Now you might be thinking traveling is fun, if I could do it all year long I would so why would she be writing about surviving it? Of course I agree, if I could permanently wander from place to place with little to no problems I would jump at the chance. However, it’s not always that simple when you attempt to get from place to place there’s delays, accidents, detours, missed exits and much more. On top of the stress of finding the perfect gifts and making sure you have that outfit you dazzle people in for family dinner, jumping through hoops just to get to your destination can seem exhausting. Personally I’ve spent a full 18 hours in LaGuardia Airport in New York waiting for a delayed flight. 3 switched gates later the flight appeared and I got to go home but that’s another story and I’ve got plenty just like it. So here’s how to keep yourself sane throughout all the craziness.

1) Now if you’re driving somewhere for the festivities my best advice is to plan ahead. Check the maps and radio stations for any accidents or detours. Sadly, even when you try so hard to avoid it sometimes traffic just catches up to you so to keep yourself from getting some serious road rage by packing what you might need within reach in your car. Whether it be the aux cord, snacks, a sweatshirt if you get cold or even pack up your bestie to make the trip and keep the laughs going. (That’s what this writer will be doing)

2)Carpooling can be the best way to beat all the boredom, the extra difficulty and the anxious anticipation of seeing all those relatives again. So find some great people headed to a relatively close place to where you’ll be going and make some space for them and their stuff amidst the plethora of things I know all of us will be hauling home. That’s what I’m looking forward to the least—the packing!

3)For those of us flying out make sure to take the time and assemble a long enough playlist that you don’t need cellular data to listen to. I can’t count how many times I’ve listened to my plane mix over and over again because I couldn’t access Pandora. Invest in a few of your favorite songs from ITunes and you’ll be all set.

4)Make sure to arrive at the airport, train or bus station a little before you’re actually scheduled to depart. For airports I’d say an hour gives you enough time to get through security, grab a Starbucks coffee and find a seat near your gate. Trains and buses I’d say 20 minutes early just to be safe.

5)How about conquering the endless boredom? With not too many scenic views or a tour guide to point out every building and landmark you might find yourself wishing you were studying…. Maybe or maybe even extreme boredom on a public form of transportation is better than studying for finals. I’d suggest bringing along at least a book, even if it’s not the text for your classes. Reading for fun is still acceptable, isn’t it? Though I have to warn you, you might feel a little guilty about it, kind of like when your binge watching instead of doing homework.

6)Another life-saving way to keep yourself entertained comes from our favorite place to binge watch from. Apparently Netflix has gotten smart and is going to let shows and movies be downloaded to the device in order to watch later! I knew you’d agree that it’s a life-saver.

7)Lastly here’s a PSA for you. With the excess of people that will be traveling for the major holidays coming up, there will be crowds just about everywhere you go. Make sure to never take your eyes off of your stuff, keep your wits about you and make it there safe. Ultimately that’s all that matters.

Make the end of 2016 the best it can possibly be and enjoy the time you have with those you love even if getting there makes you contemplate just how worth it it is.