Holiday congestion: how to dodge jams and wasted hours

Holidays mean crowds, packed roads, and long lines — especially in big African cities and at busy border posts. You can’t stop the rush, but you can cut the stress. Here are clear, practical moves that actually work when everyone else is stuck in traffic.

Plan your trip like a local pro

Book tickets early. Flights, long-distance buses, and intercity trains sell out fast during holidays. Buying a confirmed seat a week or two before can save hours and a whole lot of worry.

Travel at odd hours. Leaving before dawn or after the evening peak often shaves travel time. If you can, avoid the main travel days — the day before and the day after the big holiday are the worst.

Use traffic apps and check official advisories. Google Maps, Waze, or local traffic broadcasts give live updates; roadblocks, holiday parades, or accidents get flagged early so you can reroute.

Consider alternative routes and modes. Train, ferry, or a short domestic flight can be faster than sitting for hours on a clogged highway. Park-and-ride or a short ride-hail to a less crowded hub often cuts delays.

Smart moves while you're out and about

Pack essentials in a small travel bag: water, snacks, chargers, ID, and a little cash. When lines stretch, basic comforts keep you calm and moving.

Expect delivery and service delays. Online orders, postal deliveries, and government services slow down during holidays. Order gifts and supplies well ahead and choose express options only when necessary.

Stagger shopping and celebrations. If your family can split shopping days or hosts can stagger visiting times, you’ll avoid peak queues and crowded malls.

Watch ride-hailing surge pricing. If fares spike, check multiple apps or walk to a nearby transport node. Shared rides can be cheaper and faster on congested streets.

Follow local traffic rules and official instructions. During big events, authorities may set temporary lanes, one-way systems, or checkpoints. Respect them — it keeps traffic moving and avoids fines.

Keep your vehicle ready. For drivers, a full tank, proper tire pressure, and a basic emergency kit cut the chance of breakdowns that trap you in queues. If you plan long drives, stop every two hours to rest.

Stay flexible. A last-minute plan change — switching to an earlier bus, meeting at a different spot, or delaying departure by an hour — can save you hours stuck in gridlock.

Finally, be patient. Everyone’s rushing, and tempers flare. A calm approach and a little extra time in your schedule will turn holiday congestion from a disaster into a minor inconvenience.