You’ve taken the week off from work, reserved a hotel room in your favorite vacation spot and maybe even booked a flight. Now all that’s left is to get there. Whether you’re road tripping or flying, follow these tips for a smooth journey.
By Land
- Get a tune-up before you leave, that way you can avoid spending a chunk of your vacation on the side of the road.
- Clean your car before, during and after your trip. After a full day on the road, a clean car may keep you sane.
- Have a loose plan before you leave. Following a schedule is great, but account for traffic and closed roads.
- Use your cruise control. Not only will this save your leg, it will save you money on gas.
- Bring your own music. You’ll be thankful for some tunes when there’s only static on the radio.
- If travelling with children, plan for extended rests and bathroom breaks. Consider bringing activities or a “goody bag” with small prizes you can reveal at different intervals during the trip.
- By Air
- Select your seats ASAP. If you wait too long, you may end up spending eight hours between two strangers in row 65.
- If possible, pack in a carry-on suitcase. Depending on climate and length of stay, you could save money by not checking a bag. But if you need to check some baggage…
- Weigh your bags before you go to the airport. Overweight bags could cost you anywhere from $50 to $500 round trip.
- Always dress in layers. It may be sweltering in the cabin before takeoff, but once you get in the air it will cool down quickly.
- Be ready for security. Metal in your clothes, jewelry, keys, change and belt buckles will set off the metal detectors, so leave them in your carry-on.
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