Backstory
These tips were developed through personal unfortunate experiences. When they happen, you may have a juicy, gory story to tell of your hard road trip. But you’ll be a happier arrival if you just protect yourself with these tips instead. Happy holiday traveling, whatever your conveyance.
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Christmas Travel – #517
Will you have to travel over the holidays? I don’t envy you! Between never knowing what the weather will do, and the crowds descending on roads and airports and bus stations, it’s not my favorite way to get into the holiday spirit. But if you are traveling, here are a few tips:
- Be sure to have some food and water stuffed away. You don’t know when a delay will keep you from eating or being able to purchase food or drink.
- If you’re going to be gone for a while, ship your clothes and gifts ahead of time, rather than jostling them with you. It will be well worth the cost and save you a lot of money, if you are traveling by air.
- Take a careful inventory every time you leave a restaurant, rest room or waiting area. Be sure you have every bag, purse, toy and blanket that you brought with you. Don’t leave it to chance. If you forget something, you may not be able to go back for it.
- Keep your Christmas spirit alive and well. There are thousands of fellow citizens experiencing the same inconveniences as you. All of you are being served by people who are working instead of being home with their families. Have mercy on them. Smile at them and give them a holiday greeting.
- Be aware of your surroundings and guard your safety. Carry a few dollars in your pocket for incidentals and security. Avoid pulling out a big roll of your travel dollars. That visual can be enticing to a traveling predator who then focuses on making your dollars, his or her dollars.
And remember the treasure at the end of the rainbow: the loved ones at the end of your trip, who will make your holiday joyous and special.
Take their feelings into consideration too. If your trip is more duty oriented than joy, well, it’s even more important to bring that Christmas spirit with you.
Don’t show up tired and grumpy. Show up tired and smiling with a “Happy Holiday” greeting for everyone.
Even better, wish them all a “Merry Christmas.”
P.S.
One more tip – Be careful if you depend on a GPS to get you to your destination. Accurate a huge percentage of the time, this machine can also take you dangerously off track or going around in circles. Doesn’t hurt to keep an atlas or road map with you as back-up. Double check any directions that don’t sound right or don’t make sense.
[Show #517]
