Keep calm, carry on when travelling

Travel is stressful even on the best days so it’s no surprise that holiday travel — when everyone and their dog is trying to get home to their families — can be even more challenging.

“With delays, cancellations and unexpected problems, it can be easy to lose your cool,” said Sharon Schweitzer, etiquette expert. DO: Stay cool, calm and collected When you can feel frustration and anger getting the better of you, take a moment and think happy thoughts. You could find that your positive energy will reflect in others around you as well.

“Grumpiness won’t get you very far and it will only ruin your mood,” said Schweitzer. “Try to stay positive and look at things in a ‘glass is half full’ perspective to truly enjoy your holiday season.”

DO: Be patient and compassionate

While your flight might be delayed, the pilots, flight stewards and customer service personnel on the other side of your experience are also just working and trying to get you home for the holidays. If something doesn’t go smoothly, be patient and be compassionate.

“Remember, these employees are human, too, and they desire to be treated well,” said Schweitzer.

DO: Be prepared if travelling with kids

Sometimes there’s only so much

you can do when it comes to travelling with kids but being proactive and as prepared as possible could help divert the potential for a fullon meltdown. “Make sure you plan ahead, have all items necessary such as medicine, baby wipes, pacifiers, water bottles, extra snacks, to be prepared for the long flight,” said Schweitzer.

While many parents tend to limit the amount of screen time their kids get, no one will fault a parent for letting their child entertain themselves with an iPad or Kindle if it keeps the peace during a flight. Books, travel games or movies are all helpful.

DON’T: Throw a tantrum and ‘demand to see a supervisor’

“As an adult, you have certain responsibilities and expectations,” said Schweitzer. “When things don’t work out the way you want it to, don’t be the Debby Downer.”

Schweitzer suggests things will only get worse if you can’t control your temper, throw a tantrum and start demanding things. Use reason and logic, not emotion, to solve problems when road bumps in your travel plans come up.

DON’T: Be that rude traveller everyone hates

Some say one of the ultimate tests for any relationship is to travel together. That’s because your true colours start to show when things get stressful and nowhere do things get more stressful than trying to make your way through a crowded airport to catch a plane.

“When flights get delayed or cancelled, or when there are mishaps on the plane, it can be easy to become frustrated,” said Schweitzer. “But please understand that you’re not the only person who has to deal with such frustrations.”

You’re not the only one on the plane so it’s best not to be rude to airline and airport staff, other passengers, or your travel mates.

“Especially don’t be condescending to others. It will only make you look bad and won’t improve your mood either,” said Schweitzer.