Ten holiday travel tips to keep the cheer

 A woman travelling with her suitcase. (Courtesy)

If you have not planned for the holidays yet, here are a few tips that should help you.

Being the last week of the festive season, it can be tricky getting bus seats, SGR, and planes. If by now, you have not booked your travel; take time now to check out the availability of transport, so that you are informed of the next step to take if your preferred means of transport has been fully booked. Note that usually, the best time to book travel for the festive season is as early as September. Booking early also means that you get discounted prices as last-minute booking may cost you 50 per cent above the normal price.

On choosing the means of transport, be flexible. Plan to leave a day or two earlier and travel back a day early or late as this could help you save big on PSV, train, self-drive, and air transport. The traffic flow will not be as heavy as if you left on the holiday day (December 24), and came back on the holiday day (January 2).

If you are planning to travel by air, (Kenyans are using this means of transport, especially domestic flights more than expected. Get to the airport of departure at least two hours before the flight time so that you will have plenty of waiting time. Next holiday plan early and buy a Priority Pass, a yearly service offered by airports. It comes with a yearly service that can help you get access to some of the best airport lounges.

If you are driving, remember to do a tune-up for your car a few days before the travel. Do research on the condition of the roads that you will travel on, and check the weather, security, and other details about the roads to your destination.

During the festive season travel, everyone seems to be in a rush and travels with lots of luggage, and with the rush, the probability of losing luggage is high. It is recommended that you plan to leave with a few things that you could pack a carry-on to reduce the chances of losing anything along the way.

If you are travelling with gifts, do not wrap them up to avoid a long delay with airport security as they try to figure out what your wrapped gift is.

If you are going to use a rental car, remember to book the first day of this week as you are already late in doing so and you might have to pay a higher cost than the regular price. Cars are essential during the holidays and each wants to have them, so many opt for the rental one.

If you are planning to go on vacation during the holidays, try planning for the less-visited destinations because many of the destinations such as Mombasa, South Coast and North Coast, Malindi, Nakuru, Naivasha, and other popular festive season destinations are by now booked to capacity and will be crowded. Try heading to Nanyuki, Meru, Kilifi, and Western Kenya destinations and you will be surprised at how alluring and affordable they too can be. Consider Airbnb accommodation vs hotel accommodation. They are cheap and are away-from-home destinations for families, couples, friends, and individuals.

Lastly, have a backup plan in case things go wrong. Check out all the options of what can go wrong with your travel such as cancellation of your trip, or lost baggage. Also, confirm if your credit card is in order - check with your credit card provider on the best usage of your card during travel among other things.

It is the festive season, so remember to give a cheer, and spread joy whenever you go. Focus on staying positive, for the family, friends, yourself, and all your fellow travellers. Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!