Travel Tips For The Holidays
Whether you are flying or driving, traveling becomes the busiest during this time of year. In Florida roadways become especially busy while those who live up North come down to the Sunshine State to seek warmth. Here are some tips to keep in mind while you travel this holiday season.
Navigating the roadways:
- Avoid rush hour. Yes this probably seems like a common sense tactic for those driving this holiday season. However, many will still find themselves on major roadways during the busiest time of the day. If you’re fortunate enough to have today off of work, don’t forget that there are still many people leaving to and from work between 7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Those times become the busiest on December 23rd, 26th, 30th and Jan. 2nd. If you’re traveling long distance try to plan some of your pit stops during those hours to avoid a busy roadway and save your peaceful state of mind.
- Check your tires. Another common sense tip, but you’ll be surprised at how many travelers look past this tip. Servicing your car with an oil change before a long distance trip is always smart, but don’t forget the tires. There’s nothing more stressful than being stuck in a foreign area with no spare tire.
- FL511 App. Floridians already know this app is their best friend when hitting the road. The app will give estimated drive times and report when there is an accident on turnpikes or other highways. Avoid a traffic jam by checking the real-time updates on this app.
- Pack snacks. There is nothing more dreadful than a car full of hungry passengers. Save money and time by packing snacks for the trip. Instead of stopping multiple times for food, gas and rest room breaks, save time by packing snacks that are clean and easy to eat on the road.
Traveling by plane:
- Check your flight. While running through your checklist making sure you packed everything you need take a couple minutes to check your flight. Remember just because we don’t get snow in Florida doesn’t mean it’s not snowing along the way to your destination. Weather is a big contributor to delayed flights, but you never know what else might have held your flight up or allowed it to be early.
- Arrive early. Even if you are one of the unfortunate with a delayed flight, arrive early. This is the busiest time of the year so lines are going to be long. Plus there is always that one person that has to make things difficult and hold those security lines up.
- Pack smart. Just as arriving early is crucial, packing smart is as well. Don’t be that guy that holds up the line because he put a 3.5 ounce container in his carry-on. Check your airlines guidelines for bag sizes and what is allowed in a carry-on.
- Make sure your electronic devices are handy. A lot of times there will be a lot of down time waiting for a flight. Have your electronic devices packed where it is easiest to retrieve them while you are bored in line.
Most importantly have a safe and fun time on your holiday travels.
