Traveling this Easter? Pack your patience (and maybe a flask of something strong). Today is Palm Sunday, marking the start of Holy Week, and with Good Friday kicking off a long Easter weekend, travel is bound to get hectic. Good Friday is one of those “great in theory, chaotic in practice” travel days. While everyone loves the romance of spring travel, the reality? Not so cute.
Here’s why Good Friday might dim the sparkle of your Easter getaway:
1. Fridays + Travel = A Bad Romance
Good Friday always falls on, well, a Friday. And Fridays are already peak travel mayhem, even without the whole Easter weekend buzz. Think packed airports, overpriced flights, and standing-room-only trains leaving every metro hub. Ever tried to squeeze your stunning self (and your luggage) onto an overstuffed train? Hard pass.
Pro tip? If you haven’t booked yet, consider flying on Saturday instead. Your wallet (and sanity) will thank you.
2. April Showers Bring… Weather Chaos?
This year’s Easter lands in April, which means spring is doing that fun little dance between sunshine and “surprise, it’s raining.” While slightly less dicey than March travel, April loves to keep us guessing. Expect potential delays from unexpected winds, rainstorms, or even late frost that threatens your flawless hairstyle.
Planning on cute outdoor Easter egg hunts or a chic picnic spread? Maybe keep an umbrella handy. Or scrap it all and cozy up by the fire with spiked hot cocoa. Who are we kidding? Champagne works too.
3. Closed for the Long Weekend
Oh, you wanted to grab a soy latte from that ultra-adorable, LGBTQ+-owned cafe downtown before your flight? Guess again. Many small, family-run businesses close for Good Friday and the following Easter weekend. Malls and chains will be open, but the vibe? Practically zero.
Save your wallet for the duty-free wine shop. Easter brunch on the other side will make up for it. Maybe.
4. Public Transportation Disappears Faster Than Chocolate Bunnies
Holiday schedules are the worst. Fewer buses, fewer trains, and in some tragic cases, no service at all. Think you’re hopping on your usual weekday train to the airport? Think again. Today, it’s “Sunday & Holiday” schedules across the board. Double-check those routes, or risk turning your cozy weekend escape into a deeply frustrating game of “Where’s the Uber?”
Is Staying Home the New Trend?
Before you jet off and face the Good Friday travel gauntlet, it’s worth asking yourself one thing—is it even worth the hassle? If mom’s dialing up the guilt with the classic “But it’s Easter!” line, take a deep breath—it’s okay to say no sometimes. You can always Facetime with a smile and promise to visit soon (with leftovers as a peace offering, of course). Staycations exist for a reason. Drape yourself in an Easter-themed onesie, throw on “Call Me by Your Name,” and enjoy a weekend of zero stress (and 100% snacks).
If you’re among the brave souls venturing out this Good Friday, we salute you. Grab some rainbow Peeps, buckle up, and get ready for the chaos. Wherever you’re going, here’s to plenty of sweets, stories to tell, and maybe a cute stranger at the airport bar. Safe (and stylish) travels!