e in different areas than the rest of our family.
Many of us live several states away from Mom and Dad and there
are some of us that require flight time as part of our holiday
ritual. For those of us that have to travel to other countries
during the holiday season, flying could be tougher than at other
times of the year. Here are a few tips for world travel during
the holidays.
First of all, keep your smiling face on during your airport
experience. In the airport, the employees have all of the
answers and they have all of the power. When you are already
running late or sense the upcoming delay in your flight, it is
easy to lose patience with these scrooges, but keeping your
temper in check could be very beneficial. After all,
everything that goes wrong in your life is not their fault, it
just seems that way at the moment. Keep in mind that being
super nice during a not-so-great situation could mean “free
upgrade” and being not so nice could result in lost luggage, or
even worse, a full body search as you are “randomly” picked out
of the line.
If you have the opportunity, fly during off peak hours. It may
be a little inconvenient to have to leave out in the middle of
the night, but it could mean beating a huge crowd of people in
the airport. Plus if you leave your home airport in the middle
of the night, after the time differences (or the international
date line) you may be arriving at your destination at a great
time of day. Better yet, it could be discounted tickets for
those “Red-Eye” flights.
Have something to do while you wait. Inevitably, on an
international flight, you are going to have some delays here
and there. It could be a four hour layover in Denver or a 30
minute wait at the gate for the boarding to begin, but waits
are highly likely. If you have something to read or something
interesting to keep your mind busy and occupied, those wait
times will seemingly be cut in half. Plus, keeping your mind
busy helps you to keep you patience, which takes us back to the
number one tip of being nice to airport employees.
Keep security in mind. Post 9/11 security has been greatly
increased on all flights, both foreign and domestic. In order
to keep things moving smoothly, it is best for you to check as
much of your baggage as possible and don’t pack things that you
know will trigger an alarm of any kind. Wear shoes that are
both comfortable and easily removed and replaced. Have all
liquids pre-bagged and remove your coats or jackets before
prompted. These little things will help speed the security
process and keep your patience in check.
Traveling with children could make everything difficult.
Keeping them happy is not always the easiest task on your list
of things to do on your world travel. Think about how bored
and agitated you get while having to wait in lines and in
terminals, then how bored you get on the plane, then multiply
that by at least 20 =D0 that is how your kids feel. Keep them
occupied with small, quiet toys, coloring books, handheld video
games or DVD players, etc. What ever will keep their attention
and save your sanity.
Last but definitely not least is to ship your presents. I know
it may seem like you could save money by just packing an extra
suitcase and putting it on the plane with you, but in the long
run, it really will be easier to just ship the gifts to
grandma. Ship them several weeks in advance so that you know
they get there before you ever leave the states. It is much
less likely for the gifts to be lost by the postal services
than for them to be lost in the “realm of lost luggage” that we
all have heard of.
I hope these tips for world travel during the holidays have
helped you to keep in check that temper that you know all too
well. Keep in mind that everyone in the airport has a family
and friends that they would like to spend the holiday with as
well. Keep your attitude merry and bright, and remember, Santa
Claus is watching you!
About The Author: http://www.MyWorldTravelSite.com provides
free information on world travel. You can pick up tricks and
tips for traveling the world no matter your budget! Check out
our latest page on credit card business travel.
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