Are you traveling this holiday season? You are not alone. Many of us will be traveling to visit loved ones during the holiday season. In fact, AAA predicts that more than 57 percent of Americans plan to travel this winter, and 96 percent plan to travel as much or more than last year.
So if you plan to drive or fly, expect traffic, delays, and possibly angry travelers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to plan ahead when traveling this holiday season.
“Despite rising gasoline prices and airfares, there will be additional levels of congestion on the roads and in the air this holiday season,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “So it’s very important to plan ahead, because it’s probably not going to be the most wonderful time of year to travel.”
If you're planning to travel this holiday, BBB offers the following tips to help keep your vacation safe and stress-free.
Create a car safety kit. Driving on vacation often involves the threat of dangerous winter conditions. Snow and ice lead to accidents, car problems, long delays and road closures. You can prepare for bad weather by creating your own safety kit. Basic kit items include a blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, radio, first aid kit, jumper cables, non-perishable foods like granola bars and nuts, water in bottle, an ice scraper and warm gloves.
Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. A breakdown on the side of the road can certainly put a damper on the holiday spirit. If your car needs an inspection, take it to a trusted auto mechanic before taking a long trip. At the very least, check the car's fluid levels, wipers, and tire pressure. Check the condition of your tires and if you plan to drive in harsh winter conditions, consider getting snow tires.
Minimize distractions. According to the National Safety Council, 28% of accidents occur when people are talking on their cell phones or texting. When you're behind the wheel, don't text, drive, or waste time fumbling with the navigation system.
If you're planning to fly during the holiday season, remember:
Flights scheduled early in the morning are less likely to be delayed. Later in the day, the risk of cancellations and delays is higher.
Look for nonstop flights when possible. Airports will be crowded and missed connections due to delays are still possible.
Travel light to avoid possible overweight baggage fees. Know airline restrictions on baggage size and weight before you go to the airport. Consider hand luggage if possible.
Flying is one of the many aspects of your trip to consider. Here are some other travel-related resources from BBB:
Rental Cars: Make Your Next Car Rental Experience a Little Easier
Hotel Rooms: Find out what to keep in mind when booking a hotel room
Travel Agents: Know What to Look for in a Travel Agent and Find One Near You
During the holidays or any time of year, find ways to travel safely and avoid scams.
— BBB is a business-supported, nonprofit organization that establishes and maintains high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Most BBB consumer services are free. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million businesses, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting market confidence. Visit bbb.org for more information. There are more than 100 local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Serving Central East Texas, founded in 1985 and serving 19 counties.
