Long security lines, delays, crying babies and missing luggage are enough to turn anyone into the Grinch this holiday season.
Here are five tips from the experts at Ixtapa Travel to keep you off the naughty list.
1. Do as much as you can at home before you get to the airport
“Check in online 24 hours prior to departure, print off your boarding pass, have your seats assigned and then when you get to the airport all you’re doing is getting your bag tag and dropping it off,” Ixtapa Travel Saskatoon president Barb Crowe said.
2. Make sure your liquids, aerosols and gel are easily accessible in your carry-on
“Nothing can be over 100 millilitres … everything has got to fit in the little (one litre) Ziploc bag. Have it easily accessible in a side pocket,” Crowe added.
3. Don’t have wrapped gifts in your carry-on
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“Chances are security is going to want to see what is in the gift and will ask you to unwrap it. If you want to wrap gifts put them in your checked bag.”
4. Split up your family’s luggage
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“Don’t have a bag just for mom, dad or the kids. It’s a busy time of year and sometimes bags go missing … pack a little bit of something from each person in every bag.”
5. Donate items, those who’re less fortunate will thank you
“Leave your shampoos, soaps, sunscreen and some clothes behind if you shopped too much. You can leave it in the hotel room for the people who’re cleaning or talk to the travel reps at the hotel, they have families to support. They’ll make sure it gets into good hands.”
CAA Saskatchewan is also reminding people of some safety tips when travelling for the holidays.
Among those tips are to show discretion on social media by not stating that you will be away from home, where you are going or how long you will be gone.
They also recommend having someone check your home daily to make sure everything is OK and that pipes are not frozen (which is typically a requirement of most insurance policies), having someone shovel the driveway and walkways, and picking up mail if it is not being held while you are away.
Other tips include:
- Ensure all doors and windows are locked.
- Use timers to turn lights, and possibly the TV or radio, on/off during the day/night.
- Leave blinds or curtains in normal position – don’t close them completely.
- Close and lock the garage door. Keep your vehicle locked, especially if it has an electric garage door opener.
- Make sure your home insurance is up to date and that it will provide coverage for your belongings. Advise your insurance broker of any changes required for major purchases or renovations.
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