It’s finally here! The week when we all find out if we’re on the naughty list or the nice list! Millions of American will be leaving the comfort and security of their own homes to visit family and friends across the world. If you’re one of those families who will be leaving your Colorado Springs Home, Campbell Homes has a list of tips that we hope will keep your holidays happy and safe:
Packing Checklist: The distractions of the season can get in the way of efficient packing. To stay focused, create a packing checklist for each family member, noting all items of clothing and personal care needed for travel. Weeks before you travel start to think about what you’ll be attending while on the trip. This will give you an idea of what type of clothes you need to pack and get your brain moving in that direction, leaving behind excess items that won’t be worn.
Check the weather: The weather seems to be all over the place no matter what part of the country you’re in. Temperatures change drastically daily, so call your friends or family for an idea of what the weather has been like and pack accordingly.
Buy travel size: If you don’t travel often, it may be wiser to purchase small bottles of anything you’ll need on your trip. Remember that if you’re staying with family, they’ll have things like shampoo and soap, but if you’re skin is sensitive or you’re a label snob, it’s best to pack your own.
Pre-pack: A few days before it’s time to travel, pre-pack. This means gathering the items to get a last glance, leaving you plenty of time to pick up things you might need from the store.
Pick a palette: Men and women (and kids) should have a color palette for travel. This means garments will work with each other and can be used to create more outfits should you need it. Smart options include two neutrals and two or three colors. Remember accessories take up little room and dramatically change any outfit.
Limit shoes: Most of us only need two pairs of shoes on any given trip – one pair of casual shoes and one pair of dress shoes.
Pack Creatively: Rolling your clothing maximizes space. Place socks and underwear in shoes. Limit your undergarments. Remember, only one bag per person.
Know the rules: Know about the Transportation Security Administration’s RULES FOR TRAVELERS to help eliminate TSA delays and help keep security lines running smoothly. The closer to Christmas you travel, the more hectic the airport will be. Be organized and prepared before you get to there to avoid any snafus that will put a damper on your holiday plans.
Put ID tags on all of your bags: This includes personal items that you’re carrying-on. You never know where you may set down your laptop case and walk off without it.
Check in online: Nearly every airline offers an online option for checking in. This can usually be done starting 24 hours before the flight.
Keep IDs and passports together: One person, mom or dad, or anyone else who is responsible, should have all forms of identification together. This will reduce individuals losing their IDs while going through the airport ruckus. If a family all shares the same last name, they can pass through customs together.
Dress for the airport: This means minimal layers and shoes that can easily be removed.
Cash: Remember that many airlines now charge for checked luggage. It is fastest and easiest to pay for this with cash, so have $10-$20 per bag with you.
Time: For international travel, it’s suggested you arrive at the airport three hours before departure. For domestic travel, it’s two hours. This is year round, so give yourself an additional hour during the holidays.
Pack snacks: This goes if you’re traveling with kids or not. Snacks on flights and at the airport are overpriced and usually full of sugar and salt.
Be pleasant: Airport employees regularly deal with bad attitudes around the clock and during the holidays it gets worse with an influx of travelers who aren’t aware of airport etiquette. A smile goes a long way and even if you’re in a pickle, be pleasant and respectful of whomever you’re speaking to.
Be helpful: If you see a less-seasoned traveler who needs help, offer your services. Sure, you aren’t an airport employee, but in the spirit of the season and just plain human decency, it will do you some good to throw someone a helping hand.
Check your flight before you leave your house: Flights can be cancelled anytime, so just because you checked the night before doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. Check the flight about an hour before you leave to ensure there are no delays.
Be prepared for something to go wrong: We aren’t saying go in with a bad attitude, but understand that flying for the holidays usually will involve lines, crowds, screaming children and snippy airline employees. Be prepared to weather the storm.
Packing Gifts: Airline security checkpoints are no place to try to re-wrap a Christmas gift. If you must fly with presents, wait until your destination to wrap them, or place gifts in easy-to-inspect gift bags.
Some gifts should be carried on: If it’s valuable, sentimental or you went to great lengths to get the gift, carry it on. It won’t be worth the hassle or heartache should your luggage get lost and the gift doesn’t make its way to the recipient
Have a few general gifts. Once you arrive at your destination, grab a few general gifts like gift cards for the movies, chocolates and cheeses that you can gift to people who unexpectedly show up at a get-together.
Don’t forget something for the host. If you have everything else delivered, remember to show up with something for your host. It doesn’t have to be fancy. You can opt for a candle, guest soaps or an ornament, but show your gratitude with a small token.
Traveling with kids can be challenging!
Make the Wait Great: A secret weapon for the flight or car is free storybook podcasts from iTunes. For two kids, try a headphone-jack splitter, about $5 at electronics stores.
Bring a Bit of Home With You: Do you each pick one present to open on Christmas Eve? Read a special story or break out new pajamas the night before the holiday? Take your best tradition along.
Hit the bookstore: A few days before you leave, visit the bookstore with kids. Let them each choose a couple of books and give them to the kids once you’re on the flight.
A pencil and paper: Never underestimate the entertainment that is doodling. Kids from ages 3 to late teens can be occupied for hours with a pencil and notepad.
Pack all of the chargers: For gaming devices, MP3 players and cell phones, the kids need chargers. Pack all of them in one place so if a gadget goes down, they know where to find a charger. You don’t want to deal with your 15 year old daughter should her texting capabilities go!
Let the kids go: If you’re with extended family that your children are seldom around, let them hang out with their cousins and mingle with distant relatives. Let them eat ice cream three meals a day – they can be back on track when you get home. Remember as long as it’s safe, you don’t have to be with them every waking moment, as it’s your holiday season too.
Finally, Don’t be afraid to ask for help. For kids 14, 15 or older, don’t be afraid to ask for their help regarding younger siblings. All siblings should be reminded to look out for each other when traveling and lend a hand when and where they can. And, if you happen to be staying home in Colorado Springs, Campbell Homes invites you to stop by any of our model homes throughout Colorado Springs for festive refreshments and fellowship. Our model homes will close at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and all day on Christmas. We will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 26 and January 2, 2011. Visiting us won’t cost you a thing and you might get some great decorating ideas, find your next new home, or just enjoy homemade cookies and a cup of hot coffee or cider!
From the Campbell Homes family to yours, Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!
As we mentioned last week