The holiday travel season is officially here!
The most wonderful time of the year can very quickly become the most stressful time of the year at the airport.
Avoid Peak Travel Days
Traveling on Christmas day is often a breeze and more affordable. Book early to get the best deals.
Leave for the Airport with Plenty of Time
Even if you have an unusual surprise and the lines aren’t long at least you’ll make your flight and you can relax at the gate with a good book or a meal at the airport. There is nothing more stressful than almost missing your flight. Plan to be at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight or 3 hours before an international flight.
Reserve Airport Parking
Reserve airport parking ahead of time to ensure a spot; you can sometimes get good deals online.
Packing Gifts
If at all possible, do not fly with gifts. Send them instead, give gift cards, or have Amazon deliver them!
If you must:
• Don’t wrap the gifts, security could very well unwrap them to take a look.
• Pack and pad them well in your suitcase.
• Be sure not to carry on any gels.
• If you are flying internationally, be aware of rules bringing in food. Most countries will confiscate them.
Pack Wisely
It can be a bit hard with all that winter clothing. If you can get away with just a carry-on, do it.
Never pack anything you can’t live without in your checked baggage; medicine, mobile phone, glasses, and baby binkies are all items that should always be in your carry-on bag. If you can’t live without it, keep it close. Don’t forget to carry on chargers for cell phones and portable electronics; they won’t do you any good if you can’t turn them on.
Be Prepared
Bring snacks, entertainment, water bottle, etc. for your flight. You just don’t know what sort of delays you may experience. Make sure your water bottle is empty when going through security. For longer flights, consider bringing items such as earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, and an eye mask to help you sleep.
Be Phone Ready
Make sure your phone is charged and has all relevant phone numbers, itineraries and apps installed. Download your airline’s app so you’ll get alerts if your flight is delayed or your gate changes.
Have a Plan for Delays and Cancellations
There are a few things you want to do simultaneously if your flight is extremely delayed or canceled. First, be ready to multitask: Get in line to talk to a gate agent, but also try using the airline app you downloaded to make changes on your own. Traveling with a friend? Have them try to get through on the carrier’s 800 number as well. Sometimes you’ll get through faster on the phone than you will in person, and the reverse can be true too.
Destination Highlight: Grand Cayman
Situated in the western Caribbean Sea, Grand Cayman is the largest of the three coral islands that compose the Caymans. Mainly flat, it stretches 76 sq mi with a maximum elevation of 60 ft at East End. Almost half of the island is a wetland.
Grand Cayman is a largely stress-free place to vacation. Beaches are wide, sandy and fringed with palm trees, so beach-lovers have no shortage of coastline to enjoy. Crime is relatively rare; islanders are friendly and speak English. Shopping in George Town is also a big attraction. Visitors to Grand Cayman can choose to explore over 160 unique dive sites or check out the Cayman Turtle Farm. Swim with the stingrays at Stingray City or enjoy a day of kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing or snorkeling; there is plenty to do and see here.
For the Foodie in the group, Grand Cayman’s lineup of restaurants is one of the best in the Caribbean. Most are located along Seven Mile Beach or in George Town. They range from North American chain restaurants to crusty beach bars to elegant dining rooms with tables covered in white linen. Whether you’re munching fish-and-chips or savoring lobster ravioli, you’ll probably have a view of the water. (Even the Burger King in George Town has a wonderful patio overlooking the cruise-ship harbor.) Most places have fresh fish on the menu, so you’ll rarely go wrong ordering the catch of the day.
Grand Cayman is the perfect place to relax and recharge for the New Year.
It’s time to start thinking about Spring Break!
