Travel Tips for the Holidays

High Season is upon us and, for many of us, it means traveling. Some times traveling leads to long flights, long layovers and a generally unpleasant experience. It doesn’t have to be that way! Here are some tips to make your trip go as smoothly as possible and some help for those long layovers.

Being familiar with your final destination is a big part to making a better travel experience. Double-check foreign document requirements. Some countries require a visa for entry; others, like South Africa, won’t allow entrance unless a traveler’s passport contains at least two blank, unstamped pages. You need to be aware of such requirements before you make your flight reservations or you could get stuck!

Staying healthy is another big part of traveling and enjoying your trip to the fullest. Be aware of any health issues or vaccination requirements in countries you are traveling to. If you need any immunizations or vaccinations, see your doctor at least 6 weeks before you leave. Some vaccines don't reach the highest protection until about 6 weeks after you get the shots. Discuss your trip with your doctor and your doctor can decide whether you need any vaccines. The vaccines you got when you were a child also may need to be updated if you are not fully protected. Vaccines that you may need include the following: Hepatitis A or hepatitis A immune globulin, Hepatitis B, Influenza (the flu), Japanese encephalitis, Measles-mumps-rubella, Meningococcal meningitis, Pneumococcal, Polio, Rabies, Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, Typhoid fever, Chickenpox and Yellow fever. Find out what your health insurance will pay for if you see a doctor while you're in another country. Carry enough of your regular medicines in their original containers, along with extra prescriptions for them. Also bring your eyewear prescriptions. Wear a medical information bracelet if needed.

When you arrive at the airport, be responsible for your own luggage. Set your luggage apart from others so it’s easy to identify. A big mistake most passengers make is to use ribbons and bows on their suitcases. This is a bad idea simply because they can be torn off in the transporting process. Buy a suitcase in an unusual color, such as bright blue. You can even consider painting a pattern on to your luggage using fabric paint or other materials.

Make life easier for yourself and others when it comes to the mandatory security check. If it’s your first time traveling, ask a customs agent for assistance. You can even watch the people ahead of you to see what is needed from you. Don’t wait until it’s your turn in line before removing your shoes, belt and all other metallic items, including jewelry from your person. Check the do’s and don’t list that’s provided by every airline for what is and isn’t allowed in carry-on luggage. Keep from getting stalled in security and losing innocent (but sharp) items you forgot were in your bag―hello, nail scissors or wine opener! Also, pack your electronics in a single layer. When things are tossed in haphazardly or jumbled together, more time is spent determining what they are from the X-ray and bags have to be manually checked.

When it comes to carry-on luggage, make sure they meet the requirements of the airline carrier and pack things that you’ll need for any layovers or unexpected delays. Be considerate to your fellow travelers. Blocking the aisle during boarding while you dig for gum, a book, or a snack can delay the entire plane. Pack small must-haves in a re-sealable gallon-size bag that you can toss onto the seat while you put away everything else.

What can you do about jet lag? Jet lag is another bane to the traveler. There are a few sure fired methods to help you through. Get plenty of sleep before you leave. Don't drink a lot of alcohol. Eat well-balanced meals. Avoid overeating. Exercise as much as you can on your trip. Use sleep medicines for only a few days. Get used to a new time zone by going along with the local meal and bedtime schedules.

Then there is the dreaded layover….For most travelers, layovers are a painfully boring delay in an already arduous travel experience, and are often unavoidable. Plan your layover right and you can at least make them a little more bearable. Research the layover airport. Find out if there are restaurants, shops, or other activities. Some have theaters, museums, gyms, or play areas for the kids. Check out the airport website for information. If there's a map, print it and mark what you want to see when you get there. Be prepared for whatever activities that interests you. Minimize your carry-on luggage as it will only weigh you down. Aside from that, you might have a problem with security, exiting the airport as well as returning.

Bring something to read. A good read is one of the best ways to pass the time. Having your own book means you're not limited to the selection at the airport. Also, just washing your hands and face can wake you up and make you feel a lot better. Take a walk to get your blood flowing. If you are between one long flight and another, walk around the airport and restore circulation to your legs. You can window-shop, read billboards, watch airplanes, or simply look around. Get some fresh air if you can. Exercise will help you relax and provide you with an energy boost so you can get through the rest of your trip. Get a meal, drink or snack. A meal will give you energy, and it will taste better and likely cost less on the ground than it would in the air. It's wise to keep hydrated when you're flying somewhere, too. Another great thing to pass the time is to people watch. Airports have lots of people to watch. Have a seat in a public area and see what other travelers are doing. You can also check out the Internet while waiting for the next plane or get some work done. Bring your laptop with you as some airports offer free wireless Internet throughout.

Don't be afraid to leave the airport if you have a 5 hour+ layover. But for international travel, make sure you double check visa requirements before traveling. Depending on your citizenship, there are many countries that will allow you to acquire a visa at the airport or allow access even though you don't have a visa, but before planning a nice 7 hour layover, be aware that some countries may not grant you a visa at the airport. If you have friends or family in the layover city, ask them to pick you up or meet you at the airport if you have time. A layover is a good opportunity to catch up with someone you haven’t seen in a while.

Though traveling for High Season may be unavoidable, having the best experience possible is not. Use these tips to make any travel experience a good one!