6 Thanksgiving Travel Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Holiday
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Smart Thanksgiving Travel Tips to Make Your Holiday Trip Smoother
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Whether you're hitting the road or catching a flight, a little planning can go a long way in keeping your holiday travel smooth, safe, and relatively stress-free.
From packing tricks to property prep for renters and homeowners alike, here are six practical tips to help you navigate Thanksgiving travel like a pro.
1. Book Early—and Confirm Twice
Flights, car rentals, and hotel rooms fill up quickly over the holiday week. Book as early as possible, and be sure to double-check your reservations a few days before departure. Apps like TripIt or Hopper can help track your plans and alert you of any changes.
Pro Tip: Use your airline’s mobile app to check in 24 hours in advance and monitor delays in real-time.
2. Prep Your Home or Rental Before You Go
Whether you own or rent, make sure your home is secure before heading out. Unplug small appliances, adjust your thermostat but never turn it off, take out the trash, and lock all windows and doors. For renters, this is also a good time to check your lease for any vacation notification requirements.
Bonus Tip for Renters: Let your landlord know you'll be away, especially if you're in a multi-unit building. It shows responsibility and opens the door for extra help if something comes up.
“Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at G3 Management & Investments." — G3 Team
3. Expect Crowds—And Pad Your Schedule
Airports and highways will be packed, so build in buffer time. Leave earlier than you think you need to, especially if traveling with kids or pets. Traffic on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is notoriously bad in most metro areas—plan around it.
Try This: Leaving super early on Thanksgiving morning can help you skip the worst of the rush. AAA recommends traveling early on Thanksgiving morning to skip peak congestion times, especially in major cities.
4. Travel Light, Travel Smart
Lost luggage is the last thing you want when the cranberry sauce is waiting. If possible, stick to a carry-on and keep essentials like medication, chargers, and travel documents in your personal bag. Bonus tip: Some renters insurance policies cover lost or stolen belongings while you're traveling—check your coverage before you go.
Must-Haves: Reusable water bottle, neck pillow, a phone battery bank, and a little patience.
5. Bring the Comforts of Home
Traveling over the holidays can feel like you're missing out. If you're staying with family or friends, bring a favorite candle, cozy blanket, or a dish you love to make it feel a little more like “your” Thanksgiving too.
Pro Tip: Even on the road, small rituals can boost your mood. Psychology Today suggests bringing familiar items to ease transitions and create a sense of comfort while away from home.
6. Don’t Forget Pet Prep
Boarding spots book quickly. If you're bringing pets, make sure your accommodations allow them. Pack their food, meds, and a toy or two for comfort. If leaving them behind, give your sitter clear instructions (and maybe a treat budget).
Final Thoughts: Be Flexible, Be Thankful
No matter how well you plan, travel can still come with hiccups. Delays happen. Roads get backed up. But if you lead with patience, a little flexibility, and a thankful heart, you’ll get to where you need to be—ready to enjoy what really matters.
Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at G3 Management & Investments.
Related: Top 5 Most Overlooked Lease Clauses
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About the Author Ricardo Reis - Learn About Ricardo
Entrepreneur, Inventor, Investor, Military Veteran. Ricardo is a member of G3 Management & Investments a division of Great Lakes Real Estate and a real estate professional. He is a real estate professional and a successful real estate investor of over 15 years.
NOT INVESTMENT, FINANCIAL, LEGAL, TAX, OR OTHER ADVICE: This blog is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. We do not offer advice, solicitation, recommendations, or endorsements. You are solely responsible for evaluating the information's merits and risks. Always consult a qualified professional before acting.
