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Holiday travel

The holidays are here and many of us will be traveling. In fact, Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest travel weekend of the year.1 Farmers believes in sharing information to help you get smarter about insurance and planning. We want you to have a safe and relaxed Thanksgiving holiday so here are some smart tips about holiday travel and insurance. (To see accompanying article on rental car insurance, click here.)

The busiest travel day
Traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday often requires patience and a laid-back attitude — otherwise the many transportation delays and traffic and travel snags could make you crazy. But with a bit of smart planning you may be able to minimize the hassles associated with holiday air travel. Regardless of your plans, these are some useful travel tips:

● Plan ahead — Take advantage of lower rates in the early fall — use social media. Sign up for sale notifications from your airline of choice on Facebook and Twitter. It’s never too early to start your holiday travel planning.

● Know your airports — Checking alternate airports is a standard tactic for frequent travelers. This time of year it’s a smart tactic for all travelers and can really make a difference on almost every front — parking, rental cars, nearby hotels and so on. Often you can save both time and money by using an alternate airport.

● Pack light/travel light — Many airlines charge for checked bags so pack light and carry your bag on board. If you are traveling with a good deal of gear for a young child (or even yourself), consider shipping some of your belongings to your destination ahead of time. Prior to packing, check on the current TSA regulations for carry-on bags and approved quantities of liquids, aerosols and gels. Be sure to abide by the 3-1-1 for carry-on luggage.

● Choose the best days — Avoid traveling on high traffic days when crowds and prices are often at their peak.

● Get smart with your smartphone — Clever apps such as The GateGuru app and Tripit.com for iPhones, Androids and Windows phones can help you find amenities at unfamiliar airports, stay on top of gate changes, get estimated TSA wait times and make sure you go to the right terminal for your flight. Most airlines have mobile websites where passengers can check in, confirm seats and keep track of their flight status.

● Print your boarding pass at home — It’s simple to do and will save you time.

Take a trip before your trip
Whether your plans include a road trip or an air trip, for a wealth of smart travel information, resources and bargains, visit IndependentTraveler.com, an interactive traveler’s exchange and comprehensive online travel guide.

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season when millions of Americans take to the roads or board trains and planes around the country. Be smart — plan ahead and have a great Thanksgiving.

1http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/travelers-ed/holiday-travel- outlook