How to plan your holidays for this Christmas, New Year holiday season (2024)

As the festive season approaches, it's time to unwind, create lasting memories, and immerse ourselves in the joyous spirit of Christmas and New Year. Planning the perfect holiday requires careful consideration and thoughtful preparation to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

While traveling with your loved ones on Christmas or New Year's eve surely sounds exciting, it comes with a whole lot of planning. "Traveling around the holiday season is certainly not the same as traveling during any other time of the year. Caught up under the holiday spirit, everyone is pondering upon the idea of celebrating with their family in a different location. This can result in hiked prices and fully booked accommodation. To cut through the clutter, prior and smart planning and preparation is the ultimate solution," Bernard Corraya, General Manager, India, Wego said.

Whether you're aiming for a cozy family celebration or an adventurous getaway, here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your Christmas and New Year holidays this festive season.

Set Your Budget Wisely: Begin your holiday planning by establishing a realistic budget. Determine how much you can comfortably spend on your festivities, including travel, accommodation, gifts, and activities. Having a clear budget will help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary financial stress.

Choose Your Destination: Whether you're dreaming of a winter wonderland or a tropical escape, selecting the right destination is crucial. Consider the preferences and interests of everyone involved, and research destinations that align with your vision for the holidays. Be sure to check travel restrictions and safety protocols related to the ongoing global situation.

Book Accommodations in Advance: Once you've decided on your destination, secure your accommodations well in advance. This ensures you have a comfortable place to stay and allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts. Whether it's a charming cottage, a luxury hotel, or a cozy cabin, booking ahead guarantees a stress-free holiday experience.

"The ideal way to bag the best deals is to prioritize early bookings. Last-minute travel plans can deprive you of the ideal booking options in terms of location, accommodation and activities. As a result, you might have to settle for whatever is available at the moment," Bernard Corraya said.

Plan Festive Activities: Research and plan activities that embrace the holiday spirit. Whether it's attending local Christmas markets, participating in festive events, or enjoying traditional holiday meals, having a schedule in place will help you make the most of your time and create cherished memories.

Avoid busiest travel days: For example, Christmas and New Year's Eve are considered to be the holiday season's busiest days. Flying or driving on the festive days can make you fall prey to traffic and delays. "Instead, departing early and returning a day later is highly recommended as it will save you both money and time. Thus, choosing the travel dates carefully will help you execute a more hassle-free and seamless vacation," Corraya said.

Create a Packing List: Make a detailed packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable holiday. From warm winter clothes to travel essentials, having a comprehensive list will help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure you're well-prepared for any situation.

Embrace Flexibility: While planning is essential, it's equally important to be flexible. Unexpected changes may occur, and being adaptable will help you navigate any challenges with ease. Embrace the spontaneity of the season and focus on creating positive experiences, regardless of the circ*mstances.

Utilize tech-enabled tools: For your holiday trip to be a success, considering reviews and recommendations are crucial. You do not want to spend your holiday vacation in disappointment, realizing that you could have gone for better. "Here, tech-enabled tools appear as a savior. Allowing consumers to personalize every part of their trip, these tools offer virtual reality location previews and tailored recommendations based on user interests. In addition, with AI-focused travel planning resources and blockchain-enable secure bookings, one can enjoy hassle-free trip planning and execution," Corraya said.