Tips for Thanksgiving Travel
No matter what method of transportation you choose, taking a few simple steps before you leave can give you a reserve of sanity for the holiday itself.
- Pack at least one night in advance -- some travelers even "practice pack" several days in advance of a planned trip to get an idea of how much gear will fit.
- Make sure you bring everything you need, including medications and all those baby items. Don't forget to fully charge your cell phone, and then pack the charger, too.
- In addition to necessities, make room for one more bag of fun. Include activities to occupy the kids during long periods of waiting. Pack snacks for cranky children and a pillow to encourage naps. Finally, bring a first-aid kit -- accidents do happen.
- How many times have you been 20 minutes into your drive and suddenly wondered, "Did I turn off the coffee pot?" Avoid lost time and needless worry by making a list of the things you need to do to close up the house for the duration.
If driving:
- Have a mechanic give your car a checkup before you take it on the road.
- Gas up the night before.
If flying:
- Tie some funky ribbons around your luggage -- that way you can spot your bags easily on the baggage carousel.
- Know airport security procedures. Keeping the kids hydrated is a must for plane travel -- just make sure you buy the drinks after you've gone through security. Also, put the kids in easy-off shoes to avoid causing a backup.
- Call or check online for flight status before you head to the airport. For that matter, go online and print your boarding passes.




