Delays and Cancellations: A No-Worries Winter and Holiday Travel Mini-Guide
Image is Courtesy of Ned Horton
Traveling in winter can be problematic for most people. If you’ve ever done it before, you know. So, here’s how to fly or drive in the cold, snow, and ice with ease.
How To Pack Light For A Flight
Packing for a flight can be tricky, especially now that many airlines still charge for checked luggage. If you want to save yourself some money, you should invest in space-saving vacuum travel bags. These bags compress clothing by removing air inside of a plastic sealed bag.
The bags remove air either through manual compression or through the use of a vacuum cleaner. If you know you’ll have access to a vacuum, use the vacuum-powered bags. If you don’t know whether you’ll have a vacuum available, use mechanically-powered bags.
Either way, you’ll save space which means you can pack more in the same space in your suitcase, or pack less and leave room for souvenirs.
Wear heavy or bulky jackets, sweaters, and other clothing on the plane if you’re travelling somewhere cold. This will save space in your suitcase.
How To Travel By Car
Travelling by car is still popular, but it’s not without its downsides. First of all, there’s only so much space in the car, and long trips can get to be pretty boring and tiresome without entertainment along the way. And, if your break down, you could be left stranded on the side of the road – not good.
Copy the advice for travelling by plane – use vacuum sealed bags to save space in the car.
Have your vehicle checked by your mechanic before you leave.
Be prepared to change course if necessary. If there’s a storm moving in, for example, get ready to re-route yourself around it and avoid delays and bad weather. Most GPS apps on mobile devices can re-route you pretty easily.
Finally, make sure you’re taking frequent rest stops during your trip. Get out, stretch, and walk around.
Finding The Best Places To Stay
Let’s say you’re going skiing at a swank ski resort. Would you wait until the last moment to book a hotel? Of course not. Plan ahead. You’d search all the local Mont Tremblant hotels in advance and book early, saving you money and frustration when you get there.
It doesn’t really matter where you’re going. Plan early and ask for discounts. This tactic alone will help you find a place to stay that isn’t outrageously priced.
Staying Hydrated On Your Trip
Bring at least a gallon of water per person to drink. A Mayo Clinic study has shown that even a 2 percent loss of body weight can quickly lead to fatigue and decreased alertness. If you’re driving in inclement weather, that’s dangerous. Make sure you’re staying hydrated with water, take electrolyte tablets, and eat high calorie food.
Pack A Bug Out Bag
This is basically an emergency kit for disastrous situations. It should contain road flares, a shovel, a pickaxe, a saw, a first-aid kit, an “instant tent” or cabin, wool blankets, an extra change of clothes, emergency food and water, filters to change non-potable water into safe drinking water, 3 different ways to make a fire, fire starter material (lint or something flammable), and waterproof clothing just in case it snows. You should also have a flashlight that doesn’t require batteries to operate and an emergency radio.
Elise French works in the travel industry all her working life, and specializes in winter travel planning for families. She shares her Winter travel tips on travel and family sites.