With the hectic holiday season fast approaching, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is providing travelers…
With the hectic holiday season fast approaching, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is providing travelers with strategies and suggestions to reduce holiday travel headaches.
The holidays are steeped in family traditions, said ASTA President and CEO Richard M. Copland, CTC, but experiencing a hassle while traveling does not have to be one of them. During this busy travel period, the easiest way to ensure a smooth trip is to take control of your plans and know all your options.
As part of ASTA`s ongoing mission to provide consumers with helpful travel tips, the Society recommends the following to ensure that everyone will be home for the holidays with warm memories to share:
Before you go:
- Contact a travel agent well in advance of your trip to secure the lowest-priced airline seats and hotel rooms that usually sell out quickly for holiday travel. Carry your agent`s card to call in case of a cancelled flight or other emergency.
- Pack light and know baggage limits. Some airlines place special restrictions during the holidays and allow only one carry-on. Ship your gifts to your destination ahead of time.
- If you do not send your gifts ahead, do not wrap them before the flight. With safety a priority for all airlines, security personnel will need access to all items. Pack collapsible gift bags to be used as wrapping upon arrival.
Flying During the Holidays
- Fly nonstop. Fewer connections reduce the chance of a delay. If you cannot fly direct, allow yourself plenty of time between connecting flights.
- Fly early in the day. If your scheduled flight is cancelled, you`ll have a better chance being rebooked on another flight that same day. Also, statistics show flights scheduled earlier in the day have a better on-time performance than later flights.
- Avoid peak travel days. The busiest days to travel are those immediately before and after the actual holidays. Travel two days before and after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year`s.
- If bumped from a flight, know your rights. If you are bumped, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide you with a written statement describing your rights, alternate travel plans and compensation.
- Be prepared for setbacks. Delays happen, so bring water and snacks, an inflatable pillow and eye mask, a good book, music and a deck of cards.
Navigating the Open Road
- Keep your car in good working order and bring emergency equipment, such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, blankets, drinking water and snacks, along with flares and jumper cables.
- Don`t leave valuables in your car. Pack all items, especially brightly wrapped packages, in the trunk. If afraid of squashed bows, wait until you arrive to wrap the gifts.
- Make driving fun. View it as part of the holiday, not as a chore. If traveling with children, get everyone involved by singing or reminiscing about favorite past holidays.
Pad your schedule to allow plenty of time for the drive. Like shopping malls, the roads are busiest on the days right before and after the major holidays. If possible, take an extra day off to reduce the chances of being lodged in a traffic jam.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
