Travelling during the holidays can be hectic but these tips will help you survive. 
 
1. Book in Advance – Ok, you might be thinking its already too late, but even calling a few days in advance to make your booking will put you ahead of the crowd.
 
2. Arrive Early… just in case – Don’t wait until the last minute to arrive for your bus, flight, train or ferry transfer.  As the numbers of holiday travellers go up so does wait time to get checked in, check your luggage and board the bus.  Be the first in line and then relax reading a book or having a coffee.
 
3. Smile – People tend to get grumpy during the holidays when they have to work extra hours so a smile and say “Happy New Year”.  Giving out candy canes would probably also work wonders too!
 
4. Local Holidays – Some countries celebrate Christmas, New Years and a variety of local Saint’s Days on different dates that you might expect.  Ask around and get to know these important dates for each country in which you are travelling so you know when attractions will be closed and what special celebrations to go see. 
 
5. Bring Snacks & Entertainment – You will most likely experience delays so that 4-hour bus ride has now turned into 6!  Luckily you hardly notice it with your nose buried in your favorite book while you munch on a tasty snack.
 
6. Stay Safe – Keep all of your valuables in your carry on, or better yet in a money belt under your clothes, especially on overnight trains or buses.  Make scanned copies of all your important documents and credit cards in case of an emergency and send an email with these files to yourself and family members.