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Key Points
- The article provides safety tips for holiday travelers, emphasizing that Thanksgiving is the busiest air travel day in the U.S., with Christmas and New Year's Day also seeing heavy traffic.
- For those driving, it recommends ensuring the vehicle is in good condition, avoiding distractions like mobile phones, being careful with hot drinks, taking rest breaks or staying in a hotel if tired, and appointing a designated driver if alcohol is consumed.
- For air travelers, it advises against over-packing suitcases to avoid back injuries, arriving at the airport well in advance to prevent rushing and potential accidents, and avoiding alcohol on the plane to prevent dehydration and potential issues if driving after landing.
- The article also warns about the risk of catching colds or the flu when traveling in crowded vehicles, suggesting getting a flu shot and using over-the-counter vitamin C and zinc supplements to boost the immune system.
- The overall message is that holiday travel can be hectic, but following these tips can help ensure a safer, healthier journey.
Thanksgiving is the busiest air travel day of the year in the United States. Airports are also very busy near Christmas and New Year's Day. Then, there are those who choose to reach their holiday destinations via a road trip. There are many ways injuries can occur in airports and while driving, so here are tips to keep your holiday travels safe.
Holiday Driving Safety
Use common sense if you choose to travel in your vehicle. Tips include:
- Make sure the vehicle is in good working order and get it serviced before hitting the road.
- Avoid dangerous activities like talking on your mobile phone or texting. The accidents from these activities are vast each year and there have been many fatalities. Accidents with objects, structures, or other vehicles will certainly mean a trip to an urgent care center for medical care.
- A hot cup of coffee may keep you awake when driving long distances but it's also easy to spill in your lap and burn you. Take advantage of your vehicle's cup holders and keep the drinks on the cool side.
- If you do get tired and don't have a back-up driver, pull over or plan ahead and stop at a hotel if the drive is lengthy.
- If driving across town to a family or friend's home, appoint a designated driver if you plan to drink alcohol. Never drive home if you've consumed any alcohol, even if that means spending the night.
Related: The 4 Most Common Holiday Accidents
Air Travel Safety
Flying is a popular method of travel around the holidays. Here are some tips to avoid injuries:
- Packing your suitcase: Don't overload your suitcases so they are too heavy to carry. Back strains and injuries are common from heavy suitcases, and if you overload them too much, the airline may charge you more money.
- Get to the airport on time: Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least an hour before the plane leaves, but for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel, you should double that time. Arriving late means running to your gate with carry-on bags, strollers, and tons of other stuff which makes it easy to trip and fall and harm yourself or others. Instead of boarding the plane, you'll be heading to retail clinics offering emergency care, which is not a great way to start off your trip.
- Avoid alcohol on the plane: Indulging in alcoholic beverages when flying actually dehydrates you. In addition, once the plane lands, if you are required to drive to your final destination, you may be intoxicated and could harm yourself or others on the road. Drink water instead to stay hydrated.
Catching Colds or the Flu
Traveling in crowded vehicles like trains, buses, vehicles, or airplanes also means you'll be exposed to tight spaces with tons of germs floating through the air. Be sure to find a walk-in clinic and get a flu shot this year to avoid catching the flu. Some OTC vitamin C, and zinc-packed drinks and tablets are available to boost you immune system when traveling. Use these to prevent catching colds.
Related: The Definitive Flu Shot Guide
Holiday traveling
is almost always hectic, but if you follow these tips your trip will be
safer and you'll reach your destination happy and healthy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the busiest air travel day of the year in the United States?
Thanksgiving is the busiest air travel day of the year in the United States.What are some safety tips for driving during the holidays?
Some safety tips for driving during the holidays include ensuring your vehicle is in good working order, avoiding distractions like mobile phones, not drinking hot drinks while driving, taking breaks or stopping at a hotel if you're tired, and appointing a designated driver if you plan to consume alcohol.What precautions should be taken when packing for air travel?
When packing for air travel, avoid overloading your suitcases as this can lead to back strains and injuries. Overloading can also result in extra charges from the airline.How early should I arrive at the airport during the holiday season?
Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least an hour before the plane leaves, but for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel, you should double that time.Why should I avoid drinking alcohol on the plane?
Drinking alcohol on the plane can dehydrate you. Also, if you are required to drive to your final destination after landing, you could be intoxicated and could harm yourself or others on the road.How can I prevent catching colds or the flu while traveling?
To prevent catching colds or the flu while traveling, get a flu shot before your trip. You can also boost your immune system with over-the-counter vitamin C and zinc-packed drinks and tablets.What are some general tips for safe holiday travel?
Some general tips for safe holiday travel include making sure your vehicle is in good working order, avoiding distractions while driving, not overloading your suitcases, arriving at the airport early, and avoiding alcohol on the plane.How can I stay healthy while traveling during the holidays?
To stay healthy while traveling during the holidays, get a flu shot before your trip, boost your immune system with vitamin C and zinc, and stay hydrated by drinking water.
