Holiday Travel Tips

7 tips to make your holiday travels a little more jolly.

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Seattle is a hub of transplants. Many people will be traveling back “home” for the holidays. Traveling doesn’t have to be a pain. Whether it’s a little road trip or a cross-country trek, we’ve got some great tips and tricks to make your experience less stressful and more enjoyable.

1. Packing: Wear your heaviest outfit during your travels. Boots, coats, heavy sweaters and hats can be tough to fit in your bag. This way, your luggage won’t weigh too much, and you can utilize the space for other items. Be mindful when packing important things. If you can, put your essentials in your carry-on just in case your luggage doesn’t meet you at your destination.

2. Accessories to help: Pick up travel-size items from your local Bartell’s! If you’re partial to a specific shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, this is the best way to bring just enough with you on your trip. Bartell’s also has luggage tags, luggage locks, travel size essentials and travel kits.

3. Money Saving: BYOB and BYOS. That’s right! You can bring your own alcohol and snacks into the airport! As long as the bottle of alcohol is 3.4 oz, it’ll make its way through security and you can enjoy a cost-effective beverage while you wait for your boarding time. Also, to avoid spending an outrageous amount of money on a bottle of water at the airport, bring your own empty bottle to fill up at a drinking fountain.

4. Get your flu shot: Flu season is kicking into high gear nationwide. In fact, the CDC has reported many states with a flu status of “widespread”. So even if you’ve avoided the flu season in WA, it’s a great time to protect yourself by stopping at your neighborhood Bartell’s for a flu shot. Save some time at the pharmacy, and fill out our digital patient information form for the whole family before coming in for your flu shot here.

5. Stock up on Vitamin C and Zinc: It’s never fun to travel in close quarters surrounded with people sick with a cold. Give your immune system a boost before your trip with the help of Emergen-C, Airborne or Zicam.

6. Traveling with Kids? It’s really true you can never plan enough. Create a packing list on your phone, so you can refer to it every time you travel. When in doubt, pack it! You can gate check your stroller, car seat, and other items you might need between your car and the gate. Believe us, embrace the “family who brings the whole house with them” vibe, and pair that with some thoughtful planning – you’ll be good to go. Nursing? Sea-Tac and other airports have amazing private nursing pods at almost every gate. Download the Mamava app for details.

7. If there’s anything you do: Give yourself enough time. Regardless of your mode of transportation, there will be delays. On the road, at the train station, at the ferry terminal, at the airport – arrive at least a half-hour earlier than you think. It’s better to be early and not risk missing the boat.

What are your favorite travel hacks?