Tips for traveling during the holidays
With the holiday season in full swing, you’re bound to see extra cars on the road and flights being booked. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 15 billion total trips were made from Dec. 18, 2020 and Jan. 3, 2021. During that same time, 17.8 billion people were screened by TSA at U.S. airports.
Traveling can be stressful, but don’t worry. Here are some ways you can make traveling during the holidays easier.
Do your research
Look for alternate trips if traffic is going to slow you down when traveling. If you have children, find places to stop to make the trip more fun and break up the long drive. If you’re flying, research the airline’s restrictions on carry-on luggage and fees for checked bags.
Pack light
When traveling by air, try to avoid checking bags if possible. You’ll be able to make it through the airport quicker, making it less stressful to have fewer bags to carry. If you do have to check any bags, make sure your medications, important documents and a change of clothes are in your carry-on just in case your checked bags get lost.
Travel on off-peak days
Don’t travel on peak holiday travel days. Consider traveling a day or two early and staying a day later. It could not only save you money but possibly avoid delays and cancelations. You may also consider traveling on the holiday with lighter air traffic and lower prices.
Travel early or late in the day
Try to fly or drive early or late in the day. If your flight is canceled in the morning, you have a chance to take a later flight. When driving, consider leaving early in the morning or late at night when there are less vehicles on the road.
Avoid airline ticket counters
Print your boarding passes at home or save them to your smartphone.
Bring distractions
If you are traveling with children, bring games and books to keep them busy. You could also bring earbuds and other technology such as a tablet.
Sign up for travel alerts
If you’re flying, sign up to receive flight status updates on your phone. You can also subscribe to alerts to track any incoming winter weather between your departure and arrival cities.
Watch the weather
Before leaving for your trip, check the weather in advance and plan accordingly. If you’re flying, investigate the airline’s travel policies. You may be able to postpone your trip to another day or move up your travel date for no additional fees. Be careful if you must change destinations, you may have to pay the difference in airfare.
Leave yourself extra time before flights to pass through security and time between connections. If you’re driving, pack tire chains for winter weather and make sure your roadside emergency kit is fully stocked. Remember to always take your time when driving.
Bring snacks
Pack snacks and drinks for your road trip. If you’re flying, get some food before you board the plane. If you are delayed during your trip, you have fuel for the road or air.
Ship your gifts
If you’re planning to fly, don’t try to pack your gifts in your luggage. Shop online and have them shipped. If you do have to pack any gifts, make sure they’re small. According to TSA, they suggest shipping them or wait to wrap them when you reach your destination. They will unwrap any gifts for inspection.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with Adirondack Bank. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. Adirondack Bank is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the information provided or the content of any third-party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. Adirondack Bank makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
