Five tips for stress-free summer travel
Life is stressful – vacations shouldn't be.
Experts from Travelocity have identified five common travel problems and easy solutions for travelers. Whether it's a last-minute getaway or a long vacation, proper planning is the key to a stress-free trip. Travelers can take the stress out of trips before they even leave their house if they follow a few simple tips. You don't have to be an expert, but you can travel like one if you plan ahead.
Vacation Stressor: Missed flights will delay the trip
Solution:
Check in online before flights. Every major airline allows travelers to check in on their web site up to 24 hours in advance. This will save time typically spent in lines at the airport. Also, families should choose this option so they can select seats together.
Use the correct lane at security. Nearly every airport security checkpoint in the country has family, casual traveler, and expert lanes. Families that need a little more time to have their liquids checked and get the kids and stroller through the metal detectors will not feel pressured by expert travelers behind them. Expert travelers who are familiar with the rules can breeze though their lanes.
Vacation Stressor: Terrible weather will ruin vacations
Solution:
It is hurricane season, so choosing a destination with a weather guarantee is a smart move. Some hotels and resorts will issue a credit for a later date if a hurricane interrupts a trip or prevents travelers from taking it.
If a hurricane or similar major weather event affects a destination, most airlines will waive change fees and allow travelers to reschedule for a later date.
Vacation Stressor: Luggage will get lost or items will be stolen
Solution:
Ship luggage ahead of time through companies like The Luggage Club and have luggage (including skis, golf clubs, baby strollers, bikes, surfboards and bags) picked up at home and dropped off at the vacation destination.
Use a TSA-approved lock to protect belongings. Wordlock is one TSA-approved lock that allows travelers to secure belongings with a word combination instead of numbers – easier to remember and the TSA will not have to cut the lock should they need to inspect the bags.
Vacation Stressor: Booking a vacation too early and then finding a better deal
Solution:
Choose travel companies that have some sort of price-protection plan. For example, Travelocity's PriceGuardian (SM) program automatically refunds up to $500 if someone else books the same Flight+Hotel vacation on Travelocity for a lower price.
Vacation Stressor: Unexpected unemployment could make a trip too expensive and force travelers to cancel
Solution:
Choose an airline or destination with a job-loss refund guarantee. For example, JetBlue's ‘Promise Program' gives refunds on tickets if the traveler experiences involuntary job loss before the trip.
Choose a trip protection plan that specifically covers job loss. Not all trip protection plans cover all situations, so choosing the right one is key to protecting your vacation investment.
It could all be simple common sense, but a little advance planning can take the stress out of travel. Enjoy the journey.
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