Book tickets and accommodations in advance. It's no surprise that airline seats and hotel rooms sell out quickly during the busy Holiday season. Often, even weeks before the usual travel rush begins, rental cars and other transportation services to and from the airport also become unavailable. For this reason ground transportation should be arranged well ahead of your actual travel time. If advance planning is just not possible, last minute travelers need to be as flexible with their schedule as possible. Consider flying during non-peak hours or using a connecting flight or alternate airport to decrease the risk of transportation problems at your destination.

Lessen the risk of missing your flight. During the Holiday season airport parking lots are overcrowded and slow moving. Avoid parking problems altogether by leaving your car in an off-site parking lot and taking a shuttle. You, and your luggage, will be dropped right at the door without wasting your precious vacation time on endless circling of the parking lot.

Program your cell-phone with the toll-free service numbers of your travel agent, airline, hotels, credit cards and car rental companies. If something goes wrong you won't have to join long lines of other disgruntled passengers. Instead you’ll have your travel agent or the company's customer service department on speed-dial to quickly get the help you need.

Pack a picnic and lots of water. Faced with intense competition and soaring fuel prices, airlines have cut back on amenities, including meals. You don't want to face a long flight with nothing but a bag of pretzels. Instead, pack a picnic lunch for everyone in the family or pick up snacks at airport food courts. You'll find plenty of healthy options among all the food vendors stepping in to fill the need left by the airlines.

Packing Tips. Travel delays have become a common occurrence in today's fast-paced society. Be prepared in the event of a luggage mishap or flight delay and keep the following items in a single carry-on that can make a night without your luggage a little less traumatic.

• Personal Medication
• Money (traveler checks, ATM card, credit cards)
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Emergency First Aid Kit
• Hairbrush/comb
• Deodorant
• Air/Train/Ship Tickets and Other Travel Documents
• House Keys
• A Complete Change of Clothes
• Cell Phone or Long Distance Phone Card
• Reading Material or Music
• Your CI Travel Agent's Phone Number

In addition, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends the following tips to help you make security checks go as smoothly as possible:

• Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to the airport. Read the Permitted and Prohibited Items list.
  
  
• Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers, in carry-on baggage only. Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop.
  
  
• Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal.
  Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector.
  
  
• Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. Many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm.
  
  
• Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
  
  
• If you must take them with you, declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place them in your checked baggage. If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock.
  
  

Travel light. Security is heightened during peak travel times, so packages are inspected more frequently. Keep gifts you are carrying in the cabin with you unwrapped for the security inspection, avoid the stress and extra costs by mailing gifts ahead of time to lighten your load. It's also important to inquire about baggage limits as they can vary according to airline, type of aircraft and destination. Some airlines charge an extra fee for heavy luggage. Be sure to tag all carry-on and checked baggage. For added safety, use only your work phone number and address.

Arrive at the airport early. Allow extra time for traffic. Remember, airport parking lots can fill up very quickly, so finding a spot can be difficult. Long lines and crowds also cause delays, and with the possibility of airlines overselling flights, passengers who check in nearest to departure time are most likely to be bumped from the flight.

Passengers who get bumped have rights. In the event your flight is overbooked, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires carriers to provide passengers with a written statement explaining their rights. These rights can include alternate travel arrangements and compensation if the new arrival time is more than one hour later than the originally scheduled time. Passengers should check the small print of their ticket voucher or with the desk agent to learn more

Keep a constant watch of all belongings. Pickpockets love crowds. Travelers should always be mindful of their surroundings and keep a close watch on all their belongings, including tickets, watches and wallets.

TSA Security Recommendations: Each adult traveler needs to keep available his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID until exiting the security checkpoint. Due to different airport configurations, at many airports you will be required to display these documents more than once.

Place the following items in the bins at the start of the conveyor belt upon entering the security checkpoint area:

• Mobile phones
• Keys
• Loose change
• Money clips
• PDA's (personal data assistants)
• Large amounts of jewelry
• Metal hair decorations
• Large belt buckles
• Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases.
• Take OFF all outer coats, suit coats, jackets and blazers

Be prepared for delays and long lines with plenty of reading material, your music player, crossword puzzles, etc. Bring games and toys for the kids, and if you have infants, bring formula and diapers which are not available in airports.

Avoid pre-travel stress. Spending your precious days getting all the parts of your trip together can leave you depleted of the Holiday spirit. Use a CI Travel agent to make your travel planning stress free!

Fly on Christmas Day or New Year's Day rather than the day before, when planes will be packed and fares more expensive. On the holiday itself, planes are relatively empty and better deals are often available.

Just because you are not purchasing an airline ticket, it doesn't mean you don't need the help and advice of a professional travel agent.

More and more travelers are taking advantage of long weekends by driving to visit families or nearby attractions. The result can be some very ugly traffic conditions. Below are some common-sense tips for traveling via car.

