We have all been there, haven't we? Travelling over the holidays can be the worst experience in the world...with everybody and their dogs lining up at the check in counters, security lines, parking lots, bathrooms etc. So much for that relaxing Christmas right? Well, now that this will be my third Christmas in a row travelling, thought I would offer up a few tips on how to deal with the madness!
1) Stay Away from the Christmas Cheer until you get there! (Or else you end up looking like me)
Now the first thing I usually would recommend is a few glasses of my favourite Christmas treat (Rum and Egg Nog or Try Irish Cream and Egg Nog even better). However when flying, the treats of the alcoholic kind do not help with the stress that can overcome you in the air. Which leads me to the next point...
Now the first thing I usually would recommend is a few glasses of my favourite Christmas treat (Rum and Egg Nog or Try Irish Cream and Egg Nog even better). However when flying, the treats of the alcoholic kind do not help with the stress that can overcome you in the air. Which leads me to the next point...2) Drink lots of water before, during and after your flight. Rehydrate and prepare yourselves for the loads of parties, drinks and dancing that you will be doing during your trip.
3) Again, if flying especially to other countries, get to the airport early! My husband bugs me all of the time because I get so worried about missing the plane. Even though they will page you a couple of times before they leave you behind (Insert Husband's voice here), it's still a good idea to be there when they tell you to. To eliminate the stress of waiting in line at customs, security, baggage drop etc. just do it, you can always walk around the airport, read, have a coffee etc. At least you are there, says my neurotic self! I just make it part of the holiday experience and realize that it will be the last alone time with my husband, before we spend a week with the family!
4) I jumped right into the airport stress, but one really, really important point that I forgot about is packing your carry on! I am infamous for stuffing a big bag full of everything that I think I'm going to need; 3 Books (because I can't decide ahead of time which one to read), 3 magazines (in case I get bored of the books), DVD player (in case there is no movie or TV's and because I don't feel like reading!), DVD's (obvious reasons), Laptop (yeah, like I'm going to do work), a extra sweater, travel pillow, and the list goes on and on. I'm telling you (and myself) DON'T DO THIS. Makes a really heavy bag to carry around and typically you can't get anything out of it when it's shoved in under the seat anyways. I am vowing to take my own advice this time. One book, One Magazine and my purse. That way I can save room to bring home fragile presents (I'm expecting lots!)
5) Okay, this is my last piece of advice...My husband and I seem to ALWAYS forget our headphones, not sure what it is, but we now have about 50 pairs of Airplane headphones around the house due to our forgetfulness. I have come up with a solution, put 2 pairs of headphones (or any other little thing that you always forget) with your travel documents. I have them sitting right beside my passport now in its special hiding spot. The one thing I hope you never forget is your passport...believe me, another thing that I panic about every single time I travel. (Maybe I should ask for one of those passport holders for Christmas?!hmmm)
Well, I hope some of these little tips help you out with your Holiday Travel this year!
Happy Ho, Ho, Holidays!
Tchau, Tricia
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