Where in the World do You Want to Go?
General Travel Tips

With portions of the country experiencing record snowfalls and temperatures plunging into the single digits, those planning a winter get-away may be thinking twice about leaving the house. To take the sting out of your winter travel plans, regardless of state choice, ASTA is providing a series of useful travel tips.

“As anyone who has read the news lately knows, travelers this winter are facing an increasing number of hurdles and challenges from weather delays to security issues,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair. “Now more than ever, an ounce of prevention is worth hours in line. Following common-sense advice and using a professional travel agent to book your trip won’t eliminate all travel hassles, but having someone on your side before, during and after your trip can make a world of difference.”

1) Plan Ahead: Waiting to the last minute always leaves a great deal of your trip up to happenstance. Contact your travel agent to book your vacation in advance as soon as you can manage. Then, you'll be able to avoid peak travel dates, get lower airfare, fly direct (or minimize your connections) and fly early or late in the day to avoid the bigger crowds and delays.

2) Leave Early for the  Airport - Give yourself more time than usual in order to anticipate the peripheral delays that could occur. Remember to bring some reading material while you wait in the security line or at your departure gate. In cities with snow or ice, arrival delays can exceed two to three hours and de-icing procedures can take an hour before takeoff.

3) Steer clear of Influenza - Winter travel can be a frequent contributor to the cold and flu season, adding a miserable element to your travel stress. Before you leave, visit your doctor's office to get the flu shot or nasal spray flu vaccine. Most germs will spread by contact, so wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer frequently.

4) Consider insurance -  Many travel insurance policies cover trip delay and cancellations due to weather.

Driving Tips    - > MORE