Smart Holiday Season Safety Tips for Travelers

December 1, 2024

Whether to get together with loved ones or to get away from it all, people love to travel during the holiday season. In fact, 48% of Americans took a trip for the holidays in 2023. But as wonderful as travel can be, with all those people simultaneously hitting the airports and highways, travel can also be fraught with busy roads, unexpected problems, and other issues. If you plan to travel soon, AMBA’s tips can help you enjoy a smoother, less stressful journey.

Approximately 150,000,0000 Americans traveled during the holiday season in 2023!

Be Prepared For Flight Delays This Holiday Season

If you’re flying, travel is frequently subject to holiday delays. Be ready for potential bad weather, technical issues (as we saw affect many airlines in July 2024), or a delay from one part of the country that creates a domino effect. You also want to give yourself plenty of time to get to and from your destination. Plan for long lines to get through security, check luggage, and get to and from destinations.

• The Early Bird Catches Their Flight

Taking early morning flights might help ensure your flight takes off on time and isn’t delayed. Plus, you’ll have more time at your destination. It’s a win-win!

• More Baggage Will Weigh You Down

If you can travel with only carry-on baggage, you can forgo long check-in lines and head straight to security. Plus, you won’t have to wait at baggage claim. And, lest we forget, you won’t have to worry about your luggage getting lost or stuck somewhere if you have connecting flights.

Drive Away Potential Car Problems This Holiday Season

Want to avoid getting stuck on the side of the road in cold weather instead of enjoying sitting at the dining room table surrounded by your loved ones? Be proactive to avoid common dangers. 

• Detect And Prepare For Problems Early

Take your car in for an inspection and any necessary maintenance. Make sure your tires are winter-ready and properly inflated for a long drive.

You never know when or where car troubles may arise. Along with a fully charged cell phone and portable charging device, be sure to have a Car Emergency Kit. This kit should include necessities like a First Aid kit, a safety cone, a carjack, a flashlight, and jumper cables. Be ready if you break down in the cold by packing a blanket and extra food and water.

• Navigate A Safer Journey - GPS FTW!

Proper planning can help you be ready for the unexpected. No one wants to drive down a highway and hit construction, a road closure, or severe traffic. GPS tools such as Waze can quickly offer safe alternate routes in advance and help you stay on track or even find your way back to the main road if you get lost.

Avoid traffic by timing your travel to put you on busy roads before or after peak traffic times. Essential tips to navigate icy, snowy roads include decreasing your speed as needed, giving yourself extra time to reach your destination so you don't rush in suboptimal conditions, and giving yourself plenty of room behind other vehicles to stop safely on slick roads.

Protect Yourself from the High Cost of Emergency Medical Transportation

No matter how careful you are or how many precautions you take, accidents are a reality of life – especially during busy holiday season travel. Are you ready if you need emergency medical transportation to a hospital? A ground ambulance or air transport could cost thousands, and Medicare may not cover the expense. It's essential to protect yourself. 

Medical Air Services Association (MASA) provides plans for lifesaving emergency medical transportation services. Services are paid in full, with no deductibles, co-pays, or dollar limits. Whether home or traveling, MASA covers your ambulance or airlift, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of your age or medical condition. Plus, you can get your MASA plan through a trusted source: your very own association. Learn more at www.AMBAmedtransport.com or call AMBA at 877-290-3170 M-F 8am-6pm CT.

Source:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/traveling-holidays

https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/winter-safety/holiday?srsltid=AfmBOor3JL97Z1d8H_uRJ5SR7VfB12LcHut1QVc4tHVnxYbZ2ufQ4E4g

https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/holiday-travel-survey.html

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