Gettin’ Carried Away

Absolutely!

If you are from a city (like Chicago) where the temperature falls below freezing and reckless snowstorms abound, there is no reason to hesitate booking a trip. However, it does take careful consideration and lots of planning.

Know the dangers

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, more than half of automobile accidents each year are ice/snow related. So if you are taking a road trip, make sure to winterize your vehicle. Get new windshield wipers, stock up on washer fluid and keep a Tupperware bin of winter goodies (a scraper, gloves, hats, blankets, water, etc.) in your trunk. If you are going to fly, chances are, the plane will reach its cruising altitude far above the stormy weather. Most planes will take off if there is a light dusting of snow falling to the ground. The airport will most likely de-ice the plane, which only takes up to 20 minutes while you are sitting aboard the aircraft.

Plan for delays

During a heavy snowstorm, flights can be delayed for hours, or they can even be cancelled. If you are flying out of your hometown, this should not be a problem… just go home! However, if you are stranded at the airport of your vacation city, you must have a plan of attack.

• Call ahead. - Before you check out of your hotel, call the airport to check the status of your flight. If you find that the flight has been delayed, you might as well take your time getting to the airport and through security gates. If it has been cancelled, you can try to book another night at your hotel. If there are no rooms available, the hotel will most likely be happy to help you find accommodations at a neighboring hotel.
• Stay calm. - Many people become agitated, even infuriated, while waiting for a delayed flight. Just stop and take a deep breath. It’s not the ticket agent’s fault that the weather is so bad. And being courteous only increases your chances of getting favors like free hotel rooms, first available flights or first class upgrades. Remember, it’s a business. Airlines will do anything to keep customers happy.
• Take advantage of the situation. - So you are all alone in a comped hotel room for the night. What do you do? Treat yourself! Order room service, take a trip to the spa or enjoy some tasty martinis at the hotel bar.

Take the risk

Looking to spend the holidays on a beach in Hawaii? Do you want to spend a week in an authentic log cabin in Colorado? Wherever you would like to travel this winter, just do it. Even if you hit a couple snags along the way, you will have plenty of stories for your family and friends.

Bon voyage!