Plan itineraries and arrange accommodations well in advance. Reservations for hotels, restaurants and rental cars get booked quickly during peak travel times. Your travel agent can help you get the lowest rate and make sure your rental car has room for your family, luggage and the inevitable souvenirs you will bring home.

If possible, choose public transportation. Most cities extend subway and bus services and schedules during Holidays, so it can be your fastest and most convenient option. Your CI Travel agent can quickly and easily access information about transportation options offered at your destination.

Get an early start to avoid Holiday gridlock.Traveling during early morning hours helps. The worst times to travel are after meals since travelers postpone leaving until after the dinner hour.

Make sure all small children are properly restrained in child safety seats at all times. Child seats should be placed in the back seat and never in front of an airbag. If possible, get a qualified person to check whether your seat has been properly installed. In many areas local police and trained nurses will check it at no cost. Bring snacks, books and games to keep little ones occupied.

Those who are traveling with pets should inquire about pet-friendly hotels along the way. Don't assume you will be able to find accommodations that welcome pets, especially during a peak travel weekend. Those traveling with pets are strongly encouraged to make hotel reservations ahead of time to avoid being stuck on the road with a serious lodging problem. Pet owners should also be reminded never to leave pets waiting in parked cars. Temperatures can soar quickly during the sizzling summer months. Your CI Travel agent can help you find pet-friendly hotels along your trip route and at your destination.

If your travels will include a hotel stay, a good source of hotels that accept pets is petswelcome.com. If you have a particular hotel in mind, you may also check directly with them for restrictions or fees, etc.

Motorists should check tire pressure before long drives. The slightest deficiency in air pressure significantly reduces your car’s gas mileage. On the flip side, too much air can result in a flat.

Prohibited Items for Highway Travel TSA recommends you consult your transportation provider or operator for a prohibited items list, as it will vary from company to company. For example, items prohibited by, Greyhound, as listed in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section on their website, are identified as:

"Prohibited items include acids, ammunition, animals, combustible liquids, compressed gases, explosives, firearms of all types, fireworks, flammable liquids, furniture, hazardous materials (poisons, radioactive materials, etc.), materials with a disagreeable odor, matches, merchandise for resale, protruding articles, or any unsecured articles including those in plastic or paper bags. Electronic equipment (television, stereos, etc.), film (flammable), and perishable items (food) may be sent using Greyhound PackageXpress with appropriate packing. Items such as money and prescription medication may not be checked as baggage and are to be carried in the customer's possession..."

Additional Resources:
American Bus Association
United Motorcoach Association
International Motorcoach Group, Inc.
MotorCoach.com
Greyhound
Trailways
Coach USA

Thinking of taking the family on a vacation? A little planning can help keep the kids occupied and safe, and keep you sane on your family trip. Take a moment to read our list to help make your trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Remember to choose a location that is kid-friendly. Look for a place with lots of activities, a kid’s program and menus. Our vacation experts can recommend the best destination, cruise or resort for your family from an all-inclusive resort or cruise to a condominium stay to control extra expenses.

When staying in a hotel, request connecting rather than adjoining rooms. Adjoining rooms are side by side, but may not have a door that connects the rooms to each other.

Allow extra travel time. When traveling by car or on a long flight, be sure to bring your child's favorite toy or book and a snack. Pack a "goodie bag" with a new book or small toys to distract a cranky child on a long flight.

When flying, book direct flights to avoid the hassle of a lay-over.

Give children a brief description of where they are going and what to expect so they will feel more comfortable with their new surroundings.

Allow 'down-time' for everyone during your trip. Try to maintain the child's sleep cycle. Don't plan activities too early or too late if your child doesn’t usually keep that schedule at home.

Pack a one-day supply of clothing and necessities in a carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost. Your Travel Agent can provide a suggested checklist. Keep the phone number of your CI Travel agent handy just in case an unexpected situation arises.

Before The Airport
Please allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children.

Call your airline or travel agent for information on recommended check-in times for your departure airport.

Talk to your children before going to the airport and let them know that it's against the law to make threats such as, "I have a bomb in my bag." Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can result in the entire family being delayed and could result in fines.

At The Airport
Security screenings are for everyone. Every person, regardless of age, must undergo screening to proceed beyond the security checkpoint. Even babies must be individually screened. You will not be asked to do anything that will separate you from your child or children.

Speak to your children again about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised.

Remind them to not joke about threats such as bombs or explosives. Advise your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.

Let your children know that a screener may ask to see Mom or Dad's shoes, but that these too will be returned after the inspection.

You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.

The Screening Process Screeners are specially trained and understand your concerns regarding children. Your children will be approached gently and treated with respect. If your child becomes uncomfortable or upset, you will be consulted about the best approach to resolving your child's concern.

X-Ray

• All carry-on baggage, including children's bags and items, must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: diaper bags, blankets, and toys.


• All child-related equipment that will fit through the X-ray machine must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats, backpacks, and baby slings.


• When you arrive at the checkpoint, you should collapse or fold child-related equipment and secure items that are in the pockets, baskets, or attached to the equipment. You will place these items on the X-ray belt for inspection. Plastic bins are provided to deposit such items.


• When child-related equipment does not fit through the X-ray machine, the equipment will be visually and physically inspected.


• Ask screeners for assistance to help reunite you with your bags and child-related equipment, if needed.

ALERT! Babies should NEVER be left in an infant carrier while it goes through the X-ray machine.

For information regarding what is permitted or prohibited from being in carry-on luggage, please refer to the permitted and prohibited items section of the TSA website.

The walk-through metal detector. If something sets off the alarm as you are carrying a child through the metal detector the screener will conduct a secondary screening of both the adult and child.

• Babies and children must be removed from their strollers or infant carriers so they can be individually screened.


• You may not pass the child to another person behind you or in front of you during this process.


• Do not pass your child to the screener to hold.


• The screener may ask for your assistance with secondary screening of your child.


• If your child can walk unassisted, it would be best to have the child walk through the metal detector independently.

Children with a disability. If your child has a disability, screeners may ask you what abilities your child has in order to determine the best method for screening (e.g. carry the child through the walk-through metal detector, hand-wand procedure).

If your child has a disability, screeners will never attempt to remove the child from his or her equipment. This will only be done at the discretion of the accompanying adult.

Some general tips to bear in mind:

• Make airline arrangements for your pet when you are making your own reservations. Airlines reserve the right to refuse travel if there are too many pets onboard a flight, so make sure you advise them early.



• Rabies vaccinations are a must for all travel abroad and for returning to the United States. Check with your vet for the complete range of vaccinations required and, of course, check with the airline as each airline has its own policy concerning traveling with pets. Your CI Travel agent can check on the airline's pet policy for you when making your travel arrangements.



• Familiarize your pet with the kennel prior to the trip so that it is comfortable to him/her at travel time.



• Locate the Emergency Veterinary Clinics in the area to which you're headed.



• Identification tags for both your pet and its travel kennel, including pet's name, home address and phone number along with the address and phone number of your destination, are essential.



• Take your pet on a short walk just before arriving at the airport. Once inside the airport, keep your pet securely in the kennel at all times. The noise and activity may frighten even the calmest animal and cause them to bolt or become unexpectedly aggressive.



• Never use a muzzle on your pet during travel.



• Do not put a water dish in the kennel during the flight. You may end up with a very wet and cold pet when you reach the next airport.



• Never sedate your pet on a flight. High altitudes and sedatives are a dangerous combination.



• If your pet will be traveling in the passenger cabin with you, the animal must be presented to the security checkpoint screeners. You may walk your animal through the metal detector or, if that is not possible, your animal will have to undergo a visual and physical inspection.



• Your animal will NEVER be placed through an X-ray machine. However, you may be asked to remove your animal from its carrier so that the carrier can go through the X-Ray machine.



• Whether your pet will travel with you in the cabin or as checked luggage in the cargo area, he/she will need to be contained for the entire trip. Pet supply stores carry soft-sided kennels for in-cabin travel and hard-sided kennels approved for travel as air cargo.



• In selecting a kennel, be sure to purchase the proper size for your pet. It is important that your pet can stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably throughout the flight.
  • To choose the correct size determine the following:
  • Length: from nose to root of tail
  • Width: length across shoulders
  • Height: from ground to top of head when standing with
    head held erect

For more information on traveling with your pet go to the Federal Aviation Administration’s official site.

If your travels will include a hotel stay, a good source of hotels that accept pets is petswelcome.com. If you have a particular hotel in mind, you may also check directly with them for restrictions or fees, etc.

Often, travel by trains and buses for a small pet in a carrier is free. Whenever possible it is wise to avoid crowded conditions, such as rush hour, as the crowds may make your pet nervous and the travel experience unnecessarily stressful for them.

Traveling in the family car can be dangerous to your pet. A loose pet in a car may jump out an open door before you can grab them. Without proper restraint, an accident or a sudden stop can also send your pet flying through the vehicle or out a window. Specially designed harnesses for dogs act like seatbelts to help protect them in such an event and a hard-sided cat-carrier can be used to transport your cat safely if the carrier is secured to the back seat with a seatbelt.

If your pet is one who does not travel well, consider speaking with your vet about tranquilizers to make the trip less traumatic, or, if your pet gets car sick, travel-sickness pills may be the answer. Your vet will be able to recommend the best aide and dosage for your pet.

If possible, leave a window or two opened slightly to circulate fresh air through the vehicle. And, of course, NEVER leave animals in the car for even a short time in warm climates or during the warmer months. Heatstroke can happen in just a few moments with devastating results.

If you still have questions, please feel free to contact your CI Travel Consultant.