| With the holidays right around the corner, Americans | | | | a list of what is and is not permitted on board.) If you're |
| are preparing to head over the river, through the | | | | pulled aside for further search or for wanding, don't try |
| woods ... and into the airport. With all the ever-changing | | | | to argue with the security officer. |
| airport restrictions, occasional travelers may be | | | | - Avoid peak travel days (like the day before |
| nervous about what to expect. Marlys Arnold, frequent | | | | Thanksgiving). If your schedule is flexible, consider |
| traveler and author of Pack Your Bags!, an interactive | | | | traveling early in the day on the holiday itself. Not only |
| book on CD-ROM, offers the following tips to make | | | | will flights be less crowded, you might just get a better |
| travel planning (and the journey itself) go smoother. | | | | deal. |
| - Don't be a chronic overpacker. It really is possible to | | | | - Leave all gifts unwrapped - take some gift bags and |
| pack for a week in a carry-on! The keys are to make | | | | tissue to package items after you arrive. And if you |
| a packing list and plan a mix-and-match wardrobe. | | | | plan to give any liquid gifts, such as cologne, it might be |
| - Never wait until the last minute to pack. That's a sure | | | | best to ship them, rather than placing in checked |
| sign that you'll be missing items you really need. | | | | luggage. |
| - If your travel involves a child, take their needs into | | | | If you're driving: |
| consideration. Don't plan your days too full. And be | | | | - Get a routine maintenance check of your car and |
| sure to take along toys and activities to keep them | | | | top off all fluids, especially anti-freeze and windshield |
| entertained while in the car or on the plane. | | | | washer fluid. |
| If you're flying: | | | | - Always check road conditions before starting out. If |
| - Be smart at the airport. Leave plenty of time to | | | | you'll be crossing multiple states, call each one's road |
| make it through the screening process. You may even | | | | condition hotline to get the latest information. |
| want to check the airport's Web site to see how early | | | | - Pack a winter survival and emergency kit with |
| they recommend you arrive. And prepare for long lines | | | | blankets, jumper cables, flashlights (with fresh |
| and delays -- bring a book or a fully-charged MP3 | | | | batteries), and non-perishable food. |
| player to help pass the time. | | | | - Never drink and drive. |
| - Don't attempt to take items that will cause you or | | | | With proper planning and a bit of caution, holiday travel |
| your fellow travelers grief at the security gates. All | | | | doesn't have to be stressful. |
| liquids you carry on must be in quantities of three | | | | (These tips are adapted from Pack Your Bags!, by |
| ounces or less, and all bottles must fit inside one | | | | Marlys K. Arnold (2006). Used with permission. |
| quart-size clear zip bag. (Check the TSA Web site for | | | | |