tips for vacation travel; Be patient and plan ahead

Well folks, the holidays are upon us and that means two things for Southern Californians: traffic jams and more traffic jams.

Now you might think that the airports would be the worst, but no sir, most of you will be playing bumper cars on the highways. A record 8.7 million of you will take to the streets in the next 12 days. And if you thought Santa’s sleigh was crowded, just wait until you see I-15 on a Friday night.

Well, there is a silver lining here if you squint hard enough. With Christmas and New Year’s occurring during the week, the holiday chaos is likely to expand somewhat, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. It’s advice? Avoid rush hour like you would avoid Aunt Edna’s Fruitcake – go bright and early or after the evening commute.

To the brave souls heading to Palm Springs, INRIX — the people who count traffic jams like other blessings — tells them something special awaits. Friday night on I-15 will be a breeze, with the trip taking 35% longer than usual. And to be fair, the drive back to San Diego on New Year’s Eve will be just as fun.

If you fly instead of drive, bless your heart. San Diego Airport is also expecting record-breaking visitor numbers – 1.3 million passengers within 18 days. That’s a lot of people squeezing through TSA lines. But don’t worry; Construction work is currently taking place at Terminal 1 to make the atmosphere particularly festive.

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a beach vacation in North County San Diego/Expedia UK

According to AAA, the best times to travel are Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. But don’t let that fool you – traffic delays are about as inevitable as a politician evading a clear answer. Still, it’s a little better than a three-day holiday weekend where you’re stuck in traffic wondering if your car’s air conditioning is holding up.

Here’s the deal: pack your patience, go early, and when you go to Las Vegas, don’t say I didn’t warn you about the backups. And remember: If you’re stuck in traffic, just smile and think of it as a good time with your fellow Californians. After all, it is a time for togetherness – whether you like it or not.

And folks, to wrap up this little vacation travel story, I want to give you some sage advice straight from the airport people themselves. They have tips to help you avoid turning your joyful vacation into a stressful saga:

1. Reserve the parking space early: There are around 5,000 covered parking spaces waiting for you at Terminals 1 and 2 and you can even book curbside valet parking. If you plan ahead on their website, use the promo code to save 20% HOLIDAYS. (But don’t be bored; this offer is for a good time, not a long time.)
2. Watch for construction on Harbor Drive: Be on the lookout for slow-moving construction vehicles. They’re part of the holiday magic this year – like a parade, but with less glitter and more traffic cones.
3. Arrive early: Traffic and construction delays are as predictable as Aunt Clara’s pecan pie. Roadside rush hours are bright and early (4:00 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.), mid-morning (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), and late evening (8:00 p.m. to midnight). Plan accordingly or you might find yourself sweating.
4. Take the San Diego Flyer: This free electric shuttle runs between the Old Town Transit Station and the airport. It’s a convenient option that runs daily with buses arriving every 20 to 30 minutes. The first pickup is at 4:45 a.m. and ends at 12:30 a.m. Don’t miss the last one unless you enjoy a brisk walk.
5. Weather happens: If it’s not traffic, Mother Nature might throw a curveball. Fog, rain or snow in other cities may cause flight delays, so be patient. Just last Wednesday, almost 200 flights had to be canceled due to heavy fog. This isn’t Christmas magic, folks – this is nature’s way of saying, “Take a break.”

So there you have it. Whether you brave the streets or the skies, remember: a little planning goes a long way, and a sense of humor goes even further. After all, this is the time of joy, peace and achieving your goal with your mind intact. Have a safe trip, friends, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

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