks around December 22–24, especially if Christmas falls near a weekend. Return traffic builds again from December 26–28.
New Year’s: Expect heavy travel on December 30 and January 1, with spikes depending on whether the holiday falls on a weekday or weekend.
Pro tip: Book flights early in the morning and avoid peak highway times like 3–7 PM. Traveling on the actual holiday (e.g. Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day) often means lighter crowds and lower prices.
Traveling during Christmas can be a great idea if you plan ahead and manage expectations.
Here’s why it can work well:
More quality time with loved ones: Especially if you’re planning a destination holiday or meeting halfway.
Rental availability in offbeat spots: Many vacation rentals in rural or coastal areas are less booked than big city hotels.
Quieter roads on Christmas Day itself: Many people are already at their destination, so road traffic dips.
Airport perks: Flight prices can drop on December 25 itself, and security lines tend to be shorter.
But there are cons to consider:
Higher costs in popular destinations
Weather delays in colder climates
Limited dining and store options on the day
Bottom line: If you want a peaceful, cozy holiday in a scenic rental with loved ones, traveling during Christmas can be a magical choice. Just book early and prep for crowds on the days before and after.
The day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday) is significantly busier than Thanksgiving Day itself.
Wednesday: Known for gridlock at airports and highways. Expect longer lines, flight delays, and higher stress.
Thursday (Thanksgiving Day): Surprisingly calmer. Airports are quieter, flights are often cheaper, and roads tend to be clearer in the early hours.
If you’re flying: Choose Thanksgiving morning for lighter crowds and lower fares.
If you’re driving: Leave very early on Thanksgiving Day to avoid late-morning traffic.
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