The Impacts of Winter Weather on Holiday Travel
Dec 19, 2018 | Aon
There’s no place like home for the holidays – if you can make it there. Just ask the travelers impacted by this year’s Thanksgiving weekend snow storm.
While you can’t control the weather, you can plan ahead to make any unexpected delays bearable. As millions get ready to travel for the holidays again this December, here are a few tips to successfully navigate any potential winter storms:
- By land: Believe it or not, winter weather forecasting is quite reliable. Be sure to check the weather days before your departure, map out which route will be the best to drive, and always keep your tank at least half full. You should also make sure your car is stocked up, inside and out – this includes winter tires and an emergency kit with food, blankets and plenty of water. Charge your devices so that you can check your routes and weather updates during the trip. Having a co-pilot always helps!
- By air: Flying nonstop and booking the earliest flights are the two best things you can do while traveling by air this holiday season. Connecting flights can cause the most problems when flying during bad winter weather. Keeping an eye on your flight status online will help you prepare for any changes, so sign up for text alerts to stay updated until the last minute. Travel insurance is typically offered at the point of purchase; read the terms and conditions to see if it’s worth the investment for your holiday getaway.
- By sea: Celebrating your holidays on the open seas? Cruise lines are on top of the weather game and are masters at re-routing around weather to minimize the risk of running into storms. Royal Caribbean even has its own meteorologist on staff. For an extra layer of protection that covers you from the moment you leave your home until the moment you return, travel protection is generally offered so even snafus in getting to the airport won’t completely dismantle your vacation.
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