It’s that time of year!!! You just ordered your holiday cards, started the holiday gift shopping list, bought your tree or dusted off your Menohra and now you have to think about planning your family visit. My friends at Travelocity gave me some great advice that I want to share with those of you who are flying in the next few days or weeks. This blog will offer you some great discount information on air/hotel travel, sites, blogs and twitter feeds all made to help make your holiday travel a more peaceful one. Let’s face it traveling in today’s world on a normal day can be challenging, just ask Alec Baldwin, add all those inexperienced travelers, kids and ugh all those germs to the list! I hope this blog will help you prepare in advance not only mentally but physically. I recently met the Roaming Gnome from Travelocity and he shared some really helpful information that I am sharing with you. Happy Travels!!!!!
FACTS:
When it comes to holiday travel, Travelocity says flexibility is always crucial – especially since average domestic airfare is up 5 percent and international airfare is up 6 percent from the 2010 holiday season. In addition, New Year’s domestic airfare is up 6 percent and international airfare is up 12 percent versus 2010 prices. However, knowing when to fly can save travelers more than $230 this holiday season.
CHEAPEST DAYS TO FLY FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S 2011
Using Travelocity’s vacation package booking engine and avoiding peak travel dates around Christmas and New Year’s such as Dec. 23, Dec. 26 and Dec. 30 will save travelers the most for the 2011 holiday season.
ADDITIONAL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S DATA
Average domestic airfare over Christmas is $406 and average international airfare is $918 (both inclusive of tax). Travelers should avoid Friday, Dec. 23 departures and Friday, Dec. 30 returns over the Christmas travel period – as this is the most expensive itinerary this holiday season. In addition, travelers should keep in mind that some airlines charge surcharges around the holidays, driving fares up. Holiday travel dates with surcharges are: Dec. 22, 23 and 26, and Jan. 2.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER:
To celebrate the season, Travelocity is offering travelers a little holiday bonus. When a traveler books a qualifying hotel or flight + hotel package by Dec. 15, Travelocity will send a $200 travel coupon that can be used for another trip in early 2012.
TRAVEL TIPS:
First and foremost, travelers need to arrive at the airport early to navigate the crowds – at least two hours in advance. If you can, check in online 24 hours in advance of your flight to secure your seat assignment and pay for your checked bags to save on the baggage fee. Also, don’t forget the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule — all liquids must be in a 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger. Before you leave, check your carrier’s baggage policy, check your flight status and also check traffic.com for any potential problems on the road so you can allow for extra time to get to the airport if needed.
Make your life easier and wear shoes that slip on/off so you don’t hold up the line. I would also suggest wearing shoes that don’t promote swelling of your feet. For some reason the temperature on an airplane can either be very cold or smoldering hot so wearing layers that you can add or peal away. Remember no matter how much money you pay for your flight you still won’t be offered blankets or pillows so bring what you think will keep you and your family comfortable and happy.
For families with kids traveling with milk or formula remember they will allow a bottle through security, but you will still have to discard any water bottles beforehand.
Bring food, snacks, toys and reading material. Unless you want to buy a box lunch that you probably won’t like pack your the night before.
Traveling with kids and car seats is tricky so make sure you meet the measurement regulations. To save your back from carrying those cumbersome car seats look into purchasing a Go Go kidz Travelmate car seat stroller (this company has many products to choose from). Those with babies my ultimate favorite that I used with my little guy which was great for nursing while you walk or sit anywhere is the ERGOBabycarrier. There are so many innovative products for traveling with kids. Visit your local consignment shop or visit online stores like eBay (a great place to bid on new items or buy gently used items), Amazon (also offer new or used items) TARGET, Babies “R” Us, and/or my personal favorite diapers.com. Heck if you have a friend that has something you need and is not using it just borrow! As a parent you never have enough hands for all that needs to be carried and/or pushed through the airport.
Travelers can go to http://www.windowseatblog.com/ for nationwide updates. To follow happenings at LAX, follow @flyfromla. Follow on twitter @travelocity.
GG wishes you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year and if I forgot a celebration or you don’t celebrate just have a Happy Peaceful Day!!!!!
