Over the River & Through the Woods...

A few years ago, a couple of girlfriends and I dreamt up a lifestyle blog – and as we are all Minnesota girls, we called it “The Grey Duck Society” (because the game is definitely grey duck and not goose!). That blog lasted us a few months, until we were all overcome by grad school and work and love and life (it was a good run while it lasted J).  I wrote a post then about Holiday Travel tips and tricks, and I think it is still applicable, although I’ve made a few updates.

The holiday season has always meant travel to me — I’ve only lived in the same town as my extended family for one Christmas, so every year my mom and I would road trip to Wisconsin (and now I fly) to spend time with family and friends. 

Both the roads and the skies can be pretty stressful during the holidays, not to mention the chance that winter weather can delay or cancel your plans.  Here are my tips to make your holiday travel as easy as possible!

By plane:

• Take advantage of online shopping (and hopefully free shipping!) and have your presents shipped to a family member’s home.  Bring your own wrapping paper and tags so the presents still have your personal touch.
• If you are bringing any presents with you on the plane or in your checked luggage, leave them unwrapped. While you can bring wrapped presents through the checkpoint, TSA can and will unwrap your presents if they need additional inspection.
• Want to surprise Grandma and bake her favorite pie? You can take it through security – just know that it too, can be subject to extra screening.  Jam, salsas, etc. can only be carried in checked luggage (unless they’re under 3 ounces, of course!). Double check TSA’s website for all of the latest tips on what can and can’t go in your carry-on.
• Be sure to warn your family you are flying so they can plan present size accordingly.  A few years ago my mom and I had to tote home a spice rack, tea kettle, and a 3 foot tall garden gnome as carry-ons because our suitcases weren’t big enough!
• Long security lines are inevitable.  Get yourself as prepared for the security process as possible. Put your liquids in an easily accessible pocket.  Don’t put anything in your pockets.  Remove your coat, shoes and belt before you get to the baskets.  Keep a smile on your face and give the TSA guards a big “THANK YOU” and remember that while you are stressed out about getting somewhere, they are at work, surrounded by cranky, stressed out holiday travelers. You have the better end of the stick, trust me.
• If you are a frequent traveler, it might be worth submitting the necessary documents (and $85 fee) for TSA PreCheck – it gets you into a separate security line, you don’t have to take off your shoes or remove your laptop, and you get to avoid all those pesky travelers who don’t know what they are doing!
• Bag fees are a pain, but it can be a lot cheaper than shipping all of your presents home when you only show up with a roll-aboard.  Bring the biggest suitcase you have and pack only the clothes you need.  You pay the same fee whether you check a 24 inch bag or a 40 inch bag!
• Plan for the weather.  Flight delays and cancellations happen.  Make sure you have something to keep you and your travelling companions occupied.  Airport bookstores and snack stands are outrageously overpriced, so pack some snacks and books you are willing to part with if you need the space in your suitcase later on.

By car:

• Whether your car ride is 1 hour or 8 hours, take this time while you’re all together in the car to learn some new things about each other.  Listen to Christmas music as a family and share with each other your favorite songs and why they mean something to you.  Talk about your family’s traditions and what Christmas was like when you were a kid.  Your children will listen to every moment, I promise.
• If you have a really long car trip, try to plan something fun as a side trip (whether you have kids or not!).  Sure, you want to put on the miles, but take an extra half hour and stop at a diner for hot chocolate and pie.  Have a snowball fight at a rest stop.  Drive through a random neighborhood and look at the lights. Some of my favorite Christmas memories are of these little side trips.
• Pack a present to open half-way through your trip.  If you have kids, you’ll both appreciate they have something new to occupy them.  If it’s just you and your significant other, make it something special that you want them to open when it’s just the two of you.
• Plan for the weather.  Prepare your car with water, flashlights, blankets, and some food.  Put a small shovel in your trunk and write down phone numbers for tow companies along your way – you never know if you’ll be able to look it up on your smartphone in the middle of nowhere!

 How far do you travel to see loved ones during the holidays?  What’s your favorite travel tip?