Reminders for Your Winter Travel

Traveling during winter also means you get to depart from where you are, arrive to your destination and return back home safe and sound. It would mean you are prepared for the snow, ice, sleet and rain that comes your way.

As our way of helping you, here are three simple things to remember:

FLY NONSTOP WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Why? This is because sometimes that worst-case scenarios could happen while waiting for connecting flights. When your connecting flight gets delayed for more than eight hours or is completely canceled due to air traffic or other reasons, you usually have three choices to choose from: First, you can go back to your own home; that is if you are just near the airport. Second, you can go back to your hotel or get a hotel room to stay for the night. Third, you stay at the airport, which isn't so bad at all if that particular airport gives you a safe place to stay.

This would not happen if you are in a nonstop flight. As much as you can, search for flights that are nonstop and have your dates flexible. If you have to go to the next nearest airport - given that it is just within the same locality - to have this nonstop flight, then go for it.

Unfortunately, this doesn't work all the time. Thus, if you really need to make a connecting flight, make sure you have enough time allowance for delays. In such cases, let the attendants know of your situation so they could help you work something out.

WHEN USING PRIVATE VEHICLES

If your winter trip does not include flying, then tendency is that it involves a lot of driving. If so, remember that safety is your topmost priority. Remember that road conditions during winter are very different from that of summer. If you are using your own vehicle, do remember the following:

a. Have your vehicle checked before your date of travel. Make sure it is in good running condition. Check the lights, the batteries, the tires and other parts to make sure it can survive extreme winter weather. Also make sure that defrosters are working.

b. Put some extra clothing, food or snacks, first aid kit, emergency lights and other winter handy tools inside your car. This is to prepare for car breakdowns along the way. The extra clothing should be enough to sustain extreme cold conditions.

c. Take note of the road and driving rules of the area you are headed to. This will help avoid violations and other road mishaps.

WHAT TO PACK

Aside from winter clothes and necessities, make sure you have something that could keep you warm, including something to cover your ears (e.g. hat) and something that at least partly covers the back of your neck (e.g. scarf). Of course, do not forget winter jackets, gloves to keep your hands and shoes to keep your feet warm, and clothing for layering. Pack as light as you can.