This post is part of the 100 Days ’til Christmas Challenge — one small step each day to make the holiday season less stressful and a lot more fun.
Let’s talk travel before it gets hectic
Once Halloween hits, it feels like time speeds up — suddenly it’s Thanksgiving, and Holiday travel prices (and stress levels) skyrocket. Whether you’re heading home to see family, planning a snowy getaway, or staying put this year, today’s task is about getting a clear picture of what your holiday season actually looks like.
Even if you don’t have exact plans yet, just starting to think through your options now makes the rest of the season so much smoother.
🎯 Today’s Task: Start Planning Your Holiday Travel
Take a few minutes to think about where you’ll be spending the holidays this year.
If you already know:
- Look at potential travel days on your calendar.
- Peek at flight or hotel prices just to get a sense of what’s available (they only go up from here).
- If you’ll be driving, note roughly how far it is and what days make the most sense to go.
If you’re still undecided:
- Start conversations with family or friends now — it’s much easier to coordinate when everyone’s schedules are still flexible.
- Think about what makes the most sense this year: Are you craving a low-key holiday at home, or is a little change of scenery calling your name?
The goal isn’t to finalize every detail — it’s simply to know what direction you’re heading before the holiday chaos takes over.
💡 A Few Things to Consider
- School breaks: Check your kids’ school calendars now so you’re not surprised by travel overlaps or short breaks.
- Weather: If you’re heading somewhere snowy, those early flight times and nonstop routes are worth the extra cost later.
- Budget: Roughly estimate what your trip might cost so it doesn’t sneak up on you next month.
🧭 Helpful Tool: Holiday Travel Planner Spreadsheet
Helpful Tool:
Holiday Travel Planner Spreadsheet
Want to keep everything in one place — travel dates, estimated costs, notes, and contact info?
My Holiday Travel Planner Spreadsheet in Etsy is an easy way to map out the details as you go. It’s designed to help you stay organized from the first “should we go?” conversation to the drive home after the holidays.
📝 Your To-Do List for Today
✅ Decide whether you’re traveling or staying home this year
✅ If traveling, choose approximate dates and destinations
✅ If staying home, note when others will be in town or visiting
✅ Add any confirmed or likely travel days to your holiday calendar
Starting now means fewer surprises later — and one more thing off your mental load before the holidays even begin.
