Sunday, December 8, 2013

Home for the Holidays

Dad and Marley (dog) with the tree, 2012
It's that time of year again! The streets are lined with lights and decorations, and people are already anxiously awaiting reuniting with family. For a lot of people, this means traveling. Whether you're driving a couple hours or hopping a plane, the holiday season is, hands down, the worst time of year to travel. Flights are ungodly expensive, gas prices go up, and road conditions are a crapshoot. However, there are a few things you can do to make your journey a little less stressful.

There's nothing worse than being stuck in an airport on your way home for Christmas. Everyone is on edge, and there will undoubtably be one person who is more self-important than Kanye West. The best way to take the edge off of flying for the holidays is to practice the art of not being "that person." You want to go home as soon as you can, and airports make you feel like you're waiting in a line the entire time you're there. The important thing to remember is that everyone feels the same way, so be considerate of those around you. Don't rush to get on the plane, you'll bored when you bored. Find a good book and try to be patient.

If you have to drive, make sure you keep an emergency kit in your car. Winter weather and unexpected storms can make driving dangerous. There are several items that are practical to keep in your car incase you end up in a ditch, but most importantly, make sure you travel with a charged cell phone. In case your in an area that is out of cell range, it's good to have a make shift heat source - like a coffee can and a candle - to keep you from freezing. It's a good idea to have a winter weight sleeping bag in the car as well, and don't leave home without your coat, hat, and gloves. Travel with a couple bottles of water and some snacks too. These emergency items can keep you alive if you end up stranded in your car overnight.

Most importantly, keep your cool and go with the flow. Things will undoubtably go wrong at some point in your travels. Go with the flow, and try not to get too worked up about vacation curve balls. The holiday season is meant to be enjoyed, so focus on having a great time!

No comments:

Post a Comment