Tips for Holiday Road Travel

According to the United States Department of Transportation, during the holidays approximately 91 percent of long-distance holiday travel is done with a personal vehicle, which isn't far off from 89 percent of long-distance travel throughout the rest of the year. The majority of those traveling are headed to visit family while others are setting out for their favorite vacation destination. Whether you're headed for your in-laws or to your favorite cabin in the mountains, check out these tips for holiday road travel to ensure you arrive safely at your destination.

Prior to Hitting the Road

• Before you even begin your trip, if you are driving your vehicle, make sure you maintain it. Change the oil, check the tires, and have it checked out for any other issues that might make your trip less than pleasurable. 
• If you're driving a rental, most rental places charge an additional fee if you are under the age of 25. Check your current car insurance because most insurance companies will cover the cost of your rental in the event of an accident. Getting the additional insurance is up to you, but I typically get it just because it gives me peace of mind.
• Shop around at different rental companies and book your vehicle early. I've used Enterprise and Hertz for years now. Enterprise always has the cheapest prices, but there might be other companies out there that have decent deals. Both have always been solid companies for me. 
• MAP your route and check the weather prior to starting your trip. Be aware of toll roads that you may encounter. Keep extra cash in the car just in case. 
• Do you have a first aid kit in the car? It's good to have things like flares and jumper cables—you know your basics. When I drove across the country from one side of the states to the other, I made sure to have those items, along with disposable hand warmers, extra water, and snacks. I didn't need them, but I wanted to be prepared because I drove during the winter and through lots of snow and ice. So, you probably won't need them, but bring them just in case.
• Don't forget to bring things to keep your children entertained. Road trips are pretty boring when you're sitting there for extended periods of time. Even looking at the sights whipping by can become dull after a while.  
• Organize the vehicle so that anything you might need while on the road is easily accessed. For example, put a spare change of clothing in a backpack or bag instead of packing it away in your suitcase. This way if you happen to need a set of clothes immediately, then you're not stuck pulling everything out of the car to get into your suitcase—for example when your kids accidentally spill a drink on their clothing. 
• On that note, I'm a HUGE fan of cups with lids. The YETI Rambler Tumbler doesn't sweat, keeps your drinks cold, and comes with a lid. These types of cups are perfect for traveling. They also fit in most cup holders. 
• Pack snacks and other drinks for the trip. Gas stations carry snacks and drinks at insanely inflated prices. They count on the unprepared traveler to come in and purchase snacks while they're on the go. Yes, I'm guilty of this one, but not as much anymore. Typically it's because I find something appealing that I don't already have in my snack bag. Seriously, you'll save a lot of money if you simply buy them ahead of time.
• Don't forget to pack a plastic bag for trash. Kids will toss their trash all over the car if you do not insist they place it into a bag. Admittedly, many adults are just as guilty as children for stuffing their trash into the small space in the door instead of using a plastic bag. If you're on the road for a nine-hour day—it adds up! 

When to Travel

• Plan to travel during non-peak hours. Obviously, you want to avoid rush hour if you decide to take off during a regular business day. Some people travel overnight, but you have to be extra vigilant at night for drunk drivers and wildlife. Nothing will ruin a vehicle worse than slamming into Bambi while cruising down the road. 
• When are the non-peak days/hours? This really depends on the days of the week that the holidays fall on. For example, this year Christmas falls on a Monday. Most people are out of work for Christmas Eve or only have to work half of the day. If you can, try to leave on Christmas because it has been found that it has the least amount of traffic. 
• Most people will travel during the days leading up to Christmas. In fact, Dec 21 to Dec 26th has been found to be the most dangerous period to travel during Christmastime. Obviously, this is mainly due to last minute shoppers, a higher number of impaired drivers because of the holiday parties, etc. However, Christmas Eve has lighter traffic, but again, Christmas Day has the least amount of traffic because most people are at home or have already reached their destinations. Often, I do my traveling on the day of Christmas to avoid the craziness on the roads. 

Hotels

• If you need to crash at a hotel while on the road, shop around to find a deal. Seriously, you can even pick your own price on websites like Priceline or Hotwire. Personally, I've never had any issues booking through them. However, I don't use them as often as I used to use them. I try to go directly through the company instead, especially if I book ahead of time by about two weeks. You can also find deals that way. I will admit that you really can't beat the deals on those websites and others like it. 
• Typically if you choose a hotel that is located outside of a large city instead of in the city, you can land a much better deal.
• As far as hotels are concerned—don't always trust the reviews!!! Take them with a grain of salt. Many people simply need something to complain about. I will admit that I write reviews on occasion, but I've never outright lied about something. Shame on those of you who lie about your experience. 
• When you do get to your hotel, make sure that you take your valuables inside and hide things like spare cash from people who may peer inside your car with the intention of breaking into it. It happens. Don't set yourself up to be a victim. 
• Also, when staying in your hotel, set the deadbolt and extra lock. Those are there for your safety. Your door locks after you close it, but that doesn't mean that someone cannot gain access to your room. 

During Your Drive

• Stay vigilant and don't become distracted while driving. You shouldn't text or surf the internet while you're driving either. If you feel that you need to text someone, pull off at the next rest stop. By texting and driving, you're essentially driving drunk and putting everyone around you at risk. It's irresponsible. 
• Be patient. Honking at the cars in front of you when traffic has come to a dead stop is NOT going to make them move. What is it really doing for you? Nothing? Yeah, I thought so.
• Wear your seatbelt because it can literally save your life. Make sure your kids are buckled in too!
• If you're traveling through an area that is known to have ice on the bridges or road, driving slower is always better. It is better to wish that you could go faster than to be driving faster and wish that you had gone slower. 
• Also, if it's snowing or raining heavily, be extra cautious. The occurrence of accidents rises during inclement weather.
• Never drink and drive. It's pretty simple actually. 

After 15 years of making TONS of long-distance road trips, I'm at the point where I consider myself to be an expert on the subject. I don't believe I've left anything out. Feel free to point out something if I've missed it. If I happen to see something, I'll come back and add it.

If you need some quick tips for flying, check out this post: Reduce Stress When Flying.

Thanks for reading!!

Reduce Stress When Flying

I'm always looking for ways to make life simpler, especially since the holidays have arrived. Many of you will be hopping on a plane somewhere to visit family and friends. About nine years ago, I flew in a commercial jet for the very first time. It was extremely overwhelming and I hated the airports. The parking, crowds of people, security, and a bouncy three-year-old made me want to just quit that day. I'm certain other parents can relate to my initial experience. Fast forward, with many flights under my belt, I have figured out how to minimize the hassles of flying.

I've even flown several with an infant in first class (it was that or buy two seats for comfort, which I've seen other mothers with infants do). He was amazingly quiet and slept pretty much the entire time. I've received many compliments because he wasn't fussy. I honestly believe it was a combination of being prepared and luck. Actually, I tend to receive compliments about my children's behavior when we're traveling, but I digress; this post is not about my children's behavior. I will point out that they're amazing little travelers, though.

Flying can be extremely stressful for someone who is not a seasoned traveler. At this point, I'm seasoned enough that when traveling by plane, I whip through security and long halls, filled with massive quantities of people, like an amazing race car driver. Flying takes the least amount of time to get across the country, but traveling by car is more convenient if you have a lot of luggage. Usually, the associated costs when traveling by car are more than flying, unless you're flying internationally. Obviously, flying across the country is normally completed in a single day of travel but it's a rushed experience. 

Maybe if someone had passed along some traveling advice related to flying, I wouldn't have been as frustrated, which is why I've compiled this list for others who are going to jumping on a plane. Check it out:

When to Fly

Pick a day and time that fits your needs. Typically, consultants depart the airport early on Mondays or Tuesdays. If you don't feel like waking up at 4 a.m. to catch a flight, then select a time closer to lunch. It is less to fly on Wednesday or Thursday. Sundays and Mondays are often the most expensive days for flying.

If you're not flying direct and have to land at another airport for a connection, allow about one to two hours between flights. It's a precaution if you haven't researched the flight for the frequency of delays. You can find out if the flight has a pattern of being late or is mostly on schedule. Plan accordingly.

You can find an assortment of travel deals from companies offering discounted airline tickets from different airlines. You never know what you'll find if you choose your first option. In my book, cheap airfare is an added bonus to any trip because then I'll have more to spend when I arrive at my destination.

Checking In

You can typically check in up to 24 hours prior to departing. If you check in prior to arriving, then you remove the need to stand in a long, time-consuming line to check-in and print your boarding pass. Speaking of, print your boarding pass before arriving or save the trees and download it to your mobile device. 

Most often, you can check your luggage in if you decide to check-in online. Just drop it off once you get inside the airport. Another convenience that I like utilizing is curbside check-in. If the airline you travel with offers curbside check-in, take advantage of it. There may be an additional fee for it, check with your airline for additional details.

Getting to the Airport

Try to get a ride or a cab to the airport. There are companies that will quote a set fare to pick you up and drop you off at the airport. If you're planning on being out of town for several weeks, the fare for a cab will be much less than if you park in the garage. Of course, a family member or friend is an even better idea. If you're going to park in the garage, give yourself at least 30 minutes to unload your luggage, the family, and walk over to the airport.

Security

Here's the thing: nobody likes going through security because it's a pain in the ass, but it's a necessary pain to keep everyone safe. You want to make it through as quickly as possible. Have your passport, ID, and boarding pass ready. If you're carrying on liquids, keep them in a container no larger than 3.4 oz. Some, not all, security workers make you either throw away or check in anything larger. You don't want to have to throw away that brand new bottle of expensive face wash. Just play it safe and keep carry-on liquids under 3.4 oz.

If you're traveling alone or with family, stick with simple shoes and comfortable clothing. Put your shoes in the tub along with your belt, if you're wearing one. As far as electronics are concerned, when you're going through security, the only thing they really care about is your laptop. You can keep your iPad, iPod, camera, phone, etc, tucked away in their bags. 

Also, keep your jewelry in your carry-on luggage. A few years ago, I accidentally left my jewelry in my checked-in luggage and it was stolen by someone handling the luggage. It actually made me sad instead of angry because I don't wear a lot of jewelry and the items held sentimental value. Take it from me, bring your precious items on the plane.

Also, pay attention and work with those traveling with you. There is an opportunity for theft while you're going through security—if you're not paying attention. When traveling alone, watch your belongings as they go down the belt as you're going through the scanner. Check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before traveling for updated information on the items you can bring on board.

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Snacks, Drinks, etc... 

In the past, if you brought an empty water bottle with you to fill up after passing through security, it was difficult because the fountains were not optimally designed. Water would spill out of your water bottle, with it hardly halfway filled! However, now, they have water bottle filling stations. I know they've been around for a little while now, but I wanted to mention them in case you've never flown or ever noticed. I love these stations. Large amounts of plastic waste are reduced because they've added these.

Bring snacks, blanket, headphones, and whatever else you might want. If you're flying first class or business class, it's free. Although, I never actually use the blanket because I bring a cardigan or a fleece for when I feel cold. I typically put the blanket behind my back with the pillow. I never use the headphones either.

Distractions such as books, iPads/iPods, or coloring books will be your savior if you're flying with children. Believe me, you won't be getting any rest or relaxation, so you should be armed with as many distractions as you can manage. Flying is boring! Children can't even sit still for five minutes, yet people expect them to simply "deal" when stuck on a plane for four hours. Distractions work like a charm. Snacks do too!

Have you ever experienced motion sickness? Commercial flights are relatively mild when compared to smaller planes. If you're extremely prone to motion sickness, take something for it, like an over the counter medication or ginger pills. Everyone's sensitivity is at different levels. It's better to be prepared than wishing for something to make the room stop swaying.

These are just some of the things I've learned throughout the years. If you have any suggestions or comments that you would like to add, please feel free to do so by leaving a comment below!

Thanks for reading and happy travels!