The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and travel. Whether you're visiting family, going on a winter getaway, or exploring a new destination, holiday travel can be both exciting and overwhelming. With crowded airports, packed roads, and potential weather delays, preparing for holiday travel requires a little extra planning. Here’s some tips to help you navigate the hustle and bustle of holiday travel with ease.
The earlier you book your travel arrangements, the better. Flights, trains, and hotels fill up fast during the holiday season, and prices can skyrocket if you wait until the last minute. If possible, try to book your tickets at least a few weeks in advance to lock in better rates.Be prepared for the possibility of delays or cancellations, especially if you're traveling during peak travel days like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Eve. Consider choosing flights with flexible cancellation policies or travel insurance that covers disruptions.
Holiday travel typically peaks in the middle of the day or early evening. To avoid the largest crowds and find cheaper tickets, consider flying early in the morning or late at night. These off-peak times often mean shorter lines, less congestion, and a quieter airport experience.
Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of travel, especially when you're bringing gifts or holiday gear like coats and boots. To avoid overpacking, create a packing list and start packing early and use compression cubes to stay neat and organized. If you're bringing holiday gifts, consider shipping them ahead of time to save space in your luggage. I would caution against wrapping your presents because TSA might need to inspect them.
Holiday travel and winter weather often go hand in hand. Snowstorms, icy roads, and fog can cause delays and cancellations, especially in colder climates. Before leaving, check weather forecasts for your destination, and allow extra time for travel in case you encounter delays.
Whether you're traveling by air, rail, or road, staying informed is key to reducing stress and avoiding unnecessary headaches. Download travel apps for your airline, train company, or car rental service to receive real-time updates on delays or cancellations.
Get on TSA Precheck or Global Entry to save so much time and stress. You go through the lines faster and don’t have to take your shoes off or electronics out of their bags. It is probably the best travel investment I’ve made. I wrote another blog about it here.
The holiday season is also flu season, and crowded airports and public transport hubs can be a breeding ground for germs. I like to take Vitamin C and D to keep my immune system healthy. Always wash your hands regularly and I carry hand sanitizer on me just in case. .
Lastly, remember that travel is part of the holiday experience. While things may not always go according to plan, try to enjoy the journey. So, embrace the holiday chaos with a smile, and remember that it's all part of the adventure!
Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!
As working moms, our lives are already hectic. We are juggling the needs of our children, our homes, and our jobs all at once. So when we have to deal with difficult coworkers or caddy coworkers at work, it can be a major source of stress and anxiety. But there is hope! Here are some tips on how to rise above caddy coworkers and keep your sanity at work.
It’s important to make time for yourself during the day. Take a few minutes every day to do something that you enjoy, such as reading a book or taking a walk outside. This will help you relax and refocus so that you can tackle any difficult situation that comes up with your caddy coworker head-on without letting your emotions get the best of you.
When dealing with difficult people like caddy coworkers, it’s easy to take their comments personally or feel like they are out to get you. But it’s important to stay level-headed and remember that their actions may not be about you—they may just be having a bad day or dealing with some sort of personal issue that has nothing to do with you. Taking things personally will only make the situation worse and add more stress into your life than necessary.
When handling difficult people in the workplace, setting boundaries is key! Decide what behavior is acceptable for yourself and stick to those boundaries no matter what anyone else says or does. That way, if someone crosses those boundaries, you can stand firm knowing that you have set clear expectations for yourself and won’t tolerate anything less than what you expect from others. It’s important to remember that while it might not always be easy, setting boundaries will ultimately help keep your sanity at work by creating an environment of respect and understanding between yourself and your coworkers.
Dealing with difficult people in the workplace can be stressful and overwhelming as a working mom, but don't despair! With these tips on how to rise above caddy coworkers and keep your sanity at work, you can stay focused on being productive without letting negative energy bring you down. By taking time for yourself each day, not taking things personally when dealing with difficult people, and setting clear boundaries for yourself in the office, you can create an atmosphere of respect and productivity even when faced with caddy coworkers!
