Holiday Travel Tips

The holiday season often means traveling to see friends and family. Whether plans include flying across the country or driving a few hours away, preparing ahead of time helps keep trips safer, calmer, and less stressful. Along with packing bags and planning celebrations, taking a few extra steps helps protect both people and property while away from home.

At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, we encourage thinking ahead before heading out for holiday travel. Making simple contingency plans helps reduce risks and provides peace of mind throughout the season.

Flying During the Holiday Season

Flying remains one of the safest ways to travel during the holidays. While news reports sometimes focus on rare incidents, most holiday travel problems involve delays or cancellations caused by weather, staffing shortages, or power outages.

Many travelers choose to protect themselves by purchasing travel insurance. Paying a small additional amount helps cover costs if a flight is canceled or significantly delayed. That extra protection helps reduce frustration and unexpected expenses when plans change.

Driving Safely During Holiday Travel

For shorter trips, driving continues to be a practical option during the holidays. Rising airfare often makes road travel more appealing, especially for families. Taking a few precautions before getting behind the wheel helps reduce risks.

Checking routes ahead of time is always a good idea. Road closures, construction, and weather conditions change quickly, and relying on a single navigation app is not always enough. Reviewing routes before leaving helps avoid surprises.

Arriving during daylight hours is also safer, especially on unfamiliar roads. Staying alert, hydrated, and well-rested helps drivers stay focused. You can take breaks during longer trips to reduce fatigue and lower the risk of accidents, and most importantly, never drink and drive so you can protect everyone on the road.

Protecting Your Home While You Are Away

Holiday travel also means leaving home unattended. Lock your doors and windows before leaving, set an alarm system to add another layer of security, and when alarms are not an option, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on the home to help deter theft.

Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries to prevent packages from piling up, and avoiding social media posts about travel plans until after returning home, as burglars continue using online posts to identify empty homes.

Call Us If You Were Injured While Traveling

Despite careful planning, accidents sometimes happen during the holidays. If you are involved in a crash caused by another driver who has been drinking or acting recklessly, you should know where to turn. At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, we help people handle legal problems that arise while traveling. If you are hurt during the holidays, support is available. Call us or contact us online to discuss your situation and learn about your options.