Traveling at any time can be stressful, and unless you are a frequent flier, you can become easily overwhelmed with the details of flight schedules, delays and flying "etiquette". Even traveling by road or rail can induce a panic attack in the calmest among us, especially if children are riding along, so what's the best way to go about
getting from point A to point B this holiday season?
We asked the same question of our employees, family members and our friend Google to get some of the best kept secrets from frequent travelers to share with you this Fall.
Have more tips to share? Let us know and we'll pass them along!
1) Pack light - if you can fly with hand luggage only that's the way to go. You get in and out quickly, there is no danger of losing your bags and it will be cheaper (no fees for carry on!). Smaller bags in the car and train also make packing and transporting a breeze. Forego the hairdryer, 4 pairs of shoes and the reading material and see how much easier the trip becomes! If you have to check luggage, ensure medications, important documents and one change of clothes is packed in your hand luggage in case it does get lost.
2) Noise cancelling headphones - whether flying, driving or snoozing you way across town and country, noise cancelling headphones can really help you tune out crying babies, a snoring cabin mate or loud music. They come with a hefty price tag, but can provide some hefty comfort too. If noise cancelling headphones are not in the budget, a good pair of earplugs can do the trick in a pinch.
3) Use
a tracker for important valuables - in 2014 there were over
24 million pieces of mishandled luggage which translates to roughly 7.3 bags per 1000 passengers according to a recent study. Invest in a tracker for your valuables that can be inserted into a passport, your laptop case or luggage so that in the event you lose track of it, you can be reunited quickly with the lost item.
4) Three words; Internet ready device - a map that fits in your pocket is a must when traveling anywhere these days. A phone or a wi-fi enabled tablet can double as a book, a travel guide, a restaurant locator and even a box of coupons. It can keep children entertained, help you find a bathroom and sooth you with tunes if you need it. Bring the iPhone, Kindle or Nintendo and you won't regret it. Download the
latest travel apps and it becomes an indispensable item! But then put it away when you reach your destination!
5) Wear the correct travel clothes. A hoodie for warmth, or a retreat from bright lights and noise. Sturdy shoes, in the unlikely event of an emergency, you need to be able to move about safely and have foot protection from heat or sharp objects. Take a sarong which can be used as a bag, a blanket, a towel, curtain, or even an item of clothing. Build your travel attire from the items you would already be wearing on the trip to maximize space and efficiency...and relax!
6) Snacks! - travel and hunger do not go well together. Pack snacks for the trip, and drinks too if you are driving or going by train. Nobody wants to have to rely solely on airplane food and packing a
protein rich lunch can mean the difference between misery and sanity!
7) Leave your home safe - before you leave, there are
a few things you can do for peace of mind while leaving your home empty. Ensure your garage door is safe by locking it from the inside. Invest in inexpensive locks on sliding doors, or install a
security door on your entry doors. Fake a presence so that it looks like someone is home with timers on lights and a car parked in the driveway. Have a neighbor take in the trash and collect mail or packages that arrive when you are away. And finally lock your windows. Check every access point twice so you can ensure that everything is as safe as it can be.
Then, enjoy your time, eat great food, stay safe and happy holidays!
