The holiday season is said to be the most wonderful time of the year but for many it’s also the most stressful time of the year with travel plans often foiled by traffic and wintry weather.
CAA Atlantic suggests that if you’re flying to book your flights early in the morning so that if there’s weather or mechanical delays you have more options as the day progresses, check in early to avoid long line-ups, don’t pack wrapped gifts in carry-on luggage as they’ll have to be unwrapped at security and don’t be a Grinch to airport staff.
“All the people working in the airport, whether it’s security or airline personnel, they’re trying to get you along your way as well so be nice…and just enjoy the season,” says Gary Howard of CAA Atlantic.
If you’re travelling by road, it’s suggested you put winter tires on your vehicle, let others know where you’re going before you travel, pack a winter car kit in case you have to wait for roadside assistance and carry a fully charged cell phone. Howard says the biggest thing to keep in mind on the road is defensive driving.
“Adapt yourself to local weather conditions and road conditions, and also keep an eye on the traffic around you because not everyone will be as good a driver as you are,” says Howard. “Every year it seems when we have our first snowfall we have the great Canadian memory loss.”