The longing for family during holidays, thrusts people into the madness of holiday travel. This year transcend your anxiety and prepare for a stress free family vacation.
“The key to a successful trip is preparation,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent auto insurance agency.
Minimize stress with good planning and helpful travel tips to maximize the holiday cheer upon arrival.
On the Road
Get your vehicle ready. Updated maintenance and a tire inspection is recommended by AAA before hitting the road.
Establish expectations with your kids, no fighting or complaining, etc. If they get restless, offer them a reward for good behavior. Let them pick out a snack at the next stop.
Accompany your children on bathroom breaks.
Keep valuables and gifts stored in the trunk.
Map your route in advanced and prepare for traffic.
“Keep your roadside assistance information available in case of an emergency,” cautions Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent car insurance agency.
Airport
Streamline your approach to traveling. Less stuff, less stress. Send gifts ahead or ship them to your destination. This avoids excess baggage and reduces the risk of TSA ripping open your packages. Also, don’t pack what you can buy at your destination. Once you arrive you can buy small quantities of toiletries.
Download airline apps to stay on top of flight information.
Check in as early as possible on-line (usually 24 hours).
Conde ’Nast Traveler recommends GateGuru, an app that reports up to the minute TSA wait times, gate changes and locates airport eateries.
Get a ride to the airport from a friend or transportation service. Navigating parking is one less anxiety.
Leave the laptop at home and use your cell phone.
Charge all electronic devices and keep chargers accessible.
Make sure to have a good book, movie or music to keep you busy.
Eat well-snacks are fun and necessary, but this is no time to get “hangry.” Choose healthy meals.
Wear your heavier clothes so they do not take up room in your luggage.
Bring an extra empty duffel bag folded up in your luggage for gifts to bring home.
Remember this is a wonderful time of the year, be patient and kind. Many people are frustrated and cranky. You will get further with people by being nice rather than assertive and threatening.
GreatFlorida Insurance provides comprehensive car insurance at great rates. Our agents will compare car insurance from several reputable companies across the U.S. to find an auto policy suitable for you.
