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BEATING HOLIDAY TRAVEL STRESS

 

The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for air travel. While long lines and road-weary passengers are inevitable, here are few things you can do to make your trip less stressful despite the endless crowds.

Find the Sale

Take the extra time to search for cheap fares and online discounts. Look for websites that compare pricing, and sign up for low fare, deal alerts and online discounts for airlines. Searching early is also a key to holiday travel success. Flights notoriously book fast, so do your homework sooner than later. Making reservations as soon as possible will help you avoid inflated prices and full flights.

Be Open to Options

Try to be flexible when you book your travel arrangements this year. The date of departure is one of the key factors in determining price. Do your research before you set your exact travel schedule, and remember that traveling on the busiest days of the year can be both stressful and pricey.

Cover yourself

Passengers can cover their holiday travel investment by purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance plan,  that cover everything from trip cancellation to lost baggage and medical expenses while traveling, as well as providing 24/7 travel assistance. Most plans can be purchased up to 24 hours before departure.

Also, in the event of a flight delay or cancellation, round-the-clock travel assistance provides help with things such as rebooking flights and arranging hotels and ground transportation, and through travel insurance that could reimburse the covered additional expenses. 

Ship your gifts

Travelers should not pack wrapped gifts or bring wrapped gifts to the security checkpoint at the airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may have to unwrap packages for security reasons.

Arrive early

Always assume airport delays and plan to arrive at the airports at least two hours before your departure time for both outbound and inbound trips.

Bring your numbers

Bring the phone numbers of your travel agent and the travel-assistance hotline of your travel-insurance provider. If you’re staying at a hotel or renting a car, bring those contact numbers with you as well.

Don’t be Surprised at Security

Even if the lines are long, being prepared will help get you through the security checkpoints quickly. With the strict federal regulations regarding carry-on items, it’s important to know what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on luggage. When in doubt, check www.tsa.gov. The easiest way is to pack all liquids, gels and creams in your checked luggage. If you want to carry on toiletries, they cannot be more than 3 ounces each and all items must fit in a 1-quart plastic zip-close bag. Wearing shoes that can easily be slipped on and off is another small way to save time and frustration, especially if you are traveling with children.

Have Fun

Holiday travel is bound to have its stressful moments and last minute changes, but try to keep your sense of humor. Despite the hassle, time away from home and good memories with family and friends should make it worth while. Keep a light hearted approach and laugh as much as you can.

Source: ARA

 

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Last modified: 01/03/08