Surviving The Holiday Travel Rush
Surviving The Holiday Travel Rush
By now, I think most of us have seen the movie PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES, with Steve Martin as an ad executive doing his best to get back home in time for the holidays, who keeps getting stuck with the most obnoxious traveling companion anyone could imagine, in the person of traveling salesman John Candy. The movie is an exercise in bad luck, chronicling pretty much every travel nightmare you can imagine. It's a very funny movie, and worth a look each Thanksgiving, but with holiday season 2010 upon us, I'm sure most of us want to do everything we can to avoid art imitating life.
If you are going to be traveling for the holidays, it is important to have your plan made ahead of time. It just makes the process so much easier. A crowded airport terminal is no place to have to sit down and determine your next course of action. So here are a few suggestions for this year's holiday traveler:
Pack in several layers. When packing your luggage, you should lay down a layer of clothing, then a layer of electronics, then another layer of clothing, then another layer of heavier items, and so forth. This will allow TSA security to quickly scan your luggage and keep the lines moving.
Be sure to confirm the status of your flight before heading to the airport. This may be easily done online and will save you the headache of rushing to get there only to discover that your flight has been delayed or worse, canceled.
Timing is important. Plan on getting to the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time. If you are like me, make it a good three hours. It is always preferable to be early than to be late, and as a result, rushed. Remember that airport parking lots will be more crowded, ticket lines will be longer, and other passengers who are less prepared will inevitably hold up the security screening process.
Avoid wearing any clothing or accessories that have metal in or on them. This will only slow you down since you are forced to account for all of it when going through the metal detector. Remove everything from your pockets and put it in your carryon. All shoes have to go through the screening as well, so make it something you can slip off and on easily.
Liquids airports DO allow travelers to bring liquids, aerosols, and gels aboard in their carryon bags, however they must be in containers no larger than three ounces and placed in a single, clear, quart sized zip-loc bag.
When it comes to other personal effects, such as wallet, keys, or cell phones, the best thing you can do is keep them close to you, preferably on your person, but certainly no further away than your carryon bag. Thieves know what to look for and where to look for it; don't give them an opening to rip you off.
Be sure all of your luggage is properly tagged. Lost luggage and flying are a clich' in their own right; in fact, there is a whole department at the airport devoted to tracking down lost luggage. Make sure to label all of your luggage with your name, home address, and phone number. This will prove invaluable if you and your family go to Florida and your luggage goes to Nova Scotia.
Keep your identification handy. TSA security requires a government issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID). If you don't have one or have misplaced it, two forms of non-photo ID (local, state, or federal) will be required, such as a birth certificate, Medicare card, voter registration, or Social Security card.
If you are carrying your laptop, place it in a security friendly bag, one without outside pockets, flaps, etc. Make it easily accessible for airport security and screening devices. Anything that helps the process move forward quickly is a good thing.
If you are traveling by car:
Make the process easy on yourself. Slide your seat back as far as you can to make the drive more relaxing. Make sure everyone is securely buckled up, and that all children under 12 years of age are properly restrained in the back seat.
Don't make yourself a target for thieves. Dress in a manner that does not identify you as a misplaced tourist. The bad guys know what to look for.
Make sure you have a cell phone charger in your car.
Rent a vehicle to travel in. Sometimes, not having to worry about the wear, tear, and mileage on your own vehicle can be a great stress reliever. Just be sure to get the insurance coverage; it doesn't cost that much and in the event of an accident, you'll be grateful. Why Should Students Learn French Songs Why It's Better to Listen and Learn French Songs Why is it Boring to Learn French in the Classroom? The Value of Songs in the French Classroom Tackling Challenges when You Listen and Learn French Green fleet disappoint for UK green holiday operator! A Perfect Christmas Gift Idea For You On This Christmas How To Arrange A Tour In Charter Bus Bangladesh A Country Of Festivals A Person With A Country Golden Triangle Travel India: Make Your Trip Memorable Spa Holidays In Koh Samui Holidays in Miami