Last-Minute Holiday Travel Tips

The holidays are almost upon us and that means many people will be flying or driving to destinations to see friends and family. Luckily, all our immediate family lives in town, so we don't have to go anywhere to get our jolly on. We do skip the making of a big holiday dinner in favor of going to the local-ish casino buffet on Christmas day and we do a potluck for the get together on Christmas Eve, so we have a pretty laid back couple of days to look forward to.

If you're traveling, you probably want a few tips to make sure you don't lose your mind, either on the way there or once you've arrived.

Pack light

Your family knows what you look like. Pack only the essentials and mix and match if you can. That way you don't have to pay baggage fees and potentially have your luggage get lost. Here's how to do it, even for winter. 

If you're trying to also pack gifts, I'd suggest small