Traveling Made Easy: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling during this Holiday Season

Looking to survive the Christmas travel rush without draining your wallet or your sanity? Christmas is magical, sure—but holiday travel often comes with packed airports, endless lines, and soaring prices. To help you travel smarter (and calmer), here are our top Christmas travel tips for 2025.

With 2025 expected to break travel records, planning ahead isn’t optional—it’s essential. That’s why this guide from Remitly focuses on practical, real-world advice, from booking flights and packing smart to navigating busy airports, so you can actually enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

Tips for booking during the Holiday Season

Planning early is the easiest way to score better fares and dodge the worst crowds—but timing matters.

Finding the booking “sweet spot”.

For Christmas 2025, the best time to book depends on where you’re headed. Domestic travelers usually find the best prices one to three months in advance. Flying internationally? Aim earlier—about three to six months out—since airlines tend to raise prices sooner for long-haul routes. Booking within these windows helps you avoid last-minute holiday price spikes.

Skip the peak travel days

Some days during Christmas week are simply more chaotic (and expensive). December 23rd and December 26th are typically the busiest and priciest. If you can, shift your plans slightly—flying on December 20th or December 28th often means lower fares, shorter lines, and a much smoother airport experience.

Set price alerts

Flight prices change daily, so let technology do the work. Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper track fares for you and send alerts when prices drop. That way, you can snag a deal before demand pushes prices back up—saving both time and money.

Flight Booking Strategy  

Booking the right flight at the right time can save you the most money during the holidays.  

The best booking window is 6 to 10 weeks before Christmas or New Year’s Eve, and 8 to 12 weeks before Lunar New Year.  

Tips:  

Avoid peak travel dates: Dec 22-25, Dec 29-31, and the first three days of Lunar New Year.  

Mid-week flights on Tuesday and Wednesday are often cheaper and less crowded.  

Choose flexible fares if weather issues are common.  

Hotel Reservation Strategy  

Holiday accommodations fill up faster than any other season, especially in warm-weather spots like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, or Da Nang.  

Smart hotel strategies:  

Prioritize hotels with free cancellation so you can change your plans.  

Check hotel websites for package deals that might include festive events, New Year’s Eve dinners, or spa credits.  

Avoid last-minute bookings as rates can rise by 40-100%.  

Money, Fees & Budgeting During Holiday Seasons

Understanding Holiday Price Inflation

Everything—from taxis to green fees—can cost more during holiday peaks.

Common surcharges:

• Holiday resort fees

• Festive dinner minimum spend

• Golf holiday surcharge (especially during Lunar New Year)

• Taxi surge pricing during rainy days or late nights

Smart Spending Tips

• Book attractions online (bundle & save).

• Dine during non-peak hours for easier reservations.

• Use travel cards with 0–1% foreign transaction fees.

• Avoid airport currency exchange counters.

Managing Weather, Crowds & Holiday Closures

Holiday Crowds

Every major attraction becomes busier: night markets, malls, fireworks shows, and golf courses.

Tips:

• Visit early in the morning.

• Buy skip-the-line tickets.

• Choose lesser-known but equally beautiful alternatives.

Holiday Closures

Especially during Lunar New Year, many local shops, food stalls, and small cafés close for several days.

Plan dining options ahead and check restaurant pages or Google Maps updates.

Weather Contingency Planning

The weather can be unpredictable in late December and late January.

Have a backup plan:

• Indoor museums

• Cafés with view

• Spa treatments

• Shopping districts

Smart packing strategies for winter travel

Once flights are booked, packing efficiently becomes your next secret weapon.

Stick to carry-on only

If possible, travel with just a carry-on during the holidays. December sees more lost or delayed luggage than usual, and waiting at baggage claim can easily add 30 minutes to your trip. Carry-on travel keeps essentials close, speeds up airport movement, and lowers the risk of lost bags.

Layer up wisely

Winter clothes are bulky, so wear your heaviest items—coats, sweaters, boots—on the plane. This frees up luggage space and keeps you warm in chilly terminals and aircraft cabins. Layering also lets you adjust easily, staying comfortable throughout the trip.

