Christmas is coming, and that means millions of Filipinos are either heading home to their families, or flying out to escape the holiday hubbub. Whether you’re flying in from abroad, flying out to holiday elsewhere or taking the bus to your province, here’s how to make your holiday trip easier.
Start early
The best way to avoid holiday stress is to plan ahead. Book your tickets early—at least 3-4 months before Christmas if you can. Prices go up fast during the holidays, and seats sell out quickly. Try to travel on weekdays instead of weekends. You’ll find better prices and fewer crowds.
If you’re sending gifts home, ship your balikbayan box months before Christmas. This way, you won’t have to worry about carrying presents with you, and they’ll arrive in time for the celebration.
At the airport
During Christmas, airports get very busy. Come early—3 hours before domestic flights and 4 hours before international ones. This might seem like a lot of time, but you’ll be glad you did.
Check in online if you can. Keep your ID and tickets somewhere easy to reach. You’ll need to show them several times. Don’t wrap any gifts you’re carrying—airport security might need to check them.
On the road
Taking the bus or driving home? The usual 8-hour trip might take 12 hours or more during Christmas week. Book bus tickets as early as you can. If you’re driving, check your car before the trip. Try leaving very early in the morning or late at night when there’s less traffic.
Pack some snacks and water. Good music or podcasts can make the long drive more fun. Plan where you’ll stop for breaks—many restaurants get full during peak travel days.
Staying healthy
Don’t forget to take care of yourself while traveling. Bring any medicines you need. Pack extra masks and hand sanitizer. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes—you might need to walk a lot or wait in long lines.
Travel insurance is a good idea during the holidays. Weather can be unpredictable, and flights sometimes get delayed or cancelled.
Help at your fingertips: use your phone!
Your phone can make travel easier. Download apps that:
- Track your flight status
- Show traffic updates
- Help you find hotels if you need them
- Work without internet (like offline maps)
Make sure to bring a power bank. Long travel days can drain your phone battery fast.
Traveling with family
Bringing kids along? Pack their favorite snacks and some surprise toys for long waits. Try to travel at times when they usually feel good—not during normal nap times.
For elderly parents, try to book direct flights even if they cost more. The stress of changing planes during the Christmas rush isn’t worth the savings. Many airlines can help senior citizens, but you need to ask when you book your ticket.
Making the trip better
Remember that delays are normal during Christmas travel. Instead of getting stressed, try to make the most of it. Chat with other travelers, call family members, or read a good book. You’re part of a big group of Filipinos all heading home to celebrate—there’s something special about that.
Your ready-to-go checklist
Make sure you have everything you need! Here’s a simple checklist for your trip:
- Valid ID
- Tickets or booking information
- Money (bring both cash and cards)
- Phone charger and power bank
- Medicine if you need it
- Snacks and water
- Something warm (airports and buses can get cold)
- Patience (you’ll need plenty of it!)
It’s all about the journey
Yes, holiday travel can be tiring. Yes, there will probably be delays and crowds. But think about that moment when you finally get home—when you see your family’s smiling faces, smell your favorite Christmas dishes, and feel the joy of being back where you belong. That’s what makes all the travel trouble worth it.
After all, Christmas isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the love that makes us want to brave distances to have a memorable time with our families. Safe travels!
