Posted on Friday, December 05 2025
There’s nothing more heartwarming than knowing you’re going home for the holidays, and nothing more stressful than knowing you’ll be travelling during the busiest season of the year. Especially if there’s an airport involved. But holiday travel doesn’t have to be painful. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll have a better trip.
1. set out with the right mindset
Recognizing that your holiday trip might come with delays and setbacks, and being prepared to weather them, is your best defence against stress. Accepting that there may be bumps along the way, and not allowing yourself to get frustrated, makes the whole process easier
2. Don't rush - build in buffer time
Every travel expert says this because it’s true: give yourself enough time to get to your destination, and build in extra “holiday delay time.” Leaving yourself an extra hour or two can make a huge difference between arriving happy or arriving completely frazzled
3. Use travel apps
You don’t need to become a super-traveller who runs their whole trip on apps, but familiarizing yourself with a couple of basics – like airport and airline trackers, or a driving app like Waze – can help you navigate delays or cancellations more easily. You may even be able to enjoy delays if you know about them in advance.
4. Pack smarter
Think about what you might need in the event of a delay or change of plans, and keep those items handy. A book, an extra pair of clothes, face cream, a snack, a water bottle – whatever will help you feel a little better if things go sideways – can make a huge difference. And always keep passports, ID, and travel documents easily accessible.
5. Pack smarter for kids
Holiday travel with kids requires extra planning. Small toys, games, snacks, and fidget items can help distract and soothe children who may be disoriented or up past their bedtimes. Giving kids their own little backpacks creates a sense of responsibility – and provides room for a blanket or stuffed animal for comfort.
6. Bring headphones and chargers
A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones, spare charging cables, and a portable battery will help you get through even the longest of delays. These three items alone are worth their weight in gold during a stressful day.
7. Stay calm, courteous and polite
Everyone you encounter during holiday travel is in the same boat – either they’re travelling during a stressful season, or they’re working during one. Resolving to stay calm and polite, even in frustrating situations, delivers better results for everyone involved.
8. Have flexible accommodation lined up
If delays or disruptions change your plans mid-trip, having flexible, spacious accommodation to fall back on takes a huge amount of pressure off. Furnished suites give you more room than a hotel and the flexibility to extend your stay if needed.
How early should I arrive at the airport during the holidays?
Most travel experts recommend arriving 2–3 hours before domestic flights and 3–4 hours before international flights during peak holiday periods. Building in extra buffer time on top of your usual window is always wise during the busy season.
What are the best apps for holiday travel?
Waze or Google Maps for driving, FlightAware or your airline's app for tracking flights, and TripIt for organizing your itinerary are solid starting points. You don't need to be a power user — a few key apps go a long way.
How do I keep kids calm during holiday travel delays?
Small toys, fidget items, favourite snacks, and a comfort object help enormously. Give kids their own backpack to create a sense of ownership. Download shows or games offline before you leave home.
What should I always keep in my carry-on during holiday travel?
Passport and ID, a change of clothes, any medications, snacks, a water bottle, chargers, headphones, and a small comfort item. These cover most delay and disruption scenarios.
Premiere Suites is the largest provider of corporate housing in Canada, we know travel challenges. With more than 1,500 furnished suites, homes, and townhomes across Canada, plus a network of more than 10,000 additional furnished residences, we have accommodations to suit just about everyone – whether your plans change at the last minute or you need a home away from home for the whole holiday season. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect accommodation this holiday season.