Thanksgiving Travel Safety Tips

Traveling during the holiday seasons can be a bit touchy. Here are 5 tips to keep travelers safe this Thanksgiving when traveling by car and 5 tips to keep travelers safe when traveling by air. My family travels all year around and finds these tips are always helpful to keep our family safe.

Thanksgiving Driving Safety Tip 1 - Plan to leave a day early this year and beat the traffic. Thanksgiving is the start of the largest holiday travel season. Beat those others who are on the road by planning ahead a bit on the time guideline. Same with your return trip this year plan to stay one extra day before the return drive.

Thanksgiving Driving Safety Tip 2 - Check that automobile and make sure it is sound, enough air in the tires, oil change on time before you leave, water in the windshield wipers, seatbelts are strong and safe, engine is running good no strange noises and be sure to check the brakes.

Thanksgiving Driving Safety Tip 3 - Pack some snacks and drinks (water preferably), these snacks will help you to keep that blood sugar levels even while driving for a few hours behind the wheel of the car.

Thanksgiving Driving Safety Tip 4 - Stop along the way. It is a good idea to stop every 2 or 3 hours and get out of the car. Let the kids run around for about 15 minutes. Don't be in a hurry to reach your destination. It may even be nice to plan a couple of side trips at interesting areas for keeping your brain working strong.

Thanksgiving Driving Safety Tip 5 - Stop and sleep or change drivers if the present driver becomes tired, it is better to be safe in your car and take some time to rest then cause an accident. It is a good idea to plan an overnight stay on the way to and from your destination. Driving straight through on a long road trip is hard on the drivers and even the passenger's body and mental abilities. Better to get there rested and ready for the holiday then tired and ready for bed.

If you are flying this holiday season use these 5 tips to keep that trip fun and restful.

Thanksgiving Flying Safety Tip 1 - Arrive at the airport early. Yes they always tell you 2 hours for domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights. But I suggest you make those 3 hours for domestic and 5 hours for international. Here's why, stressed travelers cause accidents and hang-ups at the airport. Keep your family safe and arrive with enough time to get a bite to eat and a drink. Bring along something for the kids to do in the airport and on the plane to keep them occupied and relax before they call the flight.

Thanksgiving Flying Safety Tip 2 - Make sure to carry the proper size bags for the airline. Check an oversize bag, be sure not to pack anything of any value in the checked bag as they can and often do get lost. Carry all medications in their original bottles and bring them on the plane with you.

Thanksgiving Flying Safety Tip 3 - If there is anyone in the travel party that has a medical problem be sure to notify the airline before flying and also the stewards on the plane so they can keep an eye on those passengers if they rise from their seats.

Thanksgiving Flying Safety Tip 4 - Be sure you know the regulations for security at the airport. Don't bring large bottles of liquid in your check-in bags these are not allowed. Bring extra sandwich bags for those items they request you separate before entering security. This small step will save time and stress on all the travelers in your party and any travelers who may be in the security line behind your party.

Thanksgiving Flying Safety Tip 5 - Be sure when flying on a flight longer than 1 hour all those in the travel party get up frequently and walk up and down the aisles of the plane. There are some activities that can be done in the seats also, leg lifts, angle rotations, stomp your feet, stand in the seat area a few moments. These are not just safety tips for the elderly passengers; children can also suffer from blood clots and swollen ankles when flying. Bring activities for those children and be sure to give a baby a bottle or pacifiers during take off and landing as small children cannot pop their ears properly.