Tips for Holiday Air Travel Success

It’s about that time.

That time of year when planning, watching, and a little praying starts to take place. No, I’m not talking about getting ready for Christmas morning. I’m talking about pre and post Christmas holiday air travel.

In years prior, the Grinch arrives early for me, in the form of blizzards, mechanical failures, and delayed flights, wrecking havoc on my holiday travel plans. Last year, I didn’t even make it to my parent’s home in Virginia thanks to a cancelled flight on December 23rd. The first flight the airline could rebook me on was December 27th. Bah humbug!

So this year, with a stormy, wet forecast on tap for the west coast, I’ve already started planning and strategizing with the hope of making it to my in-laws in Atlanta.

This year’s plan of attack for holiday air travel success includes:

Fly Early
I’m flying on December 22nd this year, giving myself a little more time to get to Atlanta by the 25th if the worst happens.

Fly with Status
My highest frequent flier status is with United Airlines. While they weren’t the cheapest ticket, I know from previous experience that re booking is based on fare value and frequent flier status. I’m hoping my loyalty may mean something if I get stranded somewhere en route.

Be Proactive
If every flight in front of yours is delayed because of weather, chances are yours will be too. Watch the flight status for posted delays and if it looks like you may miss your connection because of a delay, ask to get re booked at once.

Leave the Luggage
I hope my mother in law won’t mind me wearing the same thing for one week. Checking luggage is risky at any time of year, much less peak season. Pack lightly to spare the holiday headache – or just ask for clothes for Christmas!

Pack your Patience
Remember that every flight will be 100% full, so get ready to make some new friends. Also remember that the holidays are stressful, chaotic, and at times, unrelenting. Be prepared for some bizarre behavior and pack some patience. Who knows what the gate agent, flight attendant, or the woman sitting next to you has been through already that day.

I’m off to Atlanta from San Francisco December 22nd. I’ll let you know if my planning paid off. Happy Holidays!

Womens Only Hiking Trip In Nepal

Ever wonder what a women's only hiking trip to Nepal to view Mount Everest is really like?  Check out this short video full of the sights and sounds of Nepal to get the inside scoop on Call of the Wild!  

How to Store your Camping and Hiking Gear for the Winter

As you begin to pull out your winter gear and put away your summer and fall camping gear, it is important to store your items properly so they are still in good shape come next spring when you are ready to hit the trail again.  Below are some suggestions for storing your hiking and camping gear over the winter season.

Down Sleeping Bag – Make sure your bag is clean before storing it in a cool, dry place out of sunlight.  If possible, leave flat out of the stuff sack or put in a large laundry bag so the loft isn’t compressed for a long period of time, which will reduce its overall warmth. 

Backpack – Empty out all the pockets of wrappers, food bits, etc. and wipe down with a wet clothe if dirty.  Once dry, store in a cool, dry place out of sunlight to prevent mold and fading.  Be sure to empty out all food (even those random peanuts) in order to prevent rodents from tearing a hole in your backpack.

Tent – air out entirely, shaking out all dirt and making sure no moisture is left in the tent.  Once dry, stuff the tent in the stuff sack or other medium size bag.  Avoid folding the tent body or fly as folded seams will degrade over time.  Make sure all dirt is out of tent poles and shock cord.  Store in stuff sack or with tent.

Rain Gear – Air out completely, so it is dry.  Best to hang in a closet if possible.  Leaving rain gear folded for long periods of time can cause the folded seam to degrade over time.

Boots – Scrape off all the exterior dirt with a stiff brush.  Air out entirely, pulling up insoles to let the foot pads dry completely.  Store in a cool, dry place away from insects and spiders, who like to make their home in your warm, dry shoes.

Proper camping and hiking equipment storage over the winter will make sure your ready for the trail come spring!