BY SANDRA GUY
Forecasts show this will be a busy holiday for travel — so take care to stay safe and ensure that your loved ones are, too. And brace yourself for delays and inconveniences. Take a deep breath and prepare well.
Priceline predicts the busiest travel day for the Thanksgiving holiday will be Monday, Nov. 15, and the second-busiest will be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (that’s Nov. 23).
The most popular travel day before Christmas is expected to be Dec. 22 (that’s the Wednesday before Christmas), and the most popular travel day after Christmas is forecast for Tuesday, Dec. 28.
Get ready for crowds, long lines and other moments that call for deep yoga breathing. Bring those magazines and newspapers you’ve been meaning to read, and, if you’re traveling with children, pack plenty of books, games and CD-based videos and a CD-video player in case Wi-Fi is spotty or unavailable.
In fact, Wi-Fi is just one of the pre-COVID conveniences that may be absent. Hotels hard-hit by the pandemic and the resulting labor shortages may have no restaurant service, shuttered food courts, and no daily room cleaning except upon request or for a fee.
Rental cars also remain in short supply, and prices are high, in some cases double or triple pre-pandemic rates. Many concessions and businesses in airports are still closed, and airlines have canceled hundreds of flights in the last several months.
If you must bring your pet, set up easy-to-grab must haves, including treats, water bowls and play toys. Plan weeks ahead for airline requirements for pet travel.
Wash hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. It’s flu season. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.
Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.
Manage stress. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep.
Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.
Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip and encourage passengers to do the same.
Get exams and screenings. Ask your health care provider what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history.
Get your vaccinations. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.
Monitor children. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of children’s reach. Protect them from drowning, burns, falls, and other potential accidents.
Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. Have an emergency plan and practice it regularly.
Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.
Eat healthy, stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Also, be active for at least two-and-a-half hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least one hour a day.