Over the Hills and Through the Woods . . .

Traveling During the Holidays

We all tend to travel somewhere during the Christmas season - whether it is across town or across the country  - it is important to do some planning to make the trip itself go smoothly.  First make a list of places you are planning on traveling to - this is any place where you will be going to where you will be spending one or more nights. 

Now you need to decide how you will get to where you are going.  Each way has its own advantages and think about any and all the factors that could come up with travel during this time and plan around that.  While traveling by car can sometimes take longer than flying at first glance - you need to look at the big picture.  When we fly for instance, it can takes us 3 hours to the one airport each way, arriving at the airport 1-2 hours early for check in, then the flight time with plane changes can be 4-8 hours for a total of 8 to 13 hours each way for a destination of 8 hours driving time.  We sometimes just rent a car and drive to not have to hassle with the extra issues with flying BUT other times it is to our advantage - this December we are taking a trip out of a closer airport (only 1.5 drive) with a straight flight of 2 hours vs. driving the 12 hours.  Sometimes different ways make sense at different times - just be sure to check all your options.

When traveling by car (even if just across town) here are some tips:

• Pack light snacks to help keep the stops to as few as possible.
• Pack a blanket just in case you break down, get caught in traffic, need it at the place you are going for a child to nap on, etc.
• If you are making multiple stops, have gifts or other items you are taking in their own bags to make unloading easier.
• If you are staying at multiple places or stopping at hotels along the way make one family bag with everyone's pj's and personal items and then pack one suitcase per place you are staying with clothes for the next morning. This will keep you from having to unload ALL the suitcases at each stop. (Duffle bags are great for this!)
• If you remember you forgot to get someone a gift - try to stop at a Cracker Barrel along the way - you can eat and shop and they WRAP your purchases for you!
• Take a cooler with you to transport hot and cold food - even if you are going on a longer trip take a small one that will fold flat - you never know when you may need it.
• Remember that you do not have to plan for EVERYTHING that could go wrong - most of us live and visit areas that common items like diapers, medicine, etc. are available easily at stores all along your trip.

Traveling by Plane or Train

Many people fly or take the train over the holiday season but due to security issues it can take a little more planning.  Keep the following tips in mind when preparing to leave:

• Check out the security guidelines on your carrier's web site - they will usually have up-to-date information.
• Make sure you know the luggage guidelines for both checked luggage and carryon's.
• Remember to pack one change of clothes and extra snacks and an inflatable pillow in case you end up spending more time than planned at an airport or train station.
• Pack items to keep the kids (and yourself) entertained on the plane/train and at the airport/train station. A deck of cards is a good selection because you can play many different games with it.
• DO NOT wrap your gifts that you are taking with you - they most likely will be unwrapped for security purposes. Mail them ahead of time or wrap when you get to your destination. (Make sure and pack your scissors in your checked bags!)
• Arrive at the airport extra early because of long lines - use online check-in or the self serve check in when available - lines go quicker!
• Travel with just carry-on suitcases if possible - wash clothes where you are going and mail your gifts ahead of you - this will help you not have to wait in long lines to drop off your luggage or in the luggage claim after your arrival.
• Food is expensive at the airports - take snacks with you and just buy drinks at the airport AFTER you go through security.

Did you remember?

• To send your schedule to those who you will be visiting?
• Reserve a hotel room for the trip down/back and during your stay if needed?
• Reserve a rental car or other transportation from the airport/train station?
• Pack something warm if traveling through cold cities - even if you are going somewhere warm - you never know when you can get delayed.
• Find the DVD player that goes in the car and put it with the suitcases for the trip?
• To pack a few movies for the DVD player?
• Pack an activity bag for each child?
• Tuck a few grocery plastic bags and baggies in your purse for "just in case"? You never know when they will come in handy!
• Make a list of the clothes and other items you will need to take with you?
• Mix and match clothes to reduce the number of outfits needed?

Ways to help you pack lighter:

• Mail gifts ahead.
• Make of things you can buy at your destination - plan one grocery store stop to pick up needed items at your destination.
• Mail gifts home.
• Take old underwear with you (you know the ones with holes!) and throw them away as you wear them - making you more room in your suitcase - sounds crazy but it works - we do this many trips.
• Purchase thermal underwear (silky kind) to take for warmth under normal clothes instead of big bulky sweaters - especially if you are going somewhere the weather can be iffy.
• Take just enough shampoo for everyone for the trip - throw the bottle away at the end of the trip or use the ones at the hotel.
• Buy packing squares or pack items into large Ziploc bags. This keeps items neater and organized.
• Limit everyone to one small suitcase and one personal (small bag)