Tips for the holidays
Allow extra time
One way to minimise travel-day chaos is to allow for plenty of time. Instead of stressing
over a departure time while you are stuck behind passengers who forgot to put their liquid
toiletries into plastic bottles under 100ml, consider an earlier airport arrival. Extra time
at the gate beats narrowly missing a flight, especially if the itinerary includes connecting
flights in other cities. Children can play easy games like I-Spy or make an extra trip to the
restroom with the extra time.
Travel during off-peak hours
Sitting in hours of traffic can set a bad tone to the start of a family summer holiday. Try
to beat the rush by shifting weekend travel days to Thursday or Monday where possible.
Avoid travelling just before a public holiday. If you do have to travel on Friday, instead of
becoming just one more car in the backup, have dinner at home and leave later in the
evening, the kids can be carried straight to bed once you reach your destination.
Travel with medicine
Prescription medicines like your chronic medicine should be the first thing you pack for
any trip. Toiletries and other odds and ends (especially sunscreen) on the other hand, can
be purchased at a local supermarket or pharmacy. These on-location purchases alleviate
overstuffed suitcases and help avoid unwanted spills.
Bring healthy snacks
Always pack your favourite snacks like cheese sticks and cut-up vegetables or fruit, like
peppers, carrots and apples to eat on your trip. They are easy to transport without being
messy. In a car or bus, consider packing a small cooler-bag with additional items like
sandwiches or salads. You can do the same thing when returning home with a quick stop
at a local supermarket.
Plan for rainy days and down time
While a good umbrella takes care of rain while travelling to a major city, showers can
dampen a beach or camping trip. Here are some of the things you can do instead:
If you want to stay in: If you’re up for venturing out:
• Watch series, movies or hire a DVD • Check out local museums
• Play crazy eights or other card games • See if there is a skating rink nearby
• Start a game of charades • Look for an aquarium
• Go on an indoor scavenger hunt • Go bowling
• Try your hand at laser tag
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