It's exciting to pack up the whole family and make a journey to see close friends, visit a magical (or just warm) location, or spend time with extended family over the holidays. But traveling this time of year can also be especially exceptionally stressful. Here are some tips for making your holiday travel time more relaxed, enjoyable, or at least a little more tolerable:
Give yourself extra time: Accidents, delays and other unforeseen circumstances can make holiday travel even more stressful than usual, especially when you're rushing to get to a party or an important family engagement. So try not to cut it too close. Create a travel schedule that actually anticipates obstacles, and allows some flexibility for traveling with children or in winter weather.
Buy travel insurance: Nobody wants to cancel a holiday trip, but it does happen. Travel insurance is a great option, especially if you are planning to travel overseas. Depending on which policy you get, travel insurance can reimburse you if you have to cancel your trip for a wide variety of reasons, from an unexpected illness to bad weather, to passport problems. It can also cover not-so-common circumstances like terrorism, plane crashes and emergency evacuation.
Check your health insurance: Make sure you have up-to-date insurance cards, and read your policy to find out how your coverage works when you're not close to home. Make a list of in-network providers in case you get sick while traveling. Again, if you're going abroad, you might consider purchasing international health insurance many policies will not apply at all if you're traveling out of the country.
Stay safe on the road: If you're traveling by car, get a full tune up before you go: check the tires, brakes, oil and other fluids; windshield wipers, air filters, etc. When you're getting ready to go, don't pack the car too full. Make sure all mirrors and windows and visible to the driver. And don't forget to pack a basic emergency kit, including blankets, food and water.
Let friends and family know your plans: Share your itinerary with somebody at home as well as at your destination. If you don't arrive on time, or if someone is at your house before you're supposed to be home, friends and family will know to follow up.
Take care of your pets: Whether you're taking them along or leaving them with a friend, be sure to consider your pets in your travel plans. Write down emergency numbers, refill any prescriptions, and make arrangements for your furry friends to be well taken care of in your absence or on the road.
Plan for school absences: If you're leaving before school officially gets out for holiday break, make contact with your child's teachers to find out what they'll be missing and how they can stay on track while they are gone.
For any insurance questions, Call or contact InSouth Insurance Services today.