Ther Remembrance Day weekend, 43.8 million travelers should hit the road to kick off the summer season.
Whether you're staying local or spending the weekend out of town, be prepared for the crowds. “It's going to be busy no matter what you do,” says Christina Jelski, editor-in-chief of Northstar Travel Group's Travel Weekly. “Leave early, give yourself plenty of wiggle room, and go in expecting it to be crowded and delays (may) occur.”
Ahead of the busy weekend, TIME spoke with experts who shared their tips on how to make the most of holidays no matter where you are.
Think ahead
A little planning can go a long way when it comes to buying supplies for a weekend barbecue or booking national park passes – taking the time to get what you need before the start of the day. Long weekend can save you headaches down the line.
“Everyone talks about the rush at the airport and on the roads, but there's also a crazy rush at the grocery stores,” says Erika Richter, vice president of communications and marketing at the American Society of Travel Advisors. .
The same goes for your travel itinerary. Experts recommend creating a backup plan in case of delays or cancellations. “If your flight is delayed or canceled because it's on vacation, you can't easily get on another flight,” says Karen Schaler, founder of Travel Therapy. She recommends looking into alternative travel routes or backup flights in advance. “Don't rely on airlines to find you something during the holidays. If your flight is canceled, auto-booking will often rebook you after the vacation,” she says.
Be creative with your travel plans
To avoid traffic, keep an eye out for destinations you can train tour, especially if you live in the Northeast. “You can easily plan a quick weekend getaway relying primarily on train service if you live in a location well served by train lines,” says Jelski, who notes that some hotels and resorts offer even a shuttle or car service to pick you up from the hotel. station.
It also helps to be open-minded about where you plan to go, especially if you're planning a last-minute trip. “If you're thinking of going somewhere last minute for vacation, you're not going to pick the top 20 places that come to mind,” says Schaler. “If it came to you, it will come to someone else.”
Find ways to entertain yourself
Despite the excitement that travel brings, a delayed flight or traffic jam can easily spoil the mood. To avoid boredom, Richter recommends bringing games, like a pair of dice or a deck of cards, to pass the time while traveling. You can also create a shared playlist with family or friends to listen to while you travel. “There’s something for everyone and no one is fighting over the music,” she says.
Don't forget to bring a portable charger. “If you're running late or just trying to recharge and can't find one, you'll want to have your own,” says Schaler.
Look around you
You don't have to go far to have a good time, experts say. Many cities hold parades, festivals, and free concerts during the holidays that help support the community. If you have kids, something as simple as making s'mores or taking out glow sticks after dark can make for a fun weekend. “Even if you're not going anywhere, I still think about what kind of memories you want to make,” Richter says.
This helps to anchor a stay in a specific theme, Schaler says, whether it's an outdoor day on local trails or a global culinary exploration through different cuisines. If you decide to go on vacation, create boundaries and stick to them. “Make sure you go all-in,” Schaler says. “You can't answer phone calls and do a little work and then say, 'It's my spa day.' »
