Newswise — Looking to spend the holiday season in a sunny locale that is stress-free and easy on your pocketbook? A Ryerson University expert offers these holiday travel tips that will help you enjoy a relaxing vacation without maxing out your credit cards: Tips on Booking Holiday Travel1. Use multiple websites to comparison shop for vacation deals.2. If you have specific travel dates and vacation destinations, your options are more limited so it’s best to book early. The earlier you book, the better the chances of securing your preferred dates.3. Try to be flexible. If you can go away for a week, in January, you might want to wait to book so you can take advantage of last-minute deals. 4. The holiday season is peak travel season all around the world. Planning your trip for a week or two before or after the holiday season will give you more options and save you money.5. If possible, try to book one of your travel dates on Christmas Day or even New Year’s Day. Flights and trains will be less busy and wait times should be shorter.
Tips on Packing for Holiday Travel1. If you’re travelling with gifts, leave them unwrapped. Christmas gifts may be opened and checked by security. 2. Try to pack lightly, especially when you’re bringing gifts, to avoid excess baggage charges, which could push the envelope on your holiday budget.3. Consider shipping your gifts in advance to make travelling easier and to avoid your loved ones’ gifts ending up in the lost luggage abyss. Avoid sending everything in one box, just in case. 4. If you’re travelling with someone, pack some necessities in each other’s bag. This way, you’ll both be covered in case one your suitcases get misplaced during the holiday rush.
Avoiding Airport Stress1. Avoid the parking hassle at the airport by taking a taxi or airport limousine. This way, you can relax and start your hard-earned vacation on the right foot.2. Book your seats online and print your boarding pass before you get to the airport. Most airlines also offer SMS texting to your cell to alert you to any last-minute gate changes or flight delays.3. If you plan to use your smart phone to display an electronic boarding pass barcode be sure you have a fully charged battery before heading to the airport. You don’t want a dead phone to disrupt your check-in.4. Try not to buy last minute gifts, drinks or reading material before you have cleared the security zone. This will save you unnecessary hassle and money on items that you may have to discard.
EXPERT AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:Gabor ForgacsAssistant ProfessorTed Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism ManagementOffice: 416-979-5000 x 6693[email protected]Available until Dec. 13, 2012
For a full list of our holiday tip sheets please visit: http://www.ryerson.ca/news/media/spotlight/holiday2012/index.html
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