Holiday Travel Tips

Spending time with family during the holidays is a tradition many people engage in at this time of year.  Whether you live in Northern Virginia, South Carolina or anywhere else, that may mean that you have to travel to get there.  In fact, AAA recently announced that they estimated approximately 42.5 million people will be traveling the highways and byways during the holiday season.  Here are a few holiday travel tips to help you stay safe and sane when traveling to see your friends and family.

By Air

• Put a set of clothing for each person in each set of luggage instead of all in one, including at least one carry-on.  That way, if a piece of luggage gets lost, everyone in your group still has clothing to wear.
• Limit bags to 50 lbs or less to avoid extra fees.
• Each passenger is allowed one carry-on luggage and one personal item (such as a purse or briefcase).  Put your money, valuables, prescription medication, passport, ID, etc. in your carry-on luggage to avoid losing it at check-in.
• Call ahead or visit your airport's online website to see what you are and are not allowed to carry through security and in what types of containers.  You don't want to have to leave your expensive shampoos or other toiletries with airport security.
• Drink plenty of water.  Air passengers tend to get dehydrated much more quickly than on the ground.

By Car

• Plot your course ahead of time.  This includes not only the route you're taking but checking weather conditions (if necessary).
• Travel during daylight hours if possible.  It's harder and usually more expensive to find help if something goes wrong during the evening hours.
• Keep your cell phone charged and ready to use.  Remember, though, that many states across the country have adopted the "hands-free" policy for cell phone use.  You could be ticketed if you use your cell phone while driving.  Distracted drivers (including those using cell phones) are one of the leading causes of accidents.
• Service your vehicle before you leave.  Make sure you service it in plenty of time to perform repairs if necessary.  Also, make sure you know where your spare tire is and that it is properly inflated.  Have the mechanic top off fluids and check your tire pressure.
• Create a "breakdown kit" which includes: a thermal blanket, drinking water, water to cool off the engine, flares/reflectors, a HELP sign, a flashlight (make sure the batteries work before you leave) and duct tape.  Other things you may want to add to your kit are: jumper cables, a tire gauge, work gloves, basic screwdrivers, a pair of pliers, an Allen wrench, rope, a bungee cord, towels, a roll of toilet paper, plastic bags, a small tire inflator, an empty 1-gallon gas can and a disposable rain coat.
• Always carry a basic first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.  The first aid kit should include bandaids, antiseptic ointment, gauze, tape, splints and scissors.

In General

• When packing, start at least a day early.  You are less likely to forget something if you don't have to rush.
• Make a list of what you need to take so you don't forget anything.
• Pack light.  Wherever your destination takes you will most likely have laundry facilities.  So, packing the entire closet isn't necessary.  A few key pieces that you can mix and match will decrease suitcase fatigue.  This will also decrease your extra bag fees when traveling by air.

Following these holiday travel tips will help ease the stress that traveling creates.  Stay safe and Happy Holidays, everybody!

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia homes blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2011/11/17/holiday-travel-tips/.