Sunday, May 6, 2007

Tips on making holiday a memorable one

A few days of holiday can change your life. It can lift your spirits and give you a new energy. Everybody needs a break. Only work and work makes a man really sick and lazy. You need to have a break and go for a holiday. If traveling is included in a holiday, then it's real fun.

Traveling during the holidays is very stressful if you are not well planned. A good plan can save your favorite holiday.

Don’t let travel worries ruin your holiday plans. Here are some tips to help you have a happy holiday season.

General Tips

  • Plan and plan. Have your holiday plans mapped out well in advance so you don’t have to scurry around at the last minute making travel plans, booking hotels or coordinating with family and friends.
  • Pack lightly and smartly. Don’t wait to the last minute to pack for your trip. Plan out beforehand what you will need. Take clothing items that can be mixed and matched to cut down on the amount you pack in your suitcase. A suitcase with fewer items is easier to carry and clothing stays fresher.
  • Suitcase with rolls. Make sure you use a suitcase with rolling wheels and a pull-up handle so you are not putting unnecessary stress on your joints.
  • Sleep well. You will enjoy your holiday more if you make sure you get plenty of sleep. Make sure you don’t burn the candle at both ends on the days leading up to your holiday trip.
  • Don't carry your packages. Don’t carry cumbersome holiday gifts with you. Shop online or stop by the post office before you go and ship all your packages before you leave. Remember to leave plenty of time for the slower holiday deliveries.
  • Book a room. Consider staying in a hotel, even if you are invited to spend your holiday with family or friends in their homes. Sometimes in the hectic holiday atmosphere, it is nice to have a place you can go to relax and have some quiet time to yourself. Also, your hotel also may have a place for you to exercise or a good-sized tub for a hot soak. Make sure that your hotel can accommodate any special needs you may have, such as wheelchair accessibility, a room near the elevators or accessible bathrooms.
  • Prescriptions & Medicines. Carry extra prescriptions on your person so you can replace any lost medication.
  • Always carry snacks & water. Carry a bottle of water and a small snack like fruit or peanut butter crackers so that you don’t get hungry or dehydrated.

Air Travel

  • Don’t hurry. Make your reservations well in advance of your travel time to make sure you have your choice of flight times and seats.
  • Make your needs known. When you make your reservations, find out whether the airline can accommodate your needs. You may want to arrange assistance in boarding and exiting the plane, request a wheelchair be waiting for you at the gate, or board and exit the plan before other passengers.
  • Prescribed necessary medicines. Keep medications in their original bottles and carry a note from your doctor in case you are questioned by airport security.
  • Speak up. Remind the gate official when you check in of any special requests that you had so that they know who you are ahead of time.
  • Have a Second Plan. Always bring a lightweight carry-on bag to hold your medications, a change of underwear and socks, a toothbrush and other vital items. If you are stranded en route, because of bad weather or a missed connection, you may not have access to your checked luggage.
  • Move it. During your flight, try exercising in your seat. Roll your shoulders in a circle, and flex your ankles, hands and fingers. Whenever possible, walk up and down the aisle or to the restroom.

Car Travel

  • Rent a ride. If you don’t think your car will be comfortable for your drive, consider renting a car that is.
  • Watch the time. Plan your driving time carefully to make sure you don’t get stuck in traffic. You might find it easier to drive a night or before the morning rush. If you can, travel during the week instead of on the weekend.
  • Be flexible. If you aren’t feeling up to driving, don’t push it. Postpone your trip one day. Or if you get tired, pull over and walk around, have cup of coffee or get a light bite to eat.
  • Plan your rest. Stop every hour or so to walk around and stretch. Rest areas are great for this.
  • Share the road. Get someone to share the driving with you. That way you can switch off as needed and everyone feels better when they arrive.


If you plan carefully, then your holidays will become memorable one.