10 Holiday Travel Tips

Travel Hacks That Make Every Trip Easier

Heading home or some other special place for the holidays? Want to enjoy the excitement while eliminating some of the exasperation and exhaustion traveling can create? Everybody knows you should book airline tickets and accommodations early. But how can you ensure you get the best fares, your stuff arrives safely and you’re ready for whatever your adventure might bring? Joe’s has consulted the pros to collect 10 clever travel hacks you can use this season – or any other.

1. Become an Early Bird

If eliminating hassles is more important than saving money, choose flights that depart earlier in the morning. They’re the least likely to be delayed or canceled so you’re more likely to arrive on-time and on your game.

2. Shop Incognito

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or incognito browser when searching for your holiday flights. Searching through the same browser and internet connection tips off airlines and travel aggregators (like Travelocity) that you’re looking to book and invites them to raise the fares.

3. Use Airline Apps

Download your airline’s app to your smartphone before you fly for access to boarding passes, check in and seat assignments. Many also allow you to check for open seats on your flight so you change your assignment accordingly.

4. Wrap Liquids & Toiletries

Make sure any liquid, aerosol or other pressurized items in your luggage are enclosed in a zip-locked bag. Need more protection for the trip home? Try that free shower cap in your hotel room. The luggage compartments of most airplanes aren’t climate-controlled environments, and no one wants to open a suitcase full of clothes covered with shampoo.

5. Pack Your Contacts List

Print out a list with your names, flight itinerary and the addresses of your home and travel accommodations – then throw it on top of everything in your luggage. While you’re at it, email copies to your friends and family so they have that info in case of an emergency.

6. Bring the Power

No matter who you are, you’re going to be relying on your smartphone throughout your trip and may be using laptops, tablets or video players during flights. Go buy yourself a portable charger (or two) and it will pay you back ten-fold in peace of mind.

7. Tag Bags as Fragile

Request a free “Fragile” sticker for your luggage when you’re at the check-in counter – even if it’s not. This trick not only ensures your stuff is treated with respect but moves it to the top of the cargo pile – so it’s sent out first on arrival and you might not wait too long.

8. Pick Hotels with Free Meals

Complimentary breakfast is a common hotel perk, but some offer free meals or snacks during other times of the day. The per-night charge for rooms might be slightly higher than those of other comparable hotels, but if you take advantage of these meals, you’ll save in the long run.

9. Hydrate & Acclimate

Dehydration is a major cause of fatigue, so it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout your travel day. Once you’ve arrived – especially if it’s in a new time zone – try to get a little sunlight as early as possible in the day to help reset your circadian rhythm. (Look it up!)

10. Pre-Plan Parking & Drop-Off

Creating a more enjoyable travel experience starts before you even leave home. Just reserve your parking space with Joe’s Airport Parking at Los Angeles International airport. You’ll save money by pre-booking, save time driving around LAX parking lots, and save headaches when unloading your stuff. Our comfortable shuttle will drop you right at the terminal and you’ll be on your way to a more relaxing holiday trip. But reserved spaces tend to fill up fast, so be sure to book yours today.