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Top 10 survival tips for holiday travel
A better option is to leave early on Christmas and avoid the record traffic the night before.
What you need to know:
- Wherever you are heading, if you are travelling during the holiday season, you need to realise that everyone else in the world is, too.
- But do not let invasive security scanners, terrible drivers and long lines at the airports get you down.
Wherever you are heading, if you are travelling during the holiday season, you need to realise that everyone else in the world is, too. But do not let invasive security scanners, terrible drivers and long lines at the airports get you down. Wherever you are heading, if you are travelling during the holiday season, you need to realise that everyone else in the world is, too. But do not let invasive security scanners, terrible drivers and long lines at the airports get you down.
1: Do your research.
Plan alternative trips if traffic makes your way home too overwhelming. Is there a scenic drive that might be longer but have less traffic? Break up a long drive by finding a few places to stop that will get the kids more excited than a truck rest stop. When flying, make sure you check the airline’s restrictions ahead of time on carry-on luggage and fees for checked bags.
2: Stay connected.
Stock up on the latest travel apps before you leave home. GateGuru gives you approximate times you’ll spend in security. Heading out on the road? Find the cheapest gas and cleanest bathrooms on the road by asking the frequent road users.
3: Pack light.
Avoid checking bags altogether if you can. You will not have to wait for your luggage on the conveyor belt, and you will not have to worry about your mother’s Christmas present getting lost in Logan Airport. If you do check luggage, make sure you have all your medications, important documents and a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case your luggage gets lost. Here’s a family packing list for more tips.
4: Pack earplugs.
Short of doing yoga in the airport, the best way to mentally escape your stressful surroundings is to turn the volume down. And the easiest way to do that is with earplugs. Crying baby next seat over on the plane? Earplugs. Sister’s music in the car driving you mad? Earplugs. And if you really want to check out for a bit? Bring an eye mask (as long as you are not driving).
5: Don’t get hungry.
When your tummy growls, your mind cannot think straight, and you could unknowingly get in the wrong line, take the wrong turn, or worse, upset an innocent flight attendant. Pack snacks and drinks, so you and your family will be fuelled up for a road trip. If you are flying, definitely get some grub before you board the plane, so you will not have to rely on airline food if you are sitting on the tarmac for hours.
6: Ship gifts or give gift cards.
Ship wrapped gifts or wait until you reach your destination to wrap them, as they might have to unwrap a present to inspect it. Ship gifts ahead of time or bring the gift that cannot go wrong: gift cards to their favourite store.
7: Travel on off-peak days.
Three days before Christmas is the biggest travel day of the year and can also cause you the biggest meltdown of the year. A better option is to leave early on Christmas and avoid the record traffic the night before. Same goes with flying: If you fly on the actual holiday itself you will be avoiding the long lines and hoards of travellers.
8: Travel early or late in the day.
Flight statistics show that planes traveling earlier in the day have a better on-time performance. And if your flight is cancelled, you will have the option of taking a flight later in the day. Also, there will be fewer lines at security. Best time to hit the road? When everyone else is asleep — early morning or late at night. You can always take a nap when you arrive at your destination or on the ride there (if you aren’t the driver, of course).
9: Plan for the unexpected.
Have only a half hour before connecting to another flight? Think ahead and plan accordingly. Leave extra time before flights to deal with security, extra time between connections and, for road trips, pack tyre chains for poor weather conditions, flashlights, and of course, a few bandages never hurt either.
10: Inhale. Exhale.
The overly friendly person next to you on the plane, the cancelled flights, the luggage that fell off in the middle of the highway? All of it will make for great stories over dinner when you finally make it to your destination. After all, holiday travel stress is just as much of a tradition as pumpkin pie and regifting.
- travelchannel.com
