Jane's making a list and checking it twice. It has nothing to do with who's naughty and nice, however. Rather, said list is designed to help you, dear reader, get through your holiday travels with the greatest of ease.
Tip #1: If you are planning on driving to your destination, make sure your car is road ready. Fill up on all of the necessary fluids, make sure your tires are properly inflated, and don't forget to throw the ice scraper (preferably a plug-in one that heats up) in the trunk or glove compartment.
Tip #2: If you don't have a GPS, don't rely on only one website for computerized directions. Jane can't tell you how many times she has been misdirected using MapQuest. Google, AAA and other sites provide free directions. Compare and contrast at least two to make sure you are on the right track.
Tip #3: If you are flying, check in on line. Getting your seat assignment and boarding pass ahead of time will ease your journey through the airport.
Tip #4: Air travelers should avoid wrapping gifts. Most people know not to wrap gifts being tucked into carry-on bags. But wrapped gifts in your checked bags may also send off warning signals to security officials. Forget the gift wrap and just use gift bags. Or...
Tip #5: Send those gifts ahead of time. The cheapest way to do so -order goodies on line and have the e-commerce site send the gifts directly to the recipient. Look for sites offering free holiday shipping to save even more.
Tip #6: You've probably already booked your flights. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? Christmas? But if you haven't, look for non-stop flights leaving from "alternative" airports (Chicago Midway, Burbank) early in the day. If you have to connect, consider the hub carefully. Flights through Chicago are more likely to be delayed by winter weather snafus than those through Dallas or Atlanta. Also, consider flying on the holidays themselves. Planes are less crowded and Jane has found that everyone, from the flight staff to your fellow passengers, is nicer. Ho, ho, ho.
Tip #7: You want to stay healthy during the holidays, right? If so, Jane recommends three things. First, wash your hands constantly (you'll need to carry body lotion to re-moisturize). Second, bring along an anti-bacterial product (if flying, squeeze it into three-ounce bottles). Third, Jane loves her Emergen-C. This elixir of the gods, as Jane calls it, contains super-high doses of Vitamin C and other essential nutrients, all of which help give the immune system a much needed boost.
Tip #8: Mental health is also a consideration during the holidays. If spending a little too much time with family and friends is an issue, consider booking an inexpensive hotel for a couple of nights instead of staying with the relatives for the entire week. Likewise, if you are the host, you might offer the "gift" of a night or two at your local Days Inn or Ramada or Howard Johnson. It just might be the best present you give all season long!
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