Holiday Travel Tips
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Travel can be a somewhat stressful experience no matter what the time of year, but taking a trip during the holidays can multiply that anxiety to an unbearable level if you're not properly prepared. Whether you're packing up for a cross-country flight or loading the car for a road trip to spend holiday time with friends and family, these simple tips will help you get the most out of your vacation time... and manage your travel stress during the busiest transit season of the year.
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Up Next: Game Plan -
Have a Game Plan
It doesn't matter if you're traveling alone, with your significant other or a big group -- you should know where you're going, how you're getting there, what it's going to cost and what you need while you're gone. And if you're flying, familiarize yourself with security requirements and carry on allowances to help you plan your packing. Hammering out all the details of your trip before you put down your credit card not only organizes you, but mentally prepares you for the trip ahead.
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Up Next: Commitments -
What Are You Committing To?
Are you absolutely sure that you want to jump in the kitchen and help Aunt Susie make a 15-course Thanksgiving dinner after you've spent six hours on a plane? Not to mention the fact that you had to get up at 3am to get to the airport on time, and then there's the jet lag...It's best you give yourself a day or two to acclimate before launching into the typical holiday madness, unless you're the type who works best under pressure and exhaustion. In that case, more power to you (and can you share your secrets for such boundless energy?)
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Up Next: Research -
Do Your Research
Heading somewhere new during rush season can be intimidating, so take time out to familiarize yourself with your destination as much as possible before you go. Use the internet, chat with friends who have been there before you, and get a good idea of the lay of the land so you don't feel too lost when you walk off your plane or get out of your car.
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Up Next: Home Arrangements -
Make Arrangements for Home
For some people, all they need to feel secure about leaving home is an indoor light timer and having the post office put a hold on their mail. For others -- especially those who have pets -- having a house sitter is more their speed. Whichever category you fall into, making those arrangements early on in your planning will make you all the more comfortable about leaving home behind.
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Up Next: List -
Make a List
What do you absolutely need to bring with you that you can't live without? Do you have room for the gifts you bought the family? How about a passport? Starting with a master list of what you need -- not just for each day of your trip, but also while you're in transit -- will help ensure you're not scrambling to remember if you really did pack your medication in your checked luggage.
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Up Next: Off Days -
Travel on Off Days
As a general rule, weekends are the busiest travel times while weekdays tend to carry a lighter load. If you can, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday departure to make transit easier. If you can't, try and leave as early as possible to allow for delays and traffic.
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Up Next: Peace -
Peace (Where You Can Get It)
You know those extra two hours you gave yourself to get through airport security? Don't grumble about the fact that you now have an hour and 45 before you board your plane. Instead, use that time to relax, read or browse the airport stores, and consider the alternative -- a mad, panicked dash to catch your flight as the door is closing. Which scenario leaves you less stressed? Choose wisely, and you'll find the rest of your trip will be a breeze
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Up Next: Preparation -
Be Prepared
You can't always prevent travel drama from happening, but you can always do what you can ahead of time to ensure it's easier to deal with. Make sure you take your car in for a tune-up at least a week ahead of departure if you're road tripping and pack at least one change of clothes into a carry-on just in case your checked luggage takes a side trip to Albuquerque. That said...
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Up Next: Small Stuff -
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
It's never fun when the airline reroutes your luggage and getting a flat on the interstate isn't exactly a great time, but getting all worked up over it isn't going to serve to do anything but give you an ulcer. Do your best to keep your cool, even if the small stuff becomes big stuff. It'll make it easier to deal with and get through.
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Up Next: Take Care -
Amuse and Take Care of Yourself
Let's face it -- though the end result is enjoyable, travel can be tedious... especially for little ones. Make sure you have entertainment material for them and you to help make the time pass, and don't forget to get up and stretch your legs every once in a while so you don't stiffen up. Your body will thank you
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Up Next: Getting It Done -
Know You're Not Going to Get It All Done
You might have every second of every day jam packed with activities, and that's fine... as long as you accept that there's no way you'll accomplish it all (unless you're super human.) There's nothing wrong with a schedule, but making allowances for exhaustion or cousin Joey's last-minute recital will make life so much easier on you.
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Up Next: Overdoing -
Don't Overdo It
It's tempting, but eating so much that you can't walk and drinking so much that you forget where you are will only serve to zap your energy for the next day, ensuring you lose out on even more of your To Do list. That said, we all need a little indulgence... just don't go overboard. And if you do, plan accordingly so you can recuperate properly.
Up Next: Recharging -
Recharge Your Batteries
It doesn't matter how long it's been since you've seen Uncle Ned -- if you need a nap, take it. Running yourself down during the holidays will only ensure that you get sick, and who wants to take a trip home when they're sick? (Certainly not the passengers traveling with you!)
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Up Next: Going Home -
Enjoy the Trip Home
Don't endure your return -- celebrate it. Put yourself in a good mood and enjoy the process of easing back into normal life. Worrying about the dog, bills and what you have to do when you get back to work will just undo all the hard work you did to de-stress in the first place. Don't you want to hang on to vacation bliss as long as you can?
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Up Next: Trip Wrap-Up -
Do a Trip Wrap-Up
A post-game recap is great for two things -- reliving the joy of your trip, and determining how you're going to do it the next time you go... the latter of which will undoubtedly help lower your stress for the next outing you take.
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Up Next: More Travel Features -
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