HASSLE FREE HOLIDAY TRAVEL

The real fun has started already. I recently read that holiday travel this year will rise by 11.4%. That’s about 42.2 million people who will be traveling during the 2011 holiday. So I’ve compiled seven tips for your trips this holiday season:

1. Choose your dates wisely. Flying on the holiday itself such as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve can equal substantial savings on airfare, as well as less hassle due to fewer travelers competing for seats.
2. Don’t wait to book. There is a quickly closing window on late December travel bargains.
3. Compile your own Holiday Travelers Checklist by using the travel tips stated here. Keep it handy so when holiday travel time comes you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.
4. Save the ribbons. Don’t wrap gifts that you’re packing in your carry-ons or checked bags. TSA screeners may unwrap those presents for you. Oh, and holiday snow globes should only be packed in checked luggage.
5. Always contact your travel agent on updates such as travel delays. That is the nice thing about using a travel agent. They are available for you night and day!
6. Ban the edibles. Holiday travel often entails bringing along homemade or even store-bought goodies, but the TSA is reminding passengers that the liquids and gels rule remains in effect, and specifically notes the following items are verboten in your carry-ons: Cranberry sauce, creamy dips and spreads (cheeses, peanut butter, etc.), gift baskets with food items (salsa, jams and salad dressings), gravy, jams and jellies, maple syrup, oils and vinegars, salad dressings, salsa, sauces, soups, wine, liquor and beer. The good news? Apparently pies can be sufficiently x-rayed
7. Ship ahead. It may add another stop on your holiday to-do list, but sending off packages in advance could save you hassles at the airport. Whether you choose the U.S. Postal Service or one of the many overnight vendors available, it makes more sense than ever to travel light this season.

HAPPY TRAVELS!!!