Whoever said it’s about the journey, not the destination has surely never traveled during the holidays. It’s raining, it’s snowing; the old man is snoring. It’s hectic, it’s crowded, and please say we didn’t leave Kevin Home Alone again!

Traveling during the holidays isn’t easy. Between snow storms causing delays, cancellations, and long layovers, and the mass amounts of people with places to go and people to see, it can easily turn to slush.

Even the most pleasant and patient of people can be all but jolly and merry acting like Grinches. No one wants to miss the holidays and quality time with family. Or the food. Nothing comes between me and my turkey, or mashed potatoes, or pumpkin pie, or eggnog.

To be the most festive you can this holiday season – no one likes an Ebenezer Scrooge or Jack Frost, especially Old Saint Nick – follow these tips:

Don’t Travel

I’m slightly kidding. (I mean if your family can come to you, why not?...)
I understand travel can sometimes be unavoidable and for those that that is true, follow the rest of the advice.

Remember You’re Not the Only One Traveling

Everyone is going somewhere, and to each, their own destination is more important than yours. Set your ego aside because telling someone the person in front of you in line that you need to be at Aunt Susan’s at seven for corned beef hash does not make them care or move faster. (After all, they need to be to Uncle John’s for honey-glazed ham.)

Bottom line is you all want to go somewhere. Making it all about you and your plans only sets you up to get angry when your plans start to go haywire. for whatever reason.

Quit Complaining

I love complaining, but it only makes things worse, and it annoys everyone surrounding you. They’re all going through the same problems as you. No need to remind them and damper the mood even more. Plus complaining still doesn’t make people move faster or stop the snow from falling. Save your complaints for facebook or twitter, where people can ignore you in peace.

Don’t Get Angry At Workers

They’re doing their job the best they can. If all you people had listened to my first advice and stayed home, there wouldn’t be a huge holiday crowd, so really it’s all your fault. (Again, slightly kidding.)

Also remember that workers have power over you, and can have you escorted out.  Nothing like getting arrested on the holidays for a great story because you wouldn’t quit hassling the airline attendant for not doing their job. Do yourself a favor and know they’re trying. They don’t want you there complaining as much as you don’t want to be standing in line to get through security.

Arrive Early

Would you rather wait at your gate, comfy in a chair, or wait while standing in line, complaining that you might miss your flight? While spending more time in an airport than necessary is a drag, it’s better to not miss your flight or be in a cranky mood because you almost missed it. Additionally, you never know what delays might occur en route to the airport or while in line. So it’s better to be early than late. (Better late than never does not apply if you complained.)

Check Weather

Snow slows travel. Whether you’re driving to your destination or the airport, or waiting at the security gate, it’s good to know if snow or other weather conditions are going to affect your travels.

Remember Why You’re Traveling

Not egotistically because you really want Aunt Susan’s corned beef hash, but why she’s serving it… For the holidays & family time! Delays and crowds aside, you’re traveling for the holidays. Enjoy it!

And may safe, non-delayed, non-angry travel be in your favor.

Read more:

How To Survive Traveling With Your Family

How To Survive Vacationing With Your Family 

Brianna Krueger is the Chief Editor for Wandering Educators.

Photo courtesy and copyright of Jessie Voigts