Why Traveling This Winter Holiday Will Be Different!
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
December 15, 2004
Travel is back, and it's en vogue to hit the proverbial road this season. With more than a 10 percent increase in travelers over last holiday season, you can that expect planes and hotels will be packed! And the way the holidays fall this season, travelers can expect more congestion on the roads, rails, and in the skies as well. I hate to tell you this, but your Christmas and New Year's Eve holiday travels may very well resemble the Thanksgiving rush. Both holidays fall on Fridays this year, so we're seeing very tight travels with so many people opting for travel over one or both of the weekends. This means dense and highly traveled days. You should be prepared for longer delays and potentially more aggravation.
However, the outlook isn't entirely bleak. While I can't change the way the calendar works, as a travel pro, I can offer tips to help you navigate your way clear through to the New Year with more ease. So don't get held up, bogged down, or bored–follow these tips for a breezy trip!
- At thanksgiving, some of the worst lines were more than 60 minutes-long at security and/or at check-in. To avoid lines, see if you can fly very early in the morning or in the middle of the week.
- Utilize on-line check in from home where possible; e-kiosks and curbside baggage also help speed your way to security.
- Be ready for security. Pack an extra bag for your miscellaneous pocket items. Men should try tucking a Ziploc baggy in their pockets to collect change, keys, cell phone, etc. Parents may want a slightly larger miscellaneous bag. (Remember all the kids' stuff has to get screened too, so the extra bag will come in handy!)
- Be ready to take your shoes off. Guys may even find it handy to travel with a plastic shoehorn to put your shoes back on easily.
- If you're parking your car at the airport, be sure to reserve a parking space in advance; call ahead or look online to check availability. However, your best bet is probably to use mass transit this time of year.
- Weather delays are frequent this time of year, so be sure to bring plenty to do to occupy you at the airport. Try bringing a good book, holiday note cards, or thank you cards for those great gifts!
- Speaking of gifts, don't wrap anything in advance, as it's likely to be opened by security. Instead, pack the wrapping paper and tape and borrow scissors when you arrive.
- Keep all your valuables with you in your carry-on baggage--not in your checked luggage, which is likely to be opened by screeners. If you want to lock your bag, look for TSA-approved locks.
- Water and snacks are also a must. You may want a nibble in the air or on the tarmac. You never know when or where your travels may keep you waiting and make you hungry.
- Bring your travel agency's 800 number with you on the road, along with your confirmation number and itinerary.
- Leave ample time on the roadways to get where you're going--expect more traffic than usual, which may slow you down.
- Drive defensively.
- Lastly, remember to get in the holiday spirit. A smile can make even the lousiest situation seem just a little bit better for all involved.
Cheers to you and yours this holiday season!
For the most recent travel news check out Amy Ziff's Travel Tips from AtoZ at www.travelocity.com/atoz. If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com ask.amy@travelocity.com. Come back monthly to see if your question has been answered.
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Holiday & Seasonal Travel
Tips & Advice
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