Holiday Travel Tips

What is it about traveling this time of year that is so difficult/exhausting/daunting??  Ever the optimist, I'd like to think that pretty much everything can go smoothly.  But here is the reality check:  there are so many details beyond our control that it is more likely we experience some sort of travel snafu than get from from Point A to Point B without incident...herewith are a few suggestions where one can take a bit of control.

Anthony Bourdain, who travels the world for his TV show No Reservations, says the following:

1. Travel Prepared
"Be prepared to be stuck in an airport for indeterminate period of time.  Load your mobile device with as many games, songs, apps and e-books as possible to keep busy during long waits.  Also, make sure to pack a battery charger to power up."  Of course if you're traveling internationally, you'd likely need an adapter and especially a converter for airport outlets!  

I would add to that using something like Log Me In, to which I subscribe (Go to My PC is another site).  I can access my main office computer from anywhere to keep up on work, process orders (and make $$), delete emails, etc., so I don't feel overwhelmed when I get somewhere.  Another good source is www.boingo.com for finding instant internet access.  While airborne, I was pleased to be able to connect on a recent Southwest flight for only $5.  Not great for streaming Netflix but fine for checking email.


2.  Get Comfortable

"Remember to bring something scrunchy and long-sleeved, like a sweatshirt. You might need it as a pillow." So true.  I always have a wrap and a neck pillow with me.

 

I love the following tips from Independent Traveler:

This might be overboard ..

-- After check-in but prior to security, stow everything except your ID and boarding pass in your carry-on bag. This way, when you get to the front of the line, you are not finding stuff in random pockets, messing with your phone, dropping credit cards and keys (or losing them -- I have seen it happen), spilling crumpled cash all over the place and generally ticking off everyone behind you. By the time you get in the security line, you should be as close to ready to go through the actual security machine as possible.

-- The annual holiday gift wrapping rule:  Don't wrap gifts -- security will have to rip them open.  With the TSA searching checked bags as well as carry-on's, this applies to all of your luggage, not just what you bring onto the plane with you.  Consider shipping your gifts ahead of time or wrapping them once you get to your destination.

Here's my own tip for flying Southwest -- especially at the holidays:

Spring for the $10 to get Early Boarding.  There are several good reasons -- you don't have to be glued to your computer or device at precisely 24 hours in advance of departure.  This feature automatically gets you a boarding number.  Plus everyone seems to be doing it.  On the trip to Nashville, we still got B boarding passes even with the additional fee.  I am expecting to next receive the offer of "Executive" Early Boarding or "Premium" Early Boarding or "We PROMISE You" Early Boarding with the associated additional cost...

And I may have found a new bff in my quest for the dark and quiet room (or while on a plane):  The Sleep Master Mask!  The hubby says I go into my cocoon but I don't have the gift of just turning it all off.   So with earplugs (which I always have on hand), this might just do the trick! 


 

And, finally, from our beloved TSA, just some of the items that must go in your packed bag as (opposed to carry-on):   Gravy, maple syrup, oils and vinegars, salad dressing, salsa ... need I go on???  Seriously, anyone who would consider packing those items in anything less than a hermetically-sealed, bullet-proof case deserves to have the inevitable spillage/breakage caused by the harried baggage handlers -- especially at holiday time!  That's why God invented UPS.  Plan ahead and ship them.  Or better yet, shop upon arrival.  I actually love shopping in stores of cities I'm visiting -- even supermarkets! 

On that note, I would be remiss if I didn't share about the woman next to me in security who required an additional search for packing half an onion in her carry-on.  Oh, well, she was heading home for Thanksgiving and her mom told her never to waste ... happy travels!