Are you one of the 107 million travelers on the road and in the sky for the upcoming Christmas holiday? Then you need to be prepared to deal with crowded roadways and packed airports.

Like the famous Man in Red, make an emergency list of tips and check it twice before you leave home, says Ed Welsh, AAA Northeast Regional General Manager.

Here are some travel tips:

  • Some major metropolitan areas will see traffic three times its normal travel volume during the upcoming holidays, with the busiest days expected to be Dec. 20 and 21 between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. So try to avoid traveling through major cities during peak travel times.
  • The best times to leave typically are in the early morning or after the morning commute because roads should be less crowded – sometimes easier said than done. If your schedule permits, traveling on the actual holiday, often results in fewer cars on the road.
  • Get plenty of rest before setting out on a holiday road trip and schedule breaks every two hours or 100 miles to remain alert and avoid driving drowsy.
  • Be aware of the dangers of driving distracted. Drivers should designate a passenger to serve as their official text messenger or navigator.
  • AAA expects to rescue 1 million travelers nationwide who experience battery issues, lockouts and flat tires. When you see a tow truck driver or emergency responder assisting disabled vehicles on interstates, remember to slow down and move over. It’s the law.
  • Airports will be busy and security lines may be longer than usual. Plan to arrive at airports at least two hours before your scheduled departure.
  •  People traveling into the US on an international flight may now be subject to enhanced screening procedures. To expedite travel, AAA recommends you enroll in programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
  • During peak travel times, contact your airline for guidance. Be aware of potential weather delays this time. Check your flight status regularly.
  • Carry proper identification. Make two copies of all travel documents in case of emergency. Leave one with a trusted friend or relative and carry the other separately from your originals in case of loss or theft.
AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with 62 offices in New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New Jersey providing more than 5.7 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, finance, and auto-related services.

By martha

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