Linda's Tips
This month’s tips are provided by Angie’s List
Take the headache out of holiday travel
An estimated 60 million Americans will travel this holiday season, meaning most of us can expect long lines at airports and crowded highways as we head home for the holidays or off to a winter hot spot.
While rising gas prices, heightened security concerns and changes in procedures at the nation's airports have been front page news in recent months, it doesn't appear that these factors have caused most
travelers to change their plans.
In a recent Angie's List member poll, only 6 percent said they had cancelled their travel plans due to any of these factors. In fact, 56 percent of respondents said they plan to travel during the holiday
season – 55 percent of those by car and 44 percent by air.
With so many Americans packing their bags for the holidays, Angie's List founder Angie Hicks, says patience and planning can be the keys to a smooth travel experience. “Time can be your friend, but only
if you allow yourself enough of it,” Hicks advises. “We all know the roads will be packed and the lines at the airports will be long. It's a fact of life when it comes to travel around the holidays.”
Whether you're hitting the road or the skies this winter, Angie's List suggests several ways to take the headache out of holiday travel:
Six steps to uneventful air travel:
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Be prepared: Anticipate delays before you get to the airport. Call ahead to make sure your flight is on time. Bring reading materials and extra batteries for your electronics. If you're
traveling with small children, bring something new for them to play with. With airlines cutting back on food service, remember snacks for the flight.
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Be patient: Getting angry doesn't get you to your destination any faster. Take a deep breath - the other delayed passengers on your flight will thank you for it. Yelling at the ticket agent
at the counter will do nothing more than attract security and possibly cause more delays.
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Get a ride: Have a friend take you to the airport or take a shuttle or public transportation. If you drive and park your car, make sure all valuables are hidden and don't forget jumper cables
in case your battery dies while you're away.
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Check in early: Most airlines allow you to check in online the night before your flight and print your boarding pass from home even if you're checking luggage. When you arrive at the airport
you can use curbside check in or a kiosk to check your bags, just don't forget to tip the curbside attendant. Online check in can also assure you a better seat.
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Be smart with baggage: Due to increased travel, airlines often crack down on luggage restrictions. Over-packed luggage can take longer for security to inspect and it will likely violate weight
limits. Don't wrap your gifts before travel, unless you would like to watch security open them. Consider using collapsible gift bags and packing tissue paper for easy wrapping after the flight.
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Be ready for security: Visit the TSA website, www.TSA.gov, before you pack so you know what you cannot bring. Carry as few metallic objects as
possible and wear minimal jewelry through security. Anticipate having to remove coats, belts and shoes at security check points. Don't forget the 3-1-1 rule : 3 oz. liquids; 1-quart, clear, zip top bag; 1 bag
per passenger placed in the screening bin. Bring extra bags – someone in front of you will forget theirs and you will make their day and your flight by offering them a bag.
Six ways to make the car trip more enjoyable:
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Check your car: Before you hit the road, take your car to the mechanic. You don't want to spend part of your holiday in the cold on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. If your car is a
little road weary, consider renting a comfortable car for the trip. The added expense may be worth the peace of mind.
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Take an emergency kit: Create an emergency kit for your car, or if you have one, update it. It should include a small first aid kit, road flares, a high powered flashlight with fresh batteries,
a blanket, small fire extinguisher and a “send help” sign to put in your window. And, always travel with a cell phone so you can call for help.
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Pad your schedule: Allow time for traffic delays and stops. If you don't feel like driving or are tired, don't push yourself. It's better to leave early and take your time getting to your destination.
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Control your road rage: Getting angry doesn't help you arrive more quickly or in better spirits. Share the road, even with those you don't think deserve to have a driver's license.
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Make it fun: Car trips are a good time for a family to catch up. Have a light-hearted conversation, play car games, or sing songs to get in the holiday spirit.
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Hide your stuff: When you make stops, make sure all valuables are tucked away. If you are traveling with wrapped packages, keep them in the trunk or in suitcases so they can't be seen through the windows.
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