Holiday travel tips; pack some patience, 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 the airports would be the worst of it, but no, sir, most of y’all will be playing bumper cars on the freeways. A record-breaking 8.7 million of you are set to hit the road over the next 12 days. And if you thought Santa’s sleigh got crowded, just wait till you see I-15 on a Friday evening.

Now, there’s a silver lining here, if you squint hard enough. Since Christmas and New Year’s land midweek, the holiday chaos should spread out a bit, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California,. It’s advice? Avoid rush hour like you’d avoid Aunt Edna’s fruitcake—leave bright and early or after the evening commute.

For those brave souls heading to Palm Springs, INRIX—the folks who count traffic jams like others count blessings—says you’re in for a treat. Friday night on I-15 will be a doozy, with a drive that takes 35% longer than usual. And just to keep things fair, the return trip to San Diego on New Year’s evening is shaping up to be just as much fun.

If you’re flying instead of driving, well, bless your heart. The San Diego airport is expecting record-breaking crowds too—1.3 million passengers over 18 days. That’s a lot of folks squeezing through TSA lines. But don’t worry; they’ve got construction going on at Terminal 1 to make things extra festive.

Enjoy the laid-back North County San Diego holiday beach vibes/Expedia UK

AAA says the best times to travel are on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 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 dodging a straight answer. Still, it’s a little better than a three-day holiday weekend where you’d be stuck in gridlock wondering if your car’s air conditioning will hold up.

Here’s the deal: pack your patience, leave early, and if you’re heading to 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 quality time with your fellow Californians. After all, it’s the season for togetherness—whether you like it or not.

And folks, as we wrap up this little holiday travel tale, let me leave you with some sage advice straight from the airport folks themselves. They’ve got tips to help you avoid turning your cheerful holiday getaway into a stress-filled saga:

1. Reserve Parking Early: There are about 5,000 covered parking spaces waiting for you at Terminal 1 and 2, and you can even book curbside valet. If you plan ahead on their website, you’ll save 20% with the promo code HOLIDAYS. (But don’t dilly-dally; this deal is here for a good time, not a long time.)
2. Watch for Construction on Harbor Drive: Keep an eye out for slow-moving construction vehicles. They’re part of the holiday charm 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. Peak times curbside are bright and early (4 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.), mid-morning (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), and late evening (8 p.m. to midnight). Plan accordingly, or you might find yourself sweating it out in line.
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 operates daily, with buses arriving every 20 to 30 minutes. First pickup’s at 4:45 a.m., and they wrap up at 12:30 a.m. Just don’t miss the last one unless you enjoy a brisk walk.
5. Weather Happens: If it’s not traffic, it might be Mother Nature throwing a curveball. Fog, rain, or snow in some other city might delay flights, so pack a little extra patience. Just this past Wednesday, heavy fog grounded nearly 200 flights. That’s not holiday magic, folks—that’s nature’s way of saying, “Take a breather.”

So, there you have it. Whether you’re braving the roads or the skies, remember: a little planning goes a long way, and a sense of humor goes even further. After all, this is the season of joy, peace, and making it to your destination with your sanity intact. Safe travels, friends, and Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.