Getting organized before you leave can save time and money.
by Lisa Lelas
Mid summer is the time of year most families will be out of town on vacation. Getting away is good for you, actually…a chance to get off-schedule, relax and do some family bonding. If you’ve got travel plans in your calendar this summer, here are some tips to consider:
Traveling by air
Research the area you are planning to visit and get your reservations in order. It’s important to know what the local climate is, how much there is to do in the area, special hotel packages, etc. Keep in mind you are more likely to get better rates by booking your hotel, cruise or air flight significantly ahead of time, but sometimes can benefit from some very last minute travel savings available simply to fill seats or cabins.
Create a Packing List. Jot down everything you need to take with you. Group items into specific categories: clothing, toiletries, financials, etc. Before you leave on your trip, check off all items on the list and enclose the list in your suitcase so you can refer to it once again on your way home.
Don’t put your home address on luggage tags. There is no need to advertise that your house is empty. Name, phone number and email or an office business card will do.
Travel light. Remember that most airlines are now charging additional fees for a second piece of checked luggage and several even charge a fee for your first bag. Keep your suitcase under 50 pounds for domestic travel…or you’ll be charged a separate fee! If you travel a lot, you might consider purchasing a small travel scale and keep it tucked right in your suitcase.
Remember the ‘3-1-1’ rule. When packing toiletries in your carry-on bag, you are allowed just 3.4 ounces or smaller containers of liquid or gel. Contain them in 1 quart size zip lock bag for every 1 person. Be sure to have your clear bag of toiletries out and ready to be placed in the screening bin.
Take an earlier flight whenever possible. There is less chance of delays and more flights throughout the day ahead in the event your flight gets cancelled or delayed. Call ahead prior to your scheduled flight to see if there are any seats left on an earlier flight. If there are, plan to arrive at the airport earlier and book those seats. For domestic flights, you should not be charged any additional fees.
Check airport wait times. Before you leave for the airport, visit the TSA website (transportation Security Administration…www.tsa.gov) which offers wait times at major airport security checkpoints for each hour of the day.
Sit and stretch. If you want extra comfort, be sure to choose exit-row seats (adults only) or bulkhead seats (first row seating, which can accommodate children). These seats typically offer more leg-room than other seats in coach, but most airlines won’t release them until shortly before departure.
Use your phone, not your feet! If you find yourself stuck in the airport when your flight is cancelled, use your cell phone to reschedule a flight or to get waitlisted.
Double up on your drinking water after flying to help alleviate any jet lag.
Blend in when traveling to foreign places. Europeans joke that you can always tell Americans by their white sneakers! Blending in will help you avoid being targeted by pickpockets and unethical taxi drivers. Also, keep your valuables in your front pockets or in a security pouch…and keep a copy of your passport and drivers license back at home with someone who could fax it to you in a pinch.
Call your credit card companies. Let them know when you are traveling so that they do not choose to freeze your account because suddenly the card is being used in China!
Review hotel guidebooks. To find a reliable hotel abroad, read guidebook reviews, look at photos online and ask to see the room before you check in, as sizes often vary in the same price category. Typically, hotel rooms are much smaller abroad than in the US.
Traveling by car
Consider ‘shoulder season’ hotel bookings around the country. Book the shoulder of the summer season (such as very early summer or very late summer/early fall) when possible because hotel rates are cheaper and crowds are much lighter.
Choose kid friendly places. If you’ve got younger kids, make sure you choose a kid-friendly destination. Most family resorts offer excellent children’s programs with camp-like daily activities. Hold a family meeting to get a general consensus of what everyone wants to do, then purchase a guidebook or visit a web site from a place that shares your interest and budget.
Stick to 60 mph. Set the cruise control for long distance traveliung. Cruise control usually increases your gas mileage. U.S. Department of Energy statistics indicate every 5 miles an hour over 60 mph costs an extra dime per gallon used.
Keep your car in tune. Regular auto maintenance can keep from burning excess fuel. An out of tune car can burn 40 percent more fuel than a well tuned one!
So, what are you waiting for? Summer’s here… Happy Traveling!
