10 Ways to Make Holiday Travel Simple, Enjoyable, and Stress-Free

  1. ID Everything! Before traveling, print important telephone and insurance policy numbers, flight information, and traveler's checks serial numbers on perforated business card paper for your home computer printer. Then simply break apart the cards and put them in wallets, baggage, and clothing.

  2. Create a "Living" Packing List! After returning home from a successful trip, make note of everything you packed, from the number of shirts and pants, to all the supplies and products in your medicine bag. Enter this info in your computer in a simple word processing document. You can even have a separate list for each family member. Then, before your next trip, simply bring up the list on your PC and with just a few seasonal/temperature adjustments to your wardrobe (if you're traveling in a different season than your last trip), your complete packing list will be right before your eyes, without any mental gymnastics or that dreaded question, "Did I forget something?" Since the list "lives" on your computer, it's easy to open and add/subtract things whenever you think of them. When you're ready to travel, simply print a copy and start packing!

  3. Maintain Your Medicine Bag! When returning from your trip, don't unpack your medicine bag, but keep it packed and ready for your next journey. (Buy duplicate supplies for your home medicine cabinet.) Create a card called "Take Outs" and keep it in the bag. Should you ever need to dip into your vacation stash, simply jot down what you removed. This way, you'll know exactly what to replace for your next trip! Occasionally review expiration dates to keep medications safe, fresh, and effective.

  4. Plan for Emergencies - Many emergencies can be handled with confidence if the lines of communication are open. If you're worried about the folks back home, simply photocopy your travel arrangements - including hotel addresses and phone numbers - and leave them with a friend or relative so you're instantly reachable.

  5. Postcard Prep - Plan to send postcards? Instead of laboriously hand-addressing multiple cards, simply bring pre-addressed labels printed on your computer! You can keep adding to this list throughout the year as your acquaintances expand, and print the list in seconds before each trip you take. A big time and effort saver!

  6. Make Copies of Critical Documents! Before traveling, make 2 photocopies of your credit cards, driver's license, passport, vaccination certificates, airline tickets (or the verification), and any traveler's checks. Pack one set away from your original documents. Give the other set to a friend back home who has easy access to a fax machine. Should your documents become lost or stolen, your friend can fax them to you anywhere in the world in minutes. By being able to show copies of the original documents, you can dramatically shorten the time it takes to get official replacements.

  7. Pack Protein Power! Instead of relying on often poor-quality airline meals, or rushing through airports looking for (overpriced) restaurants, pack some convenient sports nutrition bars in your carry-on bag. Many contain over 30 grams of hunger-busting protein and are far more satisfying and nutritious than greasy burgers or unidentifiable airline fodder. Available in yummy flavors like blueberry cheesecake, double chocolate fudge, and peanut butter crunch, you'll swear you’re eating something "naughty!"

  8. "Slippy Shoes" Speed You Through! Many airport security officials now require that all passengers remove their shoes and put them on the x-ray conveyor belt. Instead of fumbling with lace-on shoes (which are a hassle to put on in a rushing crowd), slip-on shoes help you speed through without missing a beat.

  9. Traveling Abroad for the Holidays? Make sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your travel date. Many countries require that it be valid for at least 6 months to a full year!

  10. Safeguard Your Health - Colds and other illnesses are spread mainly by dirty hands...and airports, buses, trains, and other public travel areas are breeding grounds. Plain soap and water doesn't kill them all. Carry a small bottle of germ gel with you to keep other people's illnesses from becoming yours. One squirt destroys over 99% of germs that may have otherwise caused the miserable cold that ruins your holiday travel.


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