Ideas and Tips for Holiday Travel

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Traveling can be stressful any time of year. Add a dose of holiday madness and headaches can ensue. Here are some tips to make life easier.
 
-During this holiday season, Google has partnered with 54 airports across America to offer free wi-fi to travelers to ease the stress of the season. It’s available until January 15, 2010. More information can be found here.
 
-It may be too late for this year, but here is something to keep in mind for next year's holiday season: Book your flight when it’s less hectic; 2 days before and 2 days after Christmas Day and New Years Day are optimal holiday travel times.
 
-Airlines don’t share their entire flight inventory with third party sites, such as Orbitz and Travelocity, so check airline sites as well to compare prices and flight schedules.
 
-Go online before you leave! You can check your itinerary, traffic conditions, check-in for your flight in advance and pay for checked bags. This can save you money and time.
 
-If you’re flying with gifts, leave the wrapping until you reach your final destination to avoid having to re-wrap. You may consider shipping them beforehand to lighten your load and avoid the hassle of keeping track of additional packages.
 
-Pack essentials and valuables in your carry-on bag, and limit yourself to one, if possible.
 
-If traveling abroad, be mindful of the host countries' standards of dress and conduct. Visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html for vaccination requirements and safety tips when traveling overseas. You can also familiarize yourself with your destination country's exit/entry requirements and other important information for visitors here http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html.
 
-Don’t forget the little things. Here are some items commonly overlooked when getting ready for travel:

• Personal items, such as your ID’s, passport, keys, and credit cards
• Power adapters for your mobile devices, as well as an adapter converter if you’re traveling abroad.
• CASH! A lot of us barely even carry it anymore. But bring a little bit of cash when you travel. You never know when a situation may call for it.
• Medicine. Whether it’s a prescription or an over-the-counter pain killer, don’t forget to stash it in your carry-on and avoid the worry of where to get it in an unfamiliar place.
• Maps and directions.
• Camera.

-Have you considered travel insurance? There are several different types of travel insurance from which to choose depending on your destination and length of stay. The most common travel insurance protects you in case you have to cancel your trip for any reason. There is also medical insurance; a smart precaution if traveling to a developing nation or if you suffer from a chronic illness.
 
-Don't want to spend the holidays at home this year? According to STA and Liberty Travel, those young professionals who are not going home this year are taking off for Europe or warmer destinations such as Central and South America.
 
-Still looking for a way to bring in 2010--and you have a little extra cash to burn? For New Years, celebrate in Sydney, London or Las Vegas. Sydney celebrates big; Visit Darling Harbor, or Minus 5 for your 2010 toast. London has fantastic shopping, dining and clubs to entertain your New Years beat. Leicester Square and Oxford Street are popular locations for locals and tourists alike. And Vegas on New Years is legendary. Imagine Vegas at its busiest time in the summer and multiply that by 10. The entire Strip is closed so the partying can move seamlessly from inside hotels and casinos to the packed street outside. Everything is open late and you can drink anywhere.
 
(Image from Wikimedia; C.C. 3.0)
 
Read more stories at YPNation, America's young professionals network.