Travel Tip Tuesday (on Thursday) - Holiday Travel Eating

When you know you are traveling on a major national holiday like Christmas, it's best to have a game plan for eating. Does the hotel you are staying at have an open restaurant? Will you have a kitchen to make some basics you pick up from an open gas station? Are there nice places where you can eat if you make reservations? Will you be able to find an open fast food restaurant?

Kris and I knew we'd be in Phoenix on Christmas evening, and, while I knew we could rely on IHOP or Denny's being open, we had that on Thanksgiving with my brother Jimmy.

We didn't want fast food, but we also didn't want to spend $35+ dollars for a fancy Grand Prix meal at an upscale restaurant. After a little internet research, I found a local Jewish deli called Chompie's would be open. Better yet, they were featured on Man vs. Food.

Sometimes a bit of pre-prep can save you a bunch of headache.

Happy eating!

Travel Tip Tuesday: Pack the Wrapping

With holiday travel taking place, it's easy to forget security etiquette. Remember not to wrap your gifts that you are taking on a flight. Bring the wrapping paper & tape with you, and leave the gifts unwrapped in your luggage.

 If there is anything questionable about the package when that gift is scanned, they'll have to unwrap it.

 

Travel Tip Tuesday: Security Timesaver

While waiting in line for your ticket or for security (or better yet while getting ready for the day), put all loose items you’d put in your pants (wallet, keys, change, etc.) in your jacket pockets or carry-on bag instead.

You have to take your jacket off anyway, so it’s already ready for security and none of your items will be floating loose in the plastic bin.

Travel Tip Tuesday: ITA Flight Matrix

One of the best websites I know of for finding airfare is the ITA Flight Matrix (which also has an app called On The Fly).  This awesome website will search more airlines than any compiler I've found and returns the best rates.

You can't book your flight through the Matrix, but you can use the codes to contact a travel agent or, at least, have the information needed to ensure you are getting the best flight prices possible through Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity, or the airlines directly.

Happy Hunting!