Holiday Season Travel Tips

It’s exciting to pack up the whole family and make a journey to see close friends, visit a magical (or warm) location or spend time with extended family over the holidays. But traveling this time of year can also be exceptionally stressful. Here are seven holiday season travel tips for making your time traveling more relaxed, enjoyable or at least a little more tolerable:

1. Give yourself extra time.

   Accidents, delays and other unforeseen circumstances can make holiday travel even more stressful than usual, especially when you’re rushing to get to a party or a meaningful family engagement. So, try not to cut it too close. Create a travel schedule that anticipates obstacles and allows some flexibility for traveling with children or in winter weather.

2. Buy travel insurance.

   Nobody wants to cancel a holiday trip, but it does happen. Travel insurance is a great option, especially if you plan to travel overseas. Depending on which policy you get, travel insurance can reimburse you if you must cancel your trip. This can be for various reasons, from an unexpected illness to bad weather to potential passport problems. It can also cover not-so-common circumstances like terrorism, plane crashes and emergency evacuation.

3. Check your health insurance.

   Make sure you have up-to-date insurance cards and read your policy to find out how your coverage works when you’re not close to home. Make a list of in-network providers in case you get sick while traveling. Again, you might consider purchasing international health insurance if you’re going abroad. Many health insurance policies do not cover medical expenses when traveling out of the country.

4. Stay safe on the road.

   If you’re traveling by car, get a complete tune-up before you go: check the tires, brakes, oil and other fluids, windshield wipers, air filters, etc. When you’re getting ready to go, don’t pack the car too full. Make sure all mirrors and windows are visible to the driver. And don’t forget to pack a basic emergency kit, including blankets, food and water.

5. Let friends and family know your plans.

   Share your itinerary with somebody at home and your destination. Then, if you don’t arrive on time or if someone is at your house before you’re supposed to be home, friends and family will know to follow up.

6. Take care of your pets.

   Whether you’re taking them along or leaving them with a friend, be sure to consider your pets in your travel plans. Write down emergency numbers, refill any prescriptions, and plan for your furry friends to be well taken care of in your absence or on the road.

7. Plan for school absences.

   If you’re leaving before school officially gets out for holiday break, contact your child’s teachers to find out what they’ll be missing and how they can stay on track while they are gone.

The key to any successful holiday trip is being prepared. Keep these seven tips in mind when preparing for your seasonal trips. Contact your local Shepherd Insurance agent for any insurance questions, or fill out our Contact Us form.