One in three Americans will take a trip this holiday season that leads them 50 miles or more from home. This data compiled by AAA anticipates numbers of holiday travelers to top 100 million. With so many on the road, we wanted to share a few travel tips from AroundAbout Local Media.
Number One: Time is of the Essence
No matter how you travel – train, air, car, or bus – make sure that you give yourself plenty of time. You never know what type of traffic that you’ll run into, if luggage will get lost, or if mechanical issues will arise causing a delay.
Number Two: Travel Apps Help
A vehicle’s GPS system is helpful when traveling by car. Not only will you be able to avoid congested areas, but alternate routes are often suggested by in-car systems. If traveling by air, don’t forget to take advantage of the apps provided by the particular airline you are traveling on. Checking in before actually arriving at the airport is always a great timesaver. Take a look at the following apps for getting you to your destination in a safe and timely manner:
Google Maps
If you do not have an in-car navigation system, Google Maps will do the job for you. Plug your phone into the audio system of your vehicle and you’ll be as good as any other driver on the road with GPS.
Waze App
The Waze app is available on android and Apple devices. This is a community based app in which other drivers update accident and traffic alerts in real time.
Glympse App
Traveling to grandma’s house? Send her an invitation via text, email, or social channel to follow your progress on Glympse. The invitation you send using this app will allow recipients to view your location on a map. They’ll be at the door waiting for you when you arrive cause they’ll know just where you are at in your journey.
Number Three: Prepare Your Vehicle
When was the last time you changed your oil? How about checked your vehicle’s fluids? If you are traveling by car, it is always a good idea to have your car given a good checkover before the trip. This includes making sure the tires are properly inflated and that your fluids have recently been topped off.
If you are one of the 100 million or more expected to travel this holiday season, we wish you safe travels. We also welcome you to share your travel tips with us on our Sixes Living Facebook page.