A Winter Vacation??

So you want to travel in the winter?  Why?  Do you want to go some place to play in the snow?  Visit family and friends?  Get out of the cold and into the sun?  Whatever your reason, let me give you some advise.

I live in Seattle.  We are having the worst winter in 18 years.  I am sitting here looking at 12 inches of snow and no sign of relief.  Our city is not equiped for this kind of weather, so we shut down.  Rarely am I hearing a car go by.  This is the 2nd week and a snow plow just went down our street, blocking our driveway.  Having just returned from the Bahamas, I, too, got caught in the airport mess.  So, here are my suggestions.

• AIRLINES.  Most people make their reservations several weeks or months ahead and have no idea what the weather will be.  If you HAVE to be someplace on a particular date, make your departure at least one day if not two days early.  Some parts of the country always have issues, so figure delays or cancellations will always occur.   And ALWAYS buy travel insurance. 
• AIRPORTS.  Anymore all airlines can change your flights to another carrier.  If your arrival airport is closed, ask to be rerouted to another airport.  Many times the reservation agents are so stressed they can’t think straight.  You tell them what you want.  It doesn’t matter whether you go north, south, east or west, just have them send you someplace on some carrier.  Then you may be able to get another connection onto your destination.  If possible, hang out at the airport rather than going to a hotel.  Staying around as a “standby” could get you on quicker.  If you are traveling with others, you may get split up.  Flip a coin or something to decide who gets to go.  Don’t make an issue if there aren’t 4 seats.  Take what you can and go.
• PACKING.  Always pack as though your checked bags will never been seen again.  Make sure you have a couple of changes of clothes (at least underwear), all your meds, toiletries, your electronic chargers, even a blanket and snacks in your carryon.  I use a small back pack size suitcase and with those vacuum bags from the luggage store, I can get a lot in it.  I even have a small pillow and blanket so I could sleep on the floor.  
• MONEY.  Never max out your credit cards.  Or at least. have an emergency one.  You may need to pay for a hotel.  Airlines are not obligated to comp you a hotel in case of bad weather.  Basically they are not obligated to do anything for you.  You may need to buy food at the airport.  Always keep a small stash of money for emergencies in case the power is out and credit cards won’t work.
• ATTITUDE.  It is never the fault of the gate or reservation agent that you are stuck.  Being VERY polite and  many thank you’s will help you get out quicker.  My husband is over gushy, but it works every time.  You could even wind up in 1st class like we have at times.  If you are angry or frustrated, take a walk, get your smile back and then talk to the agents.
• OTHER OPTIONS.  Sometimes the train or bus is a help.  Check them out.  Or if all else fails, a rental car might work.  Take all the phone numbers you might need.  Especially if you have a hotel reservation some place and you can’t make it.  Unless it is a “guarantee”, you will be charged if you don’t cancel it. 

Air travel is challenging at all times of the year but especially in the winter.  It doesn’t matter how you are routed when you buy your ticket unless it is a non stop.  Anytime you need to do a connection, that plane may not make it in and you will be stuck.  Planes are full these days and even when they begin flying after a stoppage, it could take some days to get the airports cleared out.  Pack a huge amount of patience.  If you don’t have any, then stay home!!!

Travel Packing Tips from a Pro

It’s time to pack, call the Butler.

 

What??  You don’t have a Butler?  Neither do I, so let me share a few ideas I have learned as traveler.  And if you want to share your tips, please do.

 

•       Bottled water.  Take 3 or 4 bottles with you in your packed luggage.  This will tide you over until you can find a local source.
•       3 oz. paper cups.  Use these with bottled water for brushing your teeth.  No matter how SAFE the location, don’t trust the water.  If you mistakenly wash your tooth brush under a faucet, throw it away.  A tiny sip of bad water can ruin a trip.
•       Small umbrella.  For rain?  No, for a door on a bathroom that doesn’t have one
•       Rain ponchos for rain.  The less you carry on your shoulder, the less pain.
•       Money pouch or wallet with strap to go under your clothes.  KEEP IN THERE.  Never put valuables in a back pack or bag over your shoulder
•       Make copies of every document you take – credit cards, passports, medical cards, etc.  Take one set and leave a set at home with someone.
•       Red eye flights.  Those airline pillows are worthless.  Take an old down pillow, cut it in half and take it in your carry one for a good night sleep.
•       Eagle Creek cubes, half cubes and quarter cubes are the best for corralling groups of things.  Such as, all your electronic charges and cords; medicines and vitamins;  mosquito repellent and sun screen; shaving gear; socks; underwear and a multitude of other items that tend to get scattered all over the suitcase.
•       Eagle Creek dress shirt packing folders.  Keeps shirts and blouses folded.
•       “Pack it” compression bags.  Put that down pillow in one, roll it up and squish the air out to put it in your carry on.  Also good for underwear, sweaters, sweatshirts and any other bulky things that can be wrinkled and still usable.
•       Syringes.  In some countries, needing a shot can give you a concern.  So take your own in a paper towel roll and tape shut the ends. 

 

Those should give you some ideas.  Do I ever get packed right?  No, but maybe someday!!!