Traveling during the holidays can be challenging — whether you’re carrying a plethora of bags by yourself on your way to see your family or you’re trying to juggle kids, boarding passes and backpacks, it can be a stressful situation. Here are a few tips not only to make your own life easier this Thanksgiving, but to spread efficiency and cheer to everyone around you as well.
- You want to have as much time at
home preparing for the long journey ahead, so don’t worry about
printing off those pesky boarding passes — just wait to print them at
the ticket booth. Sure, the line might be a little longer, but
you’re increasing the number of Americans in the work force, so
don’t worry about the businessman shouting behind
you. Just stick to feeling good about the food you’re helping put on someone else’s table. (Pro tip: If you’re going for the
new-fangled method of putting your boarding pass on your phone,
technology these days is fool-proof, so there’s really no need to
make sure it’s ready and working before you reach the front of the
security line) - You want to be looking your best
for that special someone who’s picking you up from the airport, so
make sure to accessorize. I’m talking belts, earrings, rings,
bracelets, necklaces, sunglasses, bangles — you name it. You may have
to take an extra second during security to make sure everything is
taken off, but you can just remind that mother behind you in line
with her four screaming children that beauty is pain. - It’s important to stay nourished
and hydrated on the plane, so make sure you stop for some
sandwiches, soup or a salad before you board. You can let everyone
on the plane smell your delicious, authentic gyro — their mouths will
be watering for some local grub by the time the plane lands (the
local restaurants have you to thank for that). Even if it’s a
little messy, that’s okay — you paid for this seat, and you’ll eat
whatever you like in it if you damn well please. - Along with being well-fed, rest is
extremely important for a long flight, especially when you’re
changing time zones. So break out that neck pillow, blanket, and
snore-guard, because you deserve a nap. Your neck may start to
cramp, but you can always use the person next to you as a head rest.
People love feeling the holiday spirit through human connection, so
when you wake up, wipe up your drool, help them pick up the contents
of their lap tray (your legs may have gotten a little restless
during REM), and give them a warm, cheery holiday smile from the
heart, because without even realizing it you probably just made a
life-long friend. - Now you’ve landed, and you’re SO
excited to see your family, friends and home town. Your best move is
to stand up, climb from the window seat out into the aisle, and make
a mad dash for the compartment where you stowed your over-sized duffel
bag, three rows away. Beating the rush is very important — if you don’t
shove your way off before everyone else on the plane, you’ll be
waiting forever. So in a polite and calm manner, just make sure to
elbow your way past the elderly couple — that cane won’t be coming
any time soon, so it’s better to apologize on your way out. The
early bird gets the worm, so run off of that plane as fast as
possible and go mark your territory by baggage claim by spreading
out your spouse and children at equidistant marks along the conveyor
belt.
That’s all for these fun holiday hints. Make sure you have a warm, happy thankful holiday! God bless America, and vote Trump 2016!