Holiday Travel Tips for Southerners: How to Navigate the Season with Ease

The holidays are one of the most magical—and most hectic—times of the year for travel. Whether you’re flying out of Little Rock, Memphis, or Northwest Arkansas, Southern travelers face a unique blend of challenges: unpredictable winter weather (yes, even down here), crowded airports, early sunsets, and the rush of getting families where they need to be.

But with the right preparation, your holiday journey can feel less chaotic and more… well, Featherlight. Here are my top tips to help Arkansas and other Southern travelers glide through holiday travel season with ease.

1. Don’t Let the “Mild” Southern Winter Fool You

Just because the South tends to escape harsh winter storms doesn’t mean holiday travel is safe from delays. Many connecting hubs—Chicago, Denver, Detroit, and NYC—do face snowstorms that ripple across the entire system.

Featherlight Tip:If possible, book nonstop flights or routes connecting through Southern hubs such as Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, or Charlotte. Fewer snow-prone airports = fewer headaches.

2. Arrive Earlier Than You Think You Need

Southern airports may feel smaller and easier to navigate, but holiday crowds can stack up quickly—especially at security.

• Little Rock (LIT): Arrive 2 hours early

• Memphis (MEM): 2–2.5 hours early

• XNA: 2 hours early, parking fills fast

Bonus Tip: If traveling the day after school dismisses for break in Arkansas, expect even higher passenger volume.

3. Don’t Wrap Gifts Before You Fly

TSA will open wrapped gifts if they trigger screening. Save yourself the heartache of ripped wrapping paper.

Instead:Pack gifts unwrapped and bring flat gift bags. Or even better—ship gifts ahead of time.

4. Understand How Humidity Affects Packing

Southern travelers aren’t used to how dry winter air feels in northern states or abroad. Skin, hair, and lips dry out quickly in colder climates.

Pack:

• A heavier moisturizer

• Lip balm (carry-on)

• A scarf or buff

• Layers—Southern coats rarely cut it outside Arkansas

5. Prepare for Chilly Road Trips

If you’re driving from Arkansas to places like Kansas City, Nashville, or Branson, know that mountain passes and plateaus can hide icy surprises.

• Check tire pressure (cold air reduces PSI)

• Keep blankets, water, and snacks in the car

• Start with a full tank before long rural stretches

6. Bring Southern Comforts With You

Whether you're flying to see family or visiting a destination, nothing says “home for the holidays” like a few familiar favorites.

Consider packing:

• A small bag of your favorite local coffee

• A spice blend from home

• A Southern treat like mini pecan pies or a bag of roasted pecans

These little comforts make hotels or vacation rentals feel warm and familiar.

7. Book Holiday Activities Early

Southerners often take a laid-back “we’ll figure it out when we get there” approach—but holiday travel rewards planners.

Book early for:

• Theme park reservations/tickets

• Christmas shows (Branson, Orlando, etc.)

• Museum tickets

• Ski rentals (Colorado, New Mexico)

• Holiday dining experiences

The earlier you book, the more options (and prices!) you’ll secure.

8. Use Technology to Stay Ahead

Travel apps can make or break a smooth holiday experience.

Download:

• Your airline’s app (real-time gate updates matter!)

• Weather alerts for both departure + arrival cities

• TSA Wait Time app

• A packing list app or checklist

9. Be Prepared for Southern Crowds, Too

Not all travel this season involves flying—many Arkansans head to regional holiday hotspots like:

• Silver Dollar City (Branson)

• Grapevine, Texas — “The Christmas Capital of Texas”

• Nashville holiday lights + Opryland

• Hot Springs National Park festive events

These destinations fill up fast, especially on weekends. Parking can get tight and wait times long—plan ahead.

10. When in Doubt, Ask for Help

A trusted travel advisor can monitor schedule changes, handle rebooking, suggest alternate routes, and make sure your holiday trip is as stress-free as possible.

Travel is supposed to be joyful—especially this time of year. With the right planning and a few Southern-savvy tips, you can keep the holiday spirit front and center from takeoff to touchdown.

Need help planning holiday travel or getting ahead for next year? I’d love to help make your next trip Featherlight Fabulous. Click on the Let's Go tab to schedule an appointment today!