If you’re hitting the road or traveling to the airport next week for the holiday, then keep these tips in mind to ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
- Review the security for your home by setting light timers and hold the mail and newspaper deliveries.
- If driving, try to travel during off-peak days: Monday, Tuesday or even Thanksgiving morning. Try not to drive on Wednesday or Sunday which will be the busiest days of the year to travel. Also, the highways are typically less congested early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Leave early and allow extra time for weather, construction and traffic delays
- Pack some emergency supplies, such as blankets, flashlights and water in case of extreme weather conditions.
- If flying, arrive at the airport earlier than normal—2 1/2-3 hours before your flight—as the check-in lines and TSA security lines could be longer.
- Reconfirm your flights the day prior and make sure that the airline has a contact cell phone number or email in the event of a last minute schedule change, delay or cancelation.
- If your flight is delayed or canceled and the airline is postponing your flight for hours or even overnight, ask to be re-accommodated on another carrier. If not possible, call your insurance company for assistance if you purchased travel insurance and keep copies of all receipts for any extra expenses.
- It is best not to put food items in checked bags as they can sometimes test positive as an explosive. Put food in your carry-on bags if possible. Liquids, gels and aerosol cans must be 3.4 ounces or less and put into a 1 quart zip-lock bag per person if carried on the plane.
- It is best to put prescription medications in your carry-on bag in the original container.
Provided by Debbie Hicks of Travel One in Bedford. Contact Debbie at 812-279-3935 or debbie-hicks@sbcglobal.net for your traveling needs. Her website is www.travelonebedford.com.
