Labor Day Travel Tips & Useful Information

According to AAA more than 34 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this Labor Day holiday. Most will travel by car; but about 5% will fly. Whether you are traveling by car or by plane this weekend, being prepared will make your trip more enjoyable. Following are some tips that will help you have a great time.

Helpful Hints for Hitting the Road

Before you leave check your car’s fluid levels and wipers. Also, it is very important to check out your tires for wear and proper tire pressure. Low tire pressure can cause a blow out and ruin a holiday getaway or worse. Don’t forget to check your spare, too. Plan your route. Knowing the roads and exits to take ahead of time helps avoid accidents. Take along a map even if you have GPS in case of a malfunction. Use Google Maps to print the map you need. Another good resource for maps is AAA. Leave early when there is less traffic on the road. Avoid rush hour if possible since this is when traffic is heaviest. Drive during the day when it’s safer because visibility is better. Also, you are less likely to encounter a drunk driver as they tend to be more prevalent at night. Stop when you get tired. Remember large trucks have blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in their mirror, then they can’t see you. Don’t cut in front of large trucks. Due to their size and weight, they take longer to stop. Be sure to lock your car every time you leave it, even it it’s just for a short rest stop. Returning to your car to find it or your belongings missing is sure to spoil your good time. Take along hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes and use them when you leave each public place. A small spray bottle filled with alcohol also works well. Follow use with moisturizer. Put together a do it yourself travel kit with books, magazines, travel games, puzzles, sticker books, video games, small toys, etc. for your passengers. Keeping the kids busy usually makes for a less stressful trip. Bringing snacks and drinks will decrease stops and save money.

Things You Should Know if Taking to the Air.

Get to the airport an hour and a half before your flight. Have your ticket, boarding pass, ID, etc. in hand when needed. Don’t over pack. Most airlines charge for extra bags or overweight bags. Don’t put valuables in your checked luggage. Always place these items in your carry on bag. Put at least one change of clothing in your carry on bag just in case your luggage is lost. Always carry on any medication you need. Be sure your carry on bag is within the airlines’ size limits. If it’s too large, you may be asked to check it when you board the planeRemember to drink fluids to stay hydrated while you are on the plane. Move around a bit if possible during your flight. Taking your MP3 player, portable DVD player, and your laptop computer along is a great way to pass the time if you have a long flight. Be sure to put these items in a padded laptop computer bag to protect them. Be prepared to take these out of the bag at security check points.
Attach a unique luggage tag on all your bags to help you identify them. A brightly colored ribbon tied onto the bag handle also works well. You will be glad you did when you are trying to locate your bags among the sea of bags at baggage claim

Whether driving or flying make a conscious effort to enjoy all aspects of the trip. Expect to wait. Be patient. Don’t let little hassles and your emotions ruin your getaway. Be polite and courteous to people you encounter along the way. Remember you catch a lot more flies with honey than vinegar.

Hubcaps and Gravy hopes this information is useful to you; and wishes everyone a safe and Happy Labor Day!