Now that Thanksgiving is in the rearview mirror, we can turn our attention toward Christmas and New Year’s Day! Over the next few weeks, many of us will travel across the country to visit loved ones to celebrate the holidays. This is easily one of the busiest times of year for travel, as AAA estimated that more than 112 million Americans traveled during last year’s holiday season. This year looks to be equally busy. Traveling during the holidays can be hectic and frustrating. It takes planning and a little luck to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. You might need to deal with more traffic or longer lines at airport security, but you can make this situation easier by implementing some helpful strategies. Here are some tips to help you reach your destination with as little stress and trouble as possible, regardless of your mode of transport. Heading to the Airport There’s no secret strategy to help you get to your terminal quicker or ensure you make your connecting flights on time. You could enroll in TSA precheck, but there’s no guarantee it will be faster during the holidays. Your best bet is to arrive Winter Travel Tips, Hacks, and Reminders! Make Your Journey Merry and Bright
at the airport early enough to check your bags, make it through TSA, and board your flight with ease. One of the most frustrating situations any frequent flyer can experience is lost or damaged luggage. Suitcases aren’t cheap! If you ever grab your luggage from the carousel and notice it’s damaged or scuffed, do not leave the airport. Instead, go to baggage services and explain the situation. They will gather your information before directing you to a link where you can choose a new suitcase to replace the broken one. If the bag is lost, you will need to fill out a claim as well, although it will likely be a couple of weeks before the airline considers your bag truly lost. Traveling by Car For many families, it’s tradition to pack the car full of gifts and visit the grandparents for the week or a long weekend. It’s a family road trip! Driving in the winter comes with more challenges than any other time of year. Before leaving the house, pack an emergency kit to keep you and your family safe if you get caught in a blizzard. Stock your vehicle with blankets, flashlights, water bottles, basic car maintenance tools, and kitty litter to help free your car from the snow. If you get stuck, turn on your ignition every hour for 10 minutes to warm up the car, and switch on your lights for visibility. Do not get out of your vehicle to look for help! You could get lost and end up in more danger. Traveling during the holidays isn’t only stressful for the travelers but for everyone working as well. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, consider purchasing some treats or gifts to give to those who are working the holidays. Sharing them with your flight crew or the attendant at the terminal will bring a smile to their face and could even result in them doing something nice for you. Hotel workers, gas station attendants, and retail employees are some of the many people who work diligently throughout the holidays and could use some extra recognition. The holiday season is full of joy and excitement. Don’t let traveling take the fun out of your experience!
2 • www.bermanpt.com
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