Tips for Smooth Holiday Travel

Planning a holiday road trip? Keep these tips in mind!

There are undoubtedly several things running through your mind when you travel during the holidays - the safety of your children, the well-being of your pets, and the little annoyances of driving on the road or even in the air (lost luggage anyone?). However, there are little tips you can follow that will help ease your stress and help you enjoy your holidays.

Here are a couple things to keep in mind when shopping and traveling this holiday season.

When traveling with your children:

• Have a designated spot to meet up in case you get separated (in the back left corner of the store, in the cereal isle, at the cash registers, etc.)
• Teach your children how to recognize which people to look for help (salesperson, uniformed officer, etc.)
• When making arrangements for your child to travel alone, make sure that the airline knows and try to book a direct or non-stop route.
• In the case of a delay, remain at the gate or stop until the plane or train departs.

When traveling with your pets:

• Be sure your pet ID tags list a mobile phone number.
• If traveling on the road, make sure you have plenty of food and water in the car, especially if your pet requires a specific type of food.  It might not be availalbe on the road.
• If you are traveling by air and your pet is larger than 15 pounds, then you will be required to get an IATA compliant pet crate.

Here are a few extra tips for the travel season:

• Some airlines have restrictions on baggage during the holidays so it is always a good idea to send your gifts ahead of time.
• Give your house a "lived-in" look while you're gone by having a neighbor pick up your mail, setting timers for your light, and by not leaving details of your trip on your answering machine. This will discourage any burglars from attempting to rob your house while you're away.

Remember, holiday travel is one of the most dangerous for Americans.  If you do find yourself in an unfortunate accident, contact a Dallas automobile accident attorney immediately.  They will take care of your insurance claim so you can focus on your family during the holiday season.