As published in The Florida Villager.
Traveling For The Holidays
It’s hard to believe that the holidays are peeking around the bend. Whether you are looking forward to traveling to a haunted house for Halloween, home for Thanksgiving or a ski trip at Christmas, getting to your destination takes planning. Here are a few tips to hopefully help you get to where you are going.
Plan way in advance, not only to insure better flight times and prices but to also insure you can get tickets for the activities you want to do while at your destination. Nothing is worse than planning that long anticipated trip only to find out the play you wanted to see is sold out or there are no lift tickets available. Pick up the phone and call all your frequent flyer affiliates to check their benefits like flights, hotels, car rental, event tickets and airport lounges. Also, those of you that belong to professional organizations, check out what travel perks they may offer. Take into consideration that what was offered through an organization or credit card last year probably is not going to be on the books this year. For example, American Express is forever changing what lounges they affiliate with and now most frequent flyer programs require you to have the same name on the credit card that appears on the airline you are transferring points to. And I mean EXACTLY.
Booking a flight is a whole other source of frustration. I have noticed when looking for flights recently, my choice of times has diminished, so have that extra cup of coffee before you start perusing. Check out different websites for flights and do not pooh-pooh flying into a smaller airport that is nearby. In addition, you will probably get better pricing if you fly on non-peak days. When booking, be very conscious of the airports and connecting time. It is unrealistic to think you can make a 30-minute connection in JFK, though in Charleston, SC it’s not a problem. Also, take into consideration delays and weather. I always try to get connections in cities I know or have friends in just in case my flight gets cancelled while connecting and to avoid any of this, a nonstop flight would be key.
The night before you leave, in addition to having your bags packed (try to pack as light as possible), make sure you have earplugs, a sleep mask and a blanket. Gas up your car and charge your electronic devices. Also, depending on where you are going and the activities you have planned, pack a USB cord as many tour buses have ports by the seat and/or a portable phone charger. I can’t tell you how important this is if you are playing tourist. Have all your traveling documents together, whether on your phone or if you’re old school like me, printed and in one place and have snacks tucked away in your carry-on.
The morning of your travels, wake up early to avoid rushing ( I really need to take my own advice on this one). That is when doors are left unlocked, curling irons on and a coat left on the kitchen chair because you are running late and frantic. Get to the airport early. The old rule of thumb was one hour for domestic and two for international no longer applies. If you can, Uber or get a car service to drop you off. Not only is it a hassle free way to start your travels but if you are going to be gone for a stretch, it could actually save you money. Another parking trick is to see if there is a FastPark where you are. This is an off-site parking company that is fabulous and costs less than if you park at the airport. www.thefastpark.com
And last, but probably one of the most important tips to make traveling over the holidays less stressful, is to take things in stride. Don’t get upset if the plane is delayed or you get the middle seat or you spent the entire flight listening to a baby cry. Change your mindset, keep things in perspective. Remind yourself how lucky you are to be going home or to be able to spend the holidays with friends or getting to go to that haunted house that has been sitting on your bucket list for years. This is a time to have fun, so don’t let anyone or anything steal it from you.
Have a blessed holiday season and safe travels!