With the economy struggling, many have decided to stay home for the holidays this year. 2009 has been a tight year, as airlines have raised fares, cut flights, and added many additional surcharges on seasonal flights. Additionally, many travelers are canceling or postponing their travel plans to save money. Regardless, the holidays are still one of the busiest travel times of the year and airlines across the world will still be in operation.
It's a stressful time for travel, and many get a bit overwhelmed by the pressure. Relax and follow these tips to ensure holiday traveling experiences are the best they can be.
Plan Vacation to Save Money and Time
It may seem like the holidays are so full of activities and things to do that a person barely has time to think. But planning ahead of time is essential in order to achieve a stress-free holiday. Procrastination may leave a person overwhelmed, so it is well worth the time and effort to book a vacation in advance. According to the online travel guide Independent Traveler, booking in advance allows a person to get a lower airfare, avoid peak travel dates, fly early or late in the day to avoid crowds, and fly direct.
Allowing more time during the holidays is essential. Leave at least an hour or two earlier and be prepared for delays that can occur. Traffic jams, airport security, or overcrowded terminals can all contribute to holdups, so it’s important to allow time for these possible events. Bring some form of entertainment, like reading material, to keep occupied during long waiting periods. Cities with weather conditions such as snow, ice, or rain can cause delays that can add hours to the wait, so that book will come in handy in the event of a lengthy postponement.
Airlines are getting stricter on baggage limits and weight allowances, so packing lightly is important. Pack as light as possible, because it could save you a lot of time, as well as money. In addition, excess luggage is hard to carry around and can be a burden. Consider buying Christmas gifts online and having them shipped to the destination, instead of carrying gifts inside luggage, for it will cut down on the load tremendously. Furthermore, it lessens the risk of losing any important and costly gifts that may not be able to be replaced.
Prevent Influenza and Stay Active During Travel
With airports packed full of people, who knows what kind of germs and viruses lurk about. That being said, an individual can take important measures to insure the prevention of influenza or other undesirable pathogens. Before leaving, visit the doctor’s office for a flu shot or vaccine, if available. It may be well worth it, as the holidays are a major contributor to the cold and flu time of the year, according to Independent Traveler. Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizers to prevent germs being spread by contact. Nobody wants to be ill, especially during the holiday season, and being in poor health will only add to the stress.
It may seem unlikely, but there is a possibility of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in the legs if you sit for too long. DVT can lead to blood clotting in the legs, so take the time to walk around and stretch all limbs every hour or so. Being in confined quarters and sitting on lengthy flights heightens the risk of DVT, but preventive measures like stretching and walking will decrease this risk.
Remember, holidays are supposed to be about celebration and not about the hassle and worry. Given individuals follow these useful holiday travel tips, traveling is sure to be smooth and free of stress. All it takes is planning ahead, allowing more time, packing correctly, and keeping safe.
Courtney Ferry - Courtney Ferry is a recent college graduate with a BA in Media Arts. She is a freelance writer and an aspiring journalist who enjoys ...
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