While the holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, traveling during this time is often not as jolly and bright. Last year’s AAA Thanksgiving projections estimated as many as 48.7 million Americans would be traveling in November, and end-of year holiday travel was expected to have more than 103 million on the roads — the highest on record. Within that group, most were forecasted to drive to their destinations.
Tips for a Safe Holiday Trip
If you or someone you know is hitting the road (or the skies) for the holidays, below are several tips for traveling during this busy season:
- Keep an eye on the weather: Note that bad weather can affect plane, train, and bus schedules, essentially ruining holiday plans if the delay lasts multiple days.
- Build in backup plans for surprises: Lost luggage, jet lag, delayed flights, dead smartphone batteries, and other unexpected issues may arise. Having alternate options will reduce the stress of holiday travel.
- Keep it off social media: While traveling is exciting, announcing your plans — particularly arrival and departure dates — can be a recipe for returning to an empty home.
- Lock up, but keep the lights on: On the same note, asking neighbors to clear away any clues that you are on extended holiday (removing newspapers and accumulated mail, shoveling driveway, etc.) and keeping the lights on timers will help keep burglars from noticing you are gone.
- Be aware of your surroundings: This applies to all, but particularly women who are traveling alone. Safety tips include having hotel staff write your hotel number down instead of saying it out loud, being aware if anyone is paying particular attention to you, not getting into the elevator alone, and trusting your gut.
- Patience, patience, patience: One of the most important virtues in life is patience. Keep in mind that the holidays are stressful for everyone trying to get to his or her destination, so focus on the time with loved ones and cut everyone (including yourself) some slack during this holiday season.
- Let the family know: It is important to inform family and/or loved ones about the route you are taking, and your estimated time of arrival so that they may contact the authorities should anything go awry.
- Designate a driver: This rule applies whether at home or traveling. At the onset of festivities, designate someone who will remain sober and drive at the end of the night and never, ever get into a car with a driver who has been drinking.
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Holiday Travel Statistics
The number of expected travelers was estimated to increase by 1.5% as compared to 2015. Reasons behind the surge included additional consumer spending stemming from improvements in the labor market and a rise in wages. Beyond this, gas prices had remained low, increasing consumer optimism which prompted more Americans to hit the roads. AAA expected to rescue more than 980,000 over the 11-day holiday, with most of the reasons for the needed assistance to include dead batteries, flat tires, and vehicle lockouts.
While traveling is exciting, announcing your plans — particularly arrival and departure dates — can be a recipe for returning to an empty home.
Car Accident Attorneys in Florida
The most popular holiday bookings – with the exception of the all-time classic New York City – according to AAA, included warm weather locations such as Nevada, California, and Florida. Should you or a loved one suffer an injury during your holiday travels, after seeking medical care, contact the Central Florida personal injury attorneys at Bogin, Munns & Munns to learn about your rights under the law. Click here to schedule your free personal injury consultation.
NOTICE: The article above is not intended to serve as legal advice, and you should not rely on it as such. It is offered only as general information. You should consult with a duly licensed attorney regarding your Florida legal matter, as every situation is unique. Please know that merely reading this article, subscribing to this blog, or otherwise contacting Bogin, Munns & Munns does not establish an attorney-client relationship with our firm. Should you seek legal representation from Bogin, Munns & Munns, any such representation must first be agreed to by the firm and confirmed in a written agreement.
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