The experts at William Russell have shared their top tips for expats travelling over the Christmas period.

When to travel:

1. Avoid the week before Christmas

The 18th - 23rd of December has historically been the busiest period for air travel over the festive period during the last four years in Britain. To avoid the hectic airport expat rush around Christmas, try to book your flight earlier in December.If you want the cheapest price, Christmas Day consistently ranks as the quietest day for the aviation industry - although we can’t guarantee you’ll make it for Christmas dinner!

2. Avoid the week after New Year’s

The most natural travel window to return would be the week after New Year’s but once again airline activity peaks during the period between 2nd-6th January. You’re more likely to find a quieter and cheaper flight if you travel in late January or bring in the New Year on your flight as travelling on New Year’s Day is the quietest.

What to prepare:

1. Passport renewal forms & appointments

Passports are crucial for expats travelling abroad as foreign citizens, with expiry dates and document update concerns, it's important everything is up to date and prepped. If you need to renew your passport, returning home for Christmas is a great opportunity to do this.

2. Minor medical appointments

You may want to book in advance is small, routine trips to medical professionals such as the dentist or optician. This can be especially useful if your medical files are stored with independent professionals in your home country, but also handy if you want to speak in your native language.

3. Tie up loose ends

Perhaps you have a bank account in your home country that needs to be dealt with, or maybe you own property in your home country that you’d be better off selling. Whatever assets you left behind, you might want to locate any important paperwork and prepping to deal with your responsibilities.

4. Gifts for the way there & spare luggage room for the way back

It’s Christmas after all, so of course you’re going to travel home with some gifts. Small symbolic gifts of your life in a foreign country are always a treat, so set aside some shopping time before you leave. Likewise, coming home for the holiday is a great opportunity to spoil yourself with those things you’ve missed from home. Just be sure to check your suitcase weight restrictions before travel.