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19 Tips for Safe Holiday Travel

November 24, 2015
Many of you will be spending the upcoming holidays away from home. Whether visiting family or taking a much needed vacation, these tips will help you get to and from your destination safely!
  1. Plan ahead. If driving, map out your route ahead of time, including how long it may take to get to your destination. If flying, confirm flight times and arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Rushing can lead to carelessness, so give yourself plenty of time when heading out. The holidays are notorious for travel delays, traffic jams and long lines, so allow yourself plenty of breathing room to keep everyone’s stress levels low and avoid careless accidents.
  2. Flu season is here and when you are on an airplane you are in an enclosed space with lots of people and their germs. Get your flu shot prior to any travel. Nothing ruins a trip faster than a fever and chills!
  3. Wash your hands often. Use disinfectant wipes to clean off armrests and seat back trays.
  4. S-T-R-E-T-C-H! Sitting in a car or plane seat for extended periods of time can cause blood clots in your legs. If you're on a plane, stand up and stretch or walk up and down the aisles every hour. Driving? Make frequent pit stops so you can walk around for a few minutes.
  5. Teach your children your home address and cell phone number. Point out security and other airport employees and show them where to go for assistance if you get separated. Many parents use permanent markers to write their cell numbers on their kids' arms, or purchase temporary tattoos with their contact info, when they are going to be in busy, crowded situations to help security reach them faster.
  6. Pack lightly. Too much luggage slows you down and increases your risk of aches and pains from lugging it all around.
  7. To reduce the risk of the wrong person getting your personal information, put your office address on all luggage tags. Even better? Use covered luggage tags!
  8. To reduce the risk of being robbed, leave expensive jewelry and electronics at home.
  9. Make sure a family member or close friend always knows where you are going to be. Leave a copy of your itinerary with them as well as any pertinent contact info.
  10. Taking a road trip? Don't leave home without taking your car in for a quick check from your mechanic. If you might be driving through snow, make sure you have snow tires and that your wiper blades are in good working order.
  11. Keep an eye on your gas tank! Don't let it dip too low, especially if you'll be driving through desolate areas.
  12. Don't text and drive!
  13. Take turns driving. Winter driving can be very stressful and tiring. Switch drivers on a regular basis. If you are the only driver in your car, make regular pit stops to give yourself a break. Just stretching your legs for a few minutes can help you stay alert.
  14. Pay attention to weather forecasts, not only for your destination, but also for the areas you'll be traveling through. If inclement weather hits while you are driving, slow down and stay a safe distance away from other cars. Give yourself plenty of time to stop and leave your headlights on so that other drivers can see you.
  15. If you get stuck due to car troubles or inclement weather, do not leave your car! Pull over to the right side of the road, call for help, put on your flashers and tie a bright colored cloth to your antenna to alert roadside assistance to your location. Do not leave your car running, but instead turn it on for 10-minute periods every hour, using the heater and overhead lights when you do. Crack a window for fresh air.
  16. Know your roadside assistance numbers and your insurance policy number.
  17. Pack an emergency kit. If driving, your kit should include jumper cables, an ice scraper, flashers, a flashlight, blankets, matches, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. If flying, pack a small kit in your carry-on with adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, antacids and pain reliever.
  18. Buckle up!
  19. Review safety rules with your children. "Don't talk to strangers", "Ask another mommy for help if we get separated", and "Always wear your seatbelt" are all important reminders!