From Christmas to New Year’s Eve, many use this time traveling to visit loved ones and get away from responsibilities. According to the Transportation Security Administration, more than 25 million passengers are expected to travel during the holidays.

The holidays are an opportunity to travel, but it takes a lot of time and research to find the perfect vacation spot. For junior Luz Orantes, to plan a trip, you always want to be prepared and ready.

“I give it two to three weeks to see if you actually want to go, check the weather, the flights and how expensive it is,” Orantes said.

Orantes also believes you have to know what you like to find the perfect destination to go on a vacation. Many may prefer warmer places to visit in cold months, like Florida, while others prefer the snow at Colorado.

“I think you have to go with what you like,” Orantes said. “If you like the warmth go to a beach, and if you like skiing go to a place where it’s cold.”

While traveling, many people have specific items to take on a trip, while others will just carry the essentials, such as a travel guide and cash. Packing light can help by making the travel easier with fewer things to carry around.

“You need to prepare clothes, a map, a camera and sunscreen, because you never know how it’s going to be,” Orantes said. “If you want to visit certain places, then a map is what could help you find a restaurant or an attraction,” Orantes said. “Always take more than you need just in case. It’s better to have it and not end up using it than to not have it and need it.”

New York Times estimated around  6.4 million people to travel by air during Christmas and New Years. According to Tripsavvy New York City is America’s most popular city to visit during festivities. The most popular attractions “Times Square Ball Drop” and “The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree”, expect to bring around 15.1 million families together for the holidays. Traveling, in general, can bring a lot of joy to someone and when it includes family, sophomore Imelda Carillo finds more comfort.

“When I go to Mexico with my family it’s just a better experience than going only with my brother,” Carillo said. “We spend time together without worrying about work or school the next day. We just get closer and enjoy the holidays with family we don’t see all year round. I just think the holidays are a great way to spend time with family.”