Between extended hotel stays, inclement weather, flight delays, and bumper-to-bumper traffic, traveling for the holidays is hardly a pleasant experience. The juice is worth the squeeze of course, because nothing stirs up the warm and fuzzies quite like spending time with loved ones during the holiday season. There are, however, a few ways to make the travel experience slightly more tolerable. Along with some imprinted travel accessories, hand these useful tips out to your clients and employees. That way, they’ll be sure to know who to thank when the answer to the incessant “Are we there yet?” is a confident “yes.”
Plan Ahead
I know. It’s asking a lot. In addition to pencils, books, and teachers’ dirty looks, most of us were happy to be rid of homework once we were done with school. However, a little research before your trip can go a long way. Consider alternate routes when driving to or from your destination. Perhaps there’s a more scenic, albeit longer course you and the family can take. The traffic will be lighter and you could even plan to stop at a few attractions on the way. It’s like the old adage goes, “The enjoyment is found in the journey, not the destination.”
Stay Informed
Roads can close. Flights can be delayed. Some airlines’ carry-on restrictions may differ from others. Being unaware of these inconveniences only exacerbates the problem. Instead, use your now ubiquitous smart phone and download a few apps to help you stay up-to-date with your travel itinerary. What apps? Well, we’re experts on promotional products, not mobile applications, so we suggest heading to PCmag.com for a more in-depth article on 2015 travel apps from people who research these sorts of things for a living.
Fuel Up
Whether it’s your car, your electronic devices, or your belly, it’s important to keep it fueled up for the long and often arduous journey ahead.
The first is obvious. Your car can’t run without gasoline. Make sure you check the fuel gauge often and don’t wait until that little warning light comes before refilling the tank. Give yourself plenty of leeway because there are often many miles between gas stations, especially on long stretches of freeway.
Tablets, mobile phones, and MP3 players-they’ve become such a necessity on long trips that it makes one wonder how we ever got along without them. In this regard, it would behoove any responsible device owner to keep the batteries in their gadgets topped off. Charging outlets are becoming more prevalent on buses and in airports, but they’re often few and far between, and nearly always occupied. Instead, answer the death throes of any device with a portable power bank. These handy peripherals offer a convenient contingency plan to allow you to stream, text, and Snap to your heart’s content without the fear of your device losing power.
.iBoost2 Mobile Device Charger (Model#: G-IBOOST2)
And of course, you can’t forget to fuel yourself up. An empty stomach can lead to a distracted, lethargic mind, which is the last thing that should be controlling a vehicle cruising down the freeway. You could miss exits, make wrong turns, or worse. Make sure to pack a few snacks and, if the trip is long enough, stop for a meal. Bracing for a 10 hour flight with multiple layovers? Arrive early so you have time to eat at one of the restaurants inside the airport. As delicious as they are, a pack of peanuts or crackers will not give your body the nutrition it needs to stave off the hangriness.
Pack Smart
Checking bags can be a hassle. They have to be weighed and tagged pre-flight, which can occasionally cost extra. Once you arrive at your destination, you need to find the baggage claim, and then wait patiently as yours tumbles clumsily onto the conveyor belt. Finally, your powers of perception are tested as you attempt to distinguish your luggage from all the bags of similar size and color.
To simplify your luggage identification task, we recommend using personalized luggage tags. They simultaneously provide recognition for both your brand as well as your customer’s baggage.
Ideally, packing light could let you avoid baggage checks altogether. Consider carrying along only the essentials to make your trip as efficient as possible.
Know When to Travel
The Wednesday before thanksgiving is by far the busiest travel day of the year. To avoid a mild panic attack, forgo traveling on this day. Instead, make the drive or flight the morning of Thanksgiving when most people have already arrived at their destination. (The earlier in the morning the better, as far as congestion on the road and in the skies.)
Relax
Even with all the preparation in the world, there is bound to be some unexpected turbulence along the way. Flight delayed? Hotel overbooked? Luggage lost in transport? No worries. You’ll be at your destination before you know it. There’s no problem that good food, great conversation, and wonderful company can’t remedy.
