Tim Hentschel and Dr. Claudia Green: their best tips for a smooth travel experience in the Holiday Season

HotelPlanner CEO Tim Hentschel and Dr. Claudia Green, Professor of International Tourism and Events at Pace University tell how to have the smoothest experience while record numbers are traveling for the holiday season. Both Hentschel and Green answered questions from NewsMax2 presenters John Burnett and Krysia Lenzo on December 23, 2025.

AAA says a record 122 million Americans are traveling for Christmas and New Year’s, with more than eight million flying. What are hotel bookings telling you about this holiday rush?

Tim Hentschel- It’s another record-breaking year — the fourth in a row. Travelers should brace for extremely high volumes everywhere: airports, highways, hotels. Delays are inevitable, not just from weather but from mechanical issues and cancellations. My advice is simple: have a Plan A and a Plan B, bring patience, and budget a little extra. This is shaping up to be a wild holiday travel season.

With disruptions likely, what practical steps can travelers take if they can’t afford expensive travel insurance?

Dr. Claudia Green – Planning is key. Always have alternatives, whether you’re flying or driving. On the road, know a backup route. At airports, early departures make a huge difference — before 10 a.m. is best. The 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. window is peak congestion. Early flights also give you more recovery options if something goes wrong.

Any advice for getting through airport security more smoothly?

Dr. Claudia Green – Dress for efficiency — avoid belts and excess jewelry. Minimize wrapped gifts, which can slow down TSA screening. Gift bags are much easier. The goal is to eliminate anything that could delay you or others.

Transportation officials are urging better behavior in the skies this season. What does that mean for travelers?

Tim Hentschel – It really comes down to courtesy and preparation. Don’t block aisles reorganizing carry-ons. Avoid strong-smelling food. Wear headphones. Travel as light as possible so you don’t have to check bags. Pre-check in on your phone, keep liquids and prohibited items out of carry-on, and use a bag that fits under the seat. When one person isn’t prepared, it slows everyone down.

TSA expects to screen about 44 million passengers through early January, with nearly three million in one day alone. Are airports ready?

Dr. Claudia Green – TSA PreCheck is a game changer. It can mean the difference between a 45-minute wait and walking straight through. Packing light also reduces stress — no waiting at baggage claim, no worrying if your bag made it. Lost luggage can ruin a holiday.

Airfares are nearing $900 on average. Are travelers adjusting how they book hotels or trips?

Tim Hentschel – Prices are rising because demand is strong. One way Americans can save is by traveling in larger groups, something Europeans have done for years. Multiple families traveling together can split costs on larger accommodations and vehicles. Small, intimate trips come with a premium. If you’re not traveling for romance, there’s no reason to pay that “honeymoon premium.”

Are advertised travel deals really worth it, given restrictions and add-ons?

Dr. Claudia Green – Travelers need to read the fine print carefully. Airfare deals often come with add-ons that drive up the final price. Check whether taxes, resort fees, and hotel charges are included. Sometimes a deal isn’t a deal once everything is added.

What destinations are most popular this holiday season?

Tim Henschel – Las Vegas is at the top of the list, along with Washington, D.C., and New York City — all seeing record rates. My advice is to stay just outside city centers. Areas like Queens, Brooklyn, Bethesda, or hotels near major airports can cost a fraction of downtown prices. You might pay $100 a night instead of $1,000, and still get easy access by public transit or rideshare. City-center hotels are increasingly for the ultra-wealthy — for most travelers, they’re just not worth it.