Travel Tips for the Holidays By Jeanetta Anderson & Jean Hall Dwyer

The holiday season fast approaches and with it comes the overwhelming desire to travel. It is a time to go shopping, take the family home to grandma's, hit the slopes, or get away from it all to some exotic location!

If your choice mode of travel is by airplane, the following suggestions will make your trip easier/safer:

• Pack as lightly as possible. Remember, you'll probably have to carry or pull your own bags sometimes, so take no more than you can handle by yourself.
• Pack expensive gifts or personal items such as jewelry and cash in your carry-on luggage.
• Pack all medications in your carry-on. Ditto for a change of clothes in case your luggage is delayed or lost.
• Clean out your wallet before leaving home. Limit the number of credit cards you take and utilize travelers' checks rather than cash when possible. Make sure you have a photocopy of each credit card, front and back, that you take with you. Don't keep this in the same bag as the cards. That way, you'll have important numbers for cancelling in case you need them.
• Keep a close eye on your tickets; they're as good as cash.
• Give yourself plenty of time for check-in at the airport. The closer you travel to a holiday, the longer the lines become. Take along some reading material for those long waits at the gate.
• Save yourself some hassle and go through your bags looking for items that might cause you some problem with check in. For example, you don't really need that nail kit in your carry- on luggage; pack it in a bag that you are checking.
• Don't forget the weather at your destination. Will it be below freezing, snowing, or raining? Take a coat on board with you to wear when you land.

Nowadays, many of us feel safer traveling by car, and that may be the way you choose to go. Unfortunately, winter is not necessarily the best time to travel by car. Inclement weather-fog, snow, or heavy rain-make it difficult to see and be seen when driving. Some vehicle colors, especially gray, tend to blend into misty backgrounds during dusk and dawn.

Also, heavy traffic, winter weather, and fewer daylight hours can be a hazardous combination on the roads. Therefore, it's imperative that drivers have their vehicle thoroughly checked out before heading out for the holidays. Be aware of potential road and weather conditions.

Here are some car safety travel tips to follow this holiday season:

• Take your car in for a pre-trip inspection by a certified technician.
• Replace any inoperative light bulbs and repair any dimly lit bulb circuits.
• Replace windshield wipers and top off all fluids, especially antifreeze.
• Do not put a wreath on your car since mounting objects in front of the radiator can restrict airflow to the vehicle's cooling system.
• Watch the weather report and prepare accordingly. For travel to extremely cold locations that may be prone to icy road conditions, be sure to carry adequate supplies in case you are stuck out in your car. A heavy coat, a hat or scarf, gloves or mittens, an extra blanket, some bottled water, a few high power snacks (chocolate, anything with peanut butter, or trail mix), some flares, and your cell phone. These could save your life!
• Plan your itinerary and travel route carefully by obtaining maps and directions prior to leaving home.
• Make sure you are well rested before a long journey. It's a good idea to designate a co-captain to stay alert with you.
• When departing, consider leaving a day earlier. When returning, consider leaving a day later. Avoid "hurrying the holiday" by allowing plenty of time. Consider an overnight stay along the way, rather than making the trip an endurance test.
• Avoid stopping to sleep at unsecured highway rest stops during long distance driving.
• Plan creative stops along the way. Brief visits to nearby parks or landmarks can make your trip more memorable. Many of these will be specially decorated for the holidays.
• Don't drink and drive. Any alcohol, even a small amount, can impair your driving so be a safe driver this holiday season.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Travel Tip Web Sites:

www.hcso.tampa.fl.us
www.kidsource.com
www.aa.com
www.think.dft.gov.uk