For many families, travel is a must when the holidays roll around. Unfortunately, the holidays are also the most stressful time for travelers, with delayed flights, long lines, and the chaos of thousands of people crowding airports. Here are a few tips on how to survive travel during the holidays. 

Go Before or After Peak Dates
You can avoid the peak holiday rush if you go earlier or later than most people. For example, going home two or three days before Thanksgiving or Christmas will usually mean you won’t have to fight your way through the usual holiday mob. The same is true if you go a couple of days after the peak holiday dates. 

Always Have a Plan B. 
If going to your dream destination becomes more trouble than it’s worth, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan. Flights could be sold out or rough weather could make travel difficult and even dangerous. In cases like these, having another easy-access location that is within your budget could save the holidays.

Bring Books, Treats, and Games
If you are traveling with kids, long waiting times, traffic, and the sheer amount of time spent cooped up inside a car can turn even the most well-behaved tots into monsters. Keep everyone happy by packing fun treats and games so they can stay occupied when they are not asleep. Bringing a couple of paperbacks or downloading books on your phone can also be a great way to help the time pass while you’re waiting at the airport.

If you must travel during peak season, prepare accordingly. Anticipate delays, bring extra cash, and make sure you get to the airport on time. The holidays can be a really stressful time for travel, but most of us are willing to brave the rush to be with family. Keep these tips in mind so you can minimize potential glitches as you travel during the holidays.