Tyour Memorial Day weekend, 43.8 million travelers They are expected to hit the road to start the summer season.
Whether you’re staying on site or spending the weekend out of town, be prepared for crowds. “It’s going to be very busy no matter what you do,” says Christina Jelski, senior editor of Travel Weekly at Northstar Travel Group. “Leave early, have plenty of room to maneuver, and enter with the expectation that it will be crowded and delayed. [might] to happen.”
Ahead of the busy weekend, TIME spoke to experts who shared tips on how to make the most of your vacation no matter where you are.
Think about the future
A little planning can go a long way when it comes to purchasing supplies for a weekend barbecue or booking national park passes — taking the time to get what you need before the long weekend can save you headaches in the future.
“Everyone talks about the rush at the airport and on the roads, but there’s also the rush at the grocery stores,” says Erika Richter, vice president of communications and marketing at the American Society of Travel Advisors.
The same goes for your travel itinerary. Experts recommend creating a backup plan in case there is delays or cancellations. “If your flight is delayed or canceled because you’re on vacation, you won’t be able to easily catch another flight,” says Karen Schaler, founder of Travel Therapy. She recommends looking for alternative travel routes or alternative flights in advance. “Don’t count on airlines to find something for you while you’re on vacation. If your flight is cancelled, often [automatic booking] I’ll reschedule you for after the holidays,” she says.
Get creative with your travel plans
To avoid traffic, pay attention to the destinations you can visit by train, especially if you live in the Northeast. “You could easily plan a quick weekend getaway relying primarily on train service if you live somewhere well-connected by train lines,” says Jelski, who notes that some hotels and resorts even offer shuttle service or car to pick you up at the location. station.
It also helps to be open-minded about where you plan to go, especially if you’re planning a last-minute trip. “If you’re going somewhere last minute on vacation, you’re not going to pick the top 20 places that come to mind,” says Schaler. “If it comes to your mind, it will come to someone else’s mind.”
Find ways to keep yourself entertained
Despite the excitement that travel brings, a delayed flight or traffic jam can easily put a damper on your mood. To avoid boredom, Richter recommends bringing games – like a pair of dice or a deck of cards – to pass the time while traveling. You can also create a shared playlist with your family or friends to listen to while traveling. “There’s something for everyone – and no one fights over the music,” she says.
Don’t forget to bring a portable charger. “If you’re running late or just trying to recharge and can’t find one, you’ll want to get your own,” says Schaler.
Look around your neighborhood
You don’t have to travel far to have fun, experts say. Many cities host free holiday parades, festivals, and concerts that help support the community. If you have kids, something as simple as making marshmallows or bringing glow sticks at night can make for a fun weekend. “Even if you’re not going anywhere, I would still think about the type of memory you want to create,” says Richter.
It helps ground a stay in a specific theme, says Schaler, whether it’s a day outdoors hiking local trails or a global food tour through different cuisines. If you decide to stay on vacation, create boundaries — and stick to them. “Make sure you go all in,” says Schaler. “You can’t take calls and work a little and then say, ‘This is my spa day.’”
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
