“Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go. . .” or “I’ll be home for Christmas. You can count on me.” With a nomadic society, so many people find themselves living far from family.  The idea of the holidays fills many with a deep longing to get home.   Who doesn’t want to be in a place filled with loved ones and memories for “the most wonderful time of the year?”

It’s time to be nailing down both your Thanksgiving and Christmas travel plans. Never is waiting until the last minute more unadvised than leading up to the holiday rush.  Here are some steps that you should be taking in order to travel this holiday season safely and smoothly.

• Check your travel budget or holiday/travel fund. Find out how much money you have to work with so that you can plan accordingly.
• Check your calendar and the calendar of everyone in your family.  Find out when school breaks and vacation days are.
• Plan your route.  No matter how you get there, the route must be considered.  Which airport will you fly out of?  Which highways will you take?  Where will you stop along the way?
• Cover your bases.  Need a flight?  Need a rental car?  Need a hotel?  Don’t show up and think you will be able to get these things last minute.  Make your reservations now.
• Consider your packing list.  It all depends on your method of travel.  You will not be able to bring gift-wrapped packages for everyone if you are flying home for the holidays this year.
• Prepare for weather.  November and December commonly have weather that makes travel more difficult.  Plan for the possibility.
• Give yourself plenty of extra time.  The holidays are the busiest travel times of the year!  Be sure to allow extra time for long lines and lots of traffic.
• Relax.  You know it will be busy.  Remember why you are doing this.  Even if you are elbow to elbow with people, smile because you will soon be with friends and family.

Members to ListPlanIt will find the lists they need in Holidays & Occasions to plan for an extraordinary holiday season.  Not yet a member?  Join today and get organized for the holiday season and beyond.