By Carrie Grosvenor
Traveling during the holidays can be a huge headache, whether you're inching along the Interstate wishing you hadn't left that tin of gingerbread in the trunk, or stuck in an airport waiting for yet another delayed flight. If only Santa's reindeer ran a taxi service! If you're planning on traveling this holiday season, here are some tips to get you where you're going with most of your sanity still intact.
The Importance of Planning
If you're one of those people who throws their belongings into a bag and heads out the door hoping for the best, you'll need a lot of luck getting to your destination on time during the Christmas rush. The key to a successful trip is planning.
Flights, car rentals, and hotel rooms should be booked through a travel agent as early as possible. Since the season is such a busy time for travelers things tend to sell out quickly, and flying standby is risky. If you can, book your flights several days before and after the actual holiday. Peak travel times are the 24th and the 26th of December, and airports will be jammed.
Taking the car instead? Plan your route well and highlight it on a map. Even if you have a GPS system, take along a paper map as well because, as we all know, electronic devices can be fussy, usually when we need them the most. Plan a secondary route as well, just in case you run into road closures due to inclement weather or other unexpected detours.
Make lists of things that need to get done before your trip and what you'll need to pack, and check things off your lists as you go along. If driving, take your car in for a tune up to ensure that the drive will be a safe one, and be sure to pack an emergency kit in the trunk. E-mail or telephone the people you'll be visiting (if applicable) to let them know your travel plans.
Flight Delays, Airport Transfers, and Lost Luggage, Oh My!
When flying during the Christmas season, there are a number of small things you can do to make the trip easier for you and your family. Pack as lightly as you can, and if you're taking gifts with you, leave them unwrapped. Airport security will want to know what you've got in your suitcases, so leave them accessible. Pack wrapping paper and gift bags to do your wrapping at your destination.
If you can, ask a friend or relative to drive you to the airport. Parking will be a nightmare, and getting from your car to the terminal adds time that you can't afford to lose. If you must drive, make sure not to leave any valuables in your car while it will be sitting in airport parking.
Check in as early as you reasonably can. Flights are always overbooked, so check in will be on a first come first served basis. Wandering around the airport for a while before your flight is absolutely preferable to being bumped off your flight and having to wait for the next available seat on a different plane.
If you are traveling with kids, take along plenty of snacks, water, and entertainment. Coloring books and crayons, small puzzles, picture books, and small toys will keep your kids occupied both at the airport and on the plane. For older kids, portable CD and DVD players or gaming systems are a great distraction. Bring plenty of batteries and a set of headphones as well.
Heading for the Highway
Facing a long drive during the holidays can be grim, but it doesn't have to be. Pack as much as you can into your trunk the night before your trip, keeping in mind that if you live in a cold climate, whatever is left in the car overnight could freeze. As with air travel, packing lighter will ensure a speedier trip.
Take along a small bag filled with things you might need in the car during the trip. Snacks, bottles of water, tissues, pain reliever, wet wipes, extra batteries for any electronic devices, and an empty plastic bag for trash. A cell phone and list of emergency numbers and family contacts will come in handy in case of an emergency, or even if you're just running late. Keep your valuables like cameras, jewelry, and extra cash in the trunk, packed in a small bag. If you make a pit stop somewhere, take your valuables – never leave them in the car unattended.
Plan to leave at least an hour earlier than you actually need to. That way you'll be prepared for any delays that crop up before you even get going, like phone calls from the office or fussy kids who won't put their boots on. Speaking of kids, allow them to take their favorite pillow and/or teddy bear or blanket with them on the trip. These items will make them more comfortable and likely to doze off in the car.
Make time for bathroom breaks and short stops to stretch your legs, especially if you're traveling with children. Take along a few things to keep the kids busy, and play traditional car games to get everyone involved and take your minds off the long trip.
On the Home Front
Before you leave, give a trusted neighbor the phone number of where you'll be staying and ask them to call if anything happens to your home. If you have pets, have someone come in to feed them and care for them while you're away, or board them with a kennel.
Set your lights on timers and have someone collect your mail for you to avoid making it obvious that no one is home for an extended period of time. Make sure all windows are closed and locked, and secure all of the doors to your home, shed, and garage before you go.
Try to keep a positive outlook even if you face delays. Remember, this is the season of joy and happiness, so spread the good cheer even in the face of road blocks and missed flights if you can. Have a safe and memorable trip!
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