5 Essential Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Travel
Holiday travel can be busy, costly, and stressful, but proactive planning can prevent roadside emergencies like flat tires, dead batteries, or lockouts. Whether heading home for Thanksgiving or to a relaxing getaway, these strategies offer peace of mind and smoother journeys.
1. Travel Late in the Day
Early starts seem ideal for avoiding crowds, but so does everyone else think. Opt for nighttime travel to encounter less congested roads and quieter airports. Note: The day before Thanksgiving is the peak travel day, so plan smartly.
2. Be Prepared with Roadside Assistance
Preparation eliminates stress from unexpected issues. Allstate’s Good Hands Rescue Service provides towing, lockouts, tire changes, and jump-starts without needing an Allstate policy. Pay only if used—ensuring minor setbacks don't derail your trip.
3. Download Essential Travel Apps
Quick app downloads keep you informed and efficient. GateGuru tracks flight statuses and security lines; GasBuddy finds the lowest gas prices with direct routing.
The Good Hands Rescue Service app offers instant roadside help via GPS—no membership fees, just a flat rate if needed. Allstate offered it for only $2 for the first 1,000 standard vehicle requests the day before Thanksgiving*.
Such savings help offset holiday expenses.
4. Plan for Children
Family reunions are joyful, but long trips test patience. Pack travel games and portable chargers for devices. Even without kids, earbuds help block noise from fellow travelers on planes or roads.
5. Choose Less Popular Travel Days
Avoid peak days like the day before/after Christmas or Wednesday before Thanksgiving to dodge high hotel rates, accidents, and delays. For flights, factor in weather—leave a day early for buffer time.
* Promotional pricing available only for first 1,000 requests on 11/23 from 12:00am to 11:59pm CT made from m.goodhandsrescue.com or the Good Hands Rescue app in the United States. Applies to standard vehicles only; no commercial, RV, extra weight. Towing limited to 5 miles; additional miles priced at $4.25/mile. Fuel costs extra. Must have valid credit card. Subject to terms, conditions, and availability.
