If you are traveling this Christmas, you won’t be alone. According to AAA, more than 103 million Americans are expected to travel for the year-end holidays, which is Dec. 23 – Jan. 2. More people are traveling than ever before, and most are traveling by car, due in part to low gas prices. Whether you plan to drive or fly, here are some tips to help make your holiday travel go more smoothly.
By Land:
Before leaving on a trip, such as your caravan holidays in scotland, bring your car in for a quick inspection. It’s important to have your oil changed, tire treads and brakes inspected, and fluids, batteries and filters checked. The last thing you want is to have car trouble on the way to your destination.
Keep jumper cables, a tire pressure gage and a jack in your car just in case, along with a flashlight. According to safercar.gov, other items in your emergency roadside kit should include: first aid kit, flares and a white flag, work gloves and a change of clothes, basic repair tools and some duct tape (for temporarily repairing a hose leak!); water and paper towels for cleaning up, nonperishable food, drinking water, and medicines; extra windshield washer fluid, maps, emergency blankets, towels and coats.
Make sure know the weather conditions along the route you will be taking to your destination, and update yourself on those conditions along the way, especially if you are headed North. Bring tire chains if you don’t have 4-wheel drive and are expecting to travel through snow.
Avoid traveling during the busiest traffic times, such as rush hour.
Helpful APPS: Download the Gas Buddy app that will locate cheap gas near you. iExit shows upcoming gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores along your route.
If you have children, make sure you pack plenty of snacks, drinks, videos, books and car-friendly games for your journey. Click for road games from Parents Magazine, and travel specific games from minitime.com.
By Air:
Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to your flight.
Go to the line to the left at security — because most people are right-handed they usually opt for the right lane.
Wear shoes that you can easily take on and off to help you get through security quickly. Avoid wearing big belt buckles (metal objects) or carrying anything liquid (i.e. shampoo, hand sanitizer) in containers larger than 3.4 oz or that will slow you down at security.
Make sure you can access your laptop easily to get it through security — remember — it needs to be put into its own bin.
If you want to sleep on the airplane, bring your own neck roll, earplugs and a small blanket to help you catch some z-z-z’s. Purchase a bottle of water after you get through security — it will help keep you hydrated in the dry cabin air.
Helpful APPS: If you have extra time or are delayed, the app, LoungeBuddy will help you locate pay as you go and free lounges in airports worldwide. Also XpresSpa’s app provides spa treatments at 50 locations at 22 major airports on two continents. An aesthetician will meet you at your gate and escort you to their airport spa. What a great way to spend some extra time!
For comprehensive travel tips from the FAA, click here.
Bring plenty of patience. Millions of people will be traveling this holiday season, so take a deep breath and try to go with the flow.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here