It is that time of the year again – the holiday season you love, even when it unduly stresses you. Staying at home to welcome friends and relatives in a traditional Christmas is something you do almost every year. If you are looking forward to something different this season, what about you visiting them instead this year or traveling and enjoying a different kind of celebration in an unfamiliar location?
Know, however, that a totally stress free travel can’t be hundred percent foolproof. In fact, between bad weather/winter storm, the longest queues, bumper-to-bumper traffic on the way to the airport, and a dozen more holiday travel problems, missing or having your flight cancelled is not surprising anymore. Despite the long list of potential problems, don’t be turned off by this wonderful alternative for a rewarding break from other traditional holiday.
To help nip the possible sources of stress tight away, Katia Hetter of CNN shares these 9 Tips for Holiday Travel Survival. Hetter writes:
“It’s never easy, but toss in a heaping helping of bad weather and the Thanksgiving rush devolves into gridlock.
Nearly 44 million people are trying to get somewhere this Thanksgiving, according to AAA projections. With a little luck, some patience and planning, they’ll make it to their final destinations in time for turkey.”
Here are some of the tips she shared with her readers to make “the most out of a sticky travel situation.”
- “Check your flight, no matter where you’re going. “ If you are traveling to a place where the weather is always sunny, don’t commit the blunder of underestimating its effects on your own flight. What if you are boarding a plane that is coming from a location that has been hit by a bad weather? It may be delayed or even cancelled. Be smart – did you know Flightview app can track your plane’s journey using your own website?
- “Don’t drive into a storm.” Nothing can be more unfortunate than not being able to get to your destination during your target dates (Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year) under an extremely bad weather. The strategy is to monitor the local weather, as well as the forecasts in your destination. Remember that one of the season’s most common causes of travel problems is the bad weather; winter storm is quite common around this time. Aside from Be resourceful; you can get information using the social media or your airline. It is common for airlines to post updates via Facebook or Twitter. You may also sign up for alerts, which can be emailed to your mobile phone.
- “Are you already stuck at the airport?” Be ready to multi-task, just in case you find yourself stranded. Don’t just rely on one solution. Aside from finding assistance from the ticket counter, use travel apps that can help you get booked in the next flights, such as NextFlight app. Other options include calling the airline directly to inform them about your specific needs and preferences.
- Charge your devices. You don’t want to be stranded in an airport with a drained battery at a time when the bad weather caught you, or your flight is delayed or cancelled when you need to contact family. It is reasonable to expect that a throng of travelers will also need to charge their communication devices. It would be good to have an extra battery pack or a portable charger you can use during these emergencies.
- Stock up on snacks and warm clothes. What can be the worse things aside from missing a flight or being stranded in an airport, while the howling wind and the layers of sleet pile up along the roads? Being stranded without the basic needs as well as clothing and other accessories (gloves, scarves, winter boots, etc.). With delayed or cancelled flights, there is a big chance you’ll be stranded; stock up on foods and drinks that won’t easily spoil and basic clothing items that can keep you warm. If you are traveling with children, make sure you have something to keep them warm, comfortable and to while away the time. If you have an elderly with you and they are on special medication, it will be good to have their special needs in a carry all bag that you can bring around with you.
Times like these, you may realize that staying at home during the holiday may not be a bad idea after all. But, you can certainly minimize all these complications when you do some sensible planning and preparations to be ready for the unpredictable element of travel.