Navigating airports during peak season

Holiday crowds can turn familiar airports into obstacle courses, so preparation is key.

Arrive earlier than usual

Expect longer lines at check-in, security, and boarding. Aim to arrive at least three hours early for domestic flights and four hours for international ones. Extra time reduces stress, helps you manage unexpected delays, and lets you start your trip on a calmer note. Checking airport maps in advance also helps you locate gates, lounges, and restrooms quickly.

Use digital tools

Airline apps are lifesavers during peak travel. Download your airline’s app for real-time updates on delays, gate changes, or cancellations. Apps from airlines like Delta, United Airlines, or British Airways send instant notifications and often include mobile check-in and digital boarding passes—meaning fewer lines and fewer surprises.

Speed through security

Security can be a major bottleneck during the holidays. Programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry offer dedicated lanes and lighter screening, saving valuable time. Pack liquids, electronics, and documents where you can reach them easily to move through security faster.

Managing delays and cancellations

Even the best plans can be disrupted during the holidays—knowing how to respond makes all the difference.

Know your rights

Airlines have specific rules for delays, cancellations, and rebooking. Understanding your carrier’s policies helps you act quickly and know what compensation you may be entitled to. Keep copies of tickets, receipts, and airline communications to make claims easier.

Always have a backup plan

Weather and packed schedules make disruptions more likely. Having alternatives—another flight, a train route, or even a bus—can keep you moving. Research nearby airports and routes ahead of time so you can pivot quickly if needed.

Don’t skip travel insurance

Holiday travel demand and winter conditions make travel insurance a smart move. A good policy covers delays, cancellations, emergencies, lost luggage, and missed connections, helping protect both your trip and your budget.

Safety, Security & Travel Insurance

Personal Safety During Holidays

Crowds can be overwhelming, especially on NYE.
Keep valuables secure, avoid congested areas right after fireworks, and use official taxi services.

Staying healthy while traveling

Feeling good makes everything easier during holiday travel.

Support your immune system

Stay hydrated, sleep well, and eat balanced meals before and during your trip. Travel is tiring, and a well-rested body handles crowds, flights, and temperature changes far better. Packing basic vitamin supplements can also give your immune system a small boost.

Keep things clean

Airports and planes see thousands of travelers daily. Bring hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to clean tray tables, armrests, and seatbelt buckles. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face to reduce the risk of seasonal illnesses.

Wear a mask in crowded spaces

Even when not required, wearing a mask in packed terminals or full flights can reduce exposure to airborne viruses during winter illness season. Choose a comfortable, well-fitting mask you can wear for longer stretches.

Move whenever you can

Long flights and road trips can leave you stiff and drained. Stretch, walk during layovers, or move your legs in your seat to keep circulation flowing and arrive feeling more energized.

Travel smart this holiday season

From booking early and choosing better travel days to packing efficiently and protecting your health, a little preparation goes a long way. Being ready for delays—and knowing how to handle them—can save time, money, and frustration during the busiest travel season of the year.

With these tips, you’ll head into your Christmas journey feeling confident and prepared. And if you’re sending money to loved ones abroad, the Remitly app helps make sure your support arrives safely and on time—adding even more warmth to the holiday season.

FAQs

What are the busiest travel days for Christmas 2025?
December 23rd, 26th, and 27th are typically the busiest, with peak crowds at airports and on roads. Traveling a few days earlier or later can save time and stress.

Can I bring wrapped gifts through airport security?
It’s best not to. TSA may need to unwrap gifts for inspection. Use gift bags or wrap presents after you arrive.

Is flying on Christmas Day cheaper?
Often, yes. December 25th tends to be less crowded and more affordable, as airlines lower fares to fill seats.

How should I handle flight cancellations?
Use your airline’s app to rebook immediately instead of waiting in line. Calling customer service while waiting can also speed things up.

Are connecting flights riskier during the holidays?
Yes. Delays are more common in December, so allow extra time between connections or choose fewer stops.

Is it better to fly early in the day?
Absolutely. Early-morning flights face fewer delays since aircraft and crews are already in place, and weather issues usually build later in the day.