Winter is a wonderful time to travel. Maybe you’re heading somewhere warm to escape the cold, visiting family for the holidays, or finally taking that winter getaway you’ve been looking forward to.
But winter travel can come with one little wildcard: the weather.
Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can throw even the best-laid travel plans off schedule. And while we can’t control Mother Nature (believe me, I’ve tried!), there are a few things you can do ahead of time to make a weather-related travel hiccup a little less stressful.
Here are three things worth thinking about before your next winter getaway.
Give Yourself Some Breathing Room – If your itinerary includes connecting flights, pay attention to how much time you have between them. A connection that looks perfectly reasonable during the summer might be a little too close for comfort when winter weather is involved.
Snow and ice can cause delays, not just at your departure airport, but at connecting airports and other places throughout an airline’s network. Even if the skies are clear where you are, your incoming aircraft might be delayed because of weather somewhere else.
When possible, give yourself a little extra time between flights. And if you’re catching a cruise, joining a guided tour, or heading to an event with a firm start date, consider arriving a day early. An extra hotel night might be a whole lot less expensive than missing the beginning of your vacation!
Know What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled – First, don’t panic! Flight disruptions are frustrating, but having a plan can make a big difference. If you receive a delay or cancellation notice, check your airline’s app or website right away. You can often see rebooking options without having to wait in a long customer service line at the airport. Calling the airline while also checking the app can be helpful, too.
Keep your confirmation numbers and travel documents handy and save receipts for any additional expenses you incur. Depending on the circumstances, the airline may have certain responsibilities, and you may also have reimbursement options through your travel insurance.
One other tip: flexibility is your friend here. If you can be open to a different flight time or routing, you may have more options for getting where you need to go.
Understand What Your Travel Insurance Covers – This is one area where a little homework before your trip can really pay off. Travel insurance policies vary, so don’t assume that every delay, cancellation, or missed connection is automatically covered. Look specifically at trip delay, trip interruption, and trip cancellation benefits. Check what qualifies as a covered reason, how long a delay must last before benefits apply, and what expenses can be reimbursed.
Also, remember that travel insurance generally has specific requirements for documentation and filing claims. Keep those receipts and any airline notifications!
I always encourage travelers to look into insurance early in the planning process. Some benefits and optional coverages have time-sensitive purchase requirements, so waiting until just before departure may limit your choices – and potential benefits if a weather event is already happening.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way – Winter weather is unpredictable, and sometimes even the best-planned trip needs a little adjustment. But allowing extra time, knowing what to do if plans change, and understanding your travel insurance can help you handle those unexpected bumps along the way.
After all, the goal is to spend your vacation enjoying the destination, not trying to figure out how to get there!
Find out how the services of an experienced travel advisor can make planning your vacation simple and STRESS FREE!