Excited for the busy festive season? Many of us are, even when it feels like last Christmas wasn’t that long ago. As it is one of the busiest times of year for shopping and visiting family, it means many people are planning on venturing out across the country. According to the latest consumer survey data from Fáilte Ireland, 20% of Irish residents intend on taking a short break in Ireland in the next 3 months, with 26% planning on going abroad. If you are planning on taking a holiday at this time of year, you’ll want to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
Whilst the season brings plenty of joy, the combination of busy airports, unpredictable weather and last-minute plans can make travel feel more stressful than it needs to be. However, with a little preparation and a focus on comfort, you can set yourself up for a much smoother experience that allows you to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Whether you’re heading overseas or travelling within Ireland, here’s some helpful tips to help you along the way.
Planning Ahead for Peak Season Travel
Travelling at Christmas is exciting, but it can get hectic quickly, especially if everything is left to the last minute. Use this simple checklist to stay organised and avoid last-minute stress.
- Book early where possible
It goes without saying that booking early will give you the best chance of getting the train or flight times you need, and the ideal accommodation before it books up. You’ll also hopefully find better prices for these by doing so.
- Compare travel times and routes
Booking early also means you can compare different days and times you can travel. If you can, consider midweek options rather than weekends, as this will help avoid the crowds whilst giving you potentially cheaper tickets. Seek out early morning flight and train times as these tend to be less popular.
- Review luggage rules before packing
It can be very easy to pack over your baggage limits, so it’s much better to check what your allowances are before travel (you don’t want to be reshuffling your suitcase at the check-in desk!) Also, check all restrictions, especially if you are planning to take gifts with you. Restrictions on liquids and prohibited items still apply to your presents.
- Consider priority services
One way to help avoid queuing for too long is to consider priority boarding or fast track security where available, and if within your budget. This will help you avoid tedious queuing, especially with children.
- Avoid wrapping gifts before travelling
A good tip when taking gifts with you is to avoid wrapping them. As per Ryanair’s advice, wrapped gifts may be opened, searched and screened by security, meaning your beautiful wrapping will be all to waste. If you can use gift bags instead or wait until you’ve arrived, this will be the better option.
- Give yourself time on travel day
No one likes a last-minute rush, so if you can set off early on the day you plan to travel, it’s best to do so. Take advantage of early check-in options at your accommodation so that you can leave with plenty of time and not have to dash. If flying, this will help you have plenty of time to get through security checks and use the departure lounge facilities and shops.
Packing for Comfort and Convenience
Taking a smart approach to packing will go some way to help avoid taking too much with you and ensure all the essentials are covered. Packing isn’t the most fun aspect of going away, but planning will make this job much simpler, especially if you’ve got children’s suitcases to consider too. It will also ensure you have room for any gifts you bring back with you.
- Having lightweight layers will help you stay comfortable on the journey when moving between cold weather, a warm car, air-conditioned airport terminals and any change in temperature at your destination. It also takes up less space in your luggage, so go for layers that you can combine and take comfortable footwear, a warm jumper and a compact raincoat just in case.
- Keeping things organised saves time and stress. If you haven’t already, invest in packing cubes or zip bags as these will help separate clothing, toiletries and electronics so you can find items quickly. If you are bringing gifts, avoid anything too bulky and pack these in your hand luggage where possible.
- A small kit of travel essentials can make a big difference too. Keep any medication, chargers and important items in your hand luggage so you have them if plans change.
With a bit of planning, you can travel lighter, stay comfortable and enjoy the journey from the start.
Managing Travel Timings and Transport
Travel during the Christmas season often requires more time and patience. It can be extremely busy on the roads, so plan your onward journey so that you can deal with any unexpected travel delays. If you’re heading to Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports, longer queues and slower security checks are highly likely, especially at peak times, so plan to arrive early for a more relaxed start to your holiday.
If you are flying, it’s a good idea to pre-book your airport parking as this will help you save money compared to paying on the day you travel, and ensure you get a closer spot. If using public transport, check timetables as they may change over the holidays, with reduced services likely on Christmas Eve, St. Stephen’s Day and New Year’s Day.
For those travelling by car, planning fuel stops, charging points for electric vehicles, and rest breaks can help make long journeys safer and more comfortable, especially if you are travelling with children or older family members. The more space you build into your journey, the easier it is to stay calm and enjoy the festive experience. Check the gov.ie Be Winter Ready advice pages for road travel safety tips before you set off.
Staying Calm on the Journey
Travel at the best of times can be difficult, especially when dealing with busy roads and airports, and inevitable long queues. Having a calm mindset can make the experience much more enjoyable, even when delays or minor frustrations happen.
Simple things like taking breaks, eating regularly and staying hydrated all help maintain energy levels and prevent stress from building up during the journey. If you are travelling with children, planning small activities can make a big difference. Keep them from boredom with books, colouring sheets, snacks or simple travel games. Above all, be flexible and take your time. That way, you and your family will arrive feeling happy and ready to enjoy your break.
Staying Prepared and Protected on Winter Trips
As the weather in Ireland and across Europe at this time of year can cause sudden delays and changes to your travel plans at very short notice, it’s fair to say Christmas travel comes with its fair share of unpredictability. That’s why building a bit of flexibility into your plans can make a world of difference when things do not go as expected. Simple habits like checking weather forecasts, signing up for delay alerts and giving yourself extra time for travel can help you stay ahead of potential problems without feeling rushed.
Unexpected changes to your plans can have more serious consequences if you live with a medical condition. Winter travel can be tiring, and colder weather or long journeys may make certain health needs more difficult to manage. If you are heading abroad this Winter, having the right support in place is important.
Medical care overseas can be expensive, and accessing it without the correct documents can be stressful. Specific policies that offer travel insurance for medical conditions from providers like Staysure can help you feel much more confident that emergencies, flare-ups or even lost baggage and medication will not turn your festive break into a financial worry.
Disruptions are often unavoidable at this time of year, but being prepared both practically and financially can make them easier to endure. Declaring any pre-existing conditions, reading policy wording carefully and packing essentials with organisation in mind will all contribute to a smoother experience. That way, you can enjoy your Christmas holiday knowing you are ready for whatever winter travel brings.
Ending the Trip on a Positive Note
Returning home after festive travel can feel both comforting and a little overwhelming, especially if you have spent time away from your usual routine. If you can, give yourself a gentle transition back into everyday life by having a day or so before returning to work and other responsibilities. It will make the post-holiday period feel less rushed.
Hopefully, your Christmas travel plans are a positive experience overall, and that you have plenty of new memories to look back on. Returning to work or school is always easier when you carry positive memories with you, so here’s to starting the new year more relaxed and refreshed than before the break.
