Thanksgiving can be one of the most fun times of year. It’s a chance to gather with family and friends and share some home cooked food. For many, this will be one of the first times seeing some family since the quarantine of 2020, so be sure to plan ahead and getting all your travel elements booked ahead of time. Below are some Thanksgiving travel tips on booking hotels, flights, and cars, as well as some links to view my 4 hand-selected Thanksgiving themed shopping lists.
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When to Book Hotels
Book hotels as early as possible. With everyone eager to get out of the house during their holiday time off, hotels are booking up quick. I recommend using Expedia or Hotels.com to find the best available pricing. Most hotels these days have an expedited contactless check in. Be sure to check and see if your hotel has an app to streamline the check in and out process.
How to Book Your Flights
Check and double airline details. If looking to purchase airfare, be sure to check the airline’s change options should you need to change your travel plans. Airlines with flexible offers are best in today’s world where covid restrictions and travel guidelines change frequently. Prepay your luggage fees ahead of time and be sure to do the online check-in 24 hours prior to departure to ensure a smooth airport experience. Stick to a carry-on sized bag to avoid having to check in larger luggage. This will reduce time spent waiting in airport lines and eliminate any risk of an airline losing your bag. Check my inflight travel essentials for carry-on packing tips.
Rental Car Tips
Plan ahead and book car rentals ahead of time. Car rental prices are skyrocketing these days due to car rental shortages all around the US caused by the pandemic. Be sure to book in advance while there are still cars available. Check the rental’s change policies to ensure flexibility in your travel plans.
Why You Should Book Travel Insurance
I always recommended travel insurance, even before the pandemic. These days you just can’t be too careful. Depending on where you’re traveling and what you’ll be doing, be sure to check your insurance options. Also always be sure to read the terms and conditions and FAQ’s to make sure you’re covered for all the right reasons.
What to Bring on Your Trip
- Traveling for Thanksgiving? Check out my hand-selected items that I recommend Packing for Thanksgiving Travel. Browse my shopping list of things like back-up power banks, vaccine card holders, and packing cubes.
- Wondering what to bring to your dinner event this year? Browse my shopping list of What to Bring to Thanksgiving Dinner to get tips on gifts, game ideas, and useful containers for transporting those precious deserts and appetizers.
- Are you the host of Thanksgiving dinner this year? Lucky you. Check out my shopping list for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner to get some fresh decor and table setting ideas to your delight your dinner guests.
- Planning to have kids around this Thanksgiving? Check out my shopping list for Thanksgiving With Kids to browse Thanksgiving games, activities, and other items to keep them busy while you enjoy your dinner and adult time.
Pin for Later: Thanksgiving Travel Tips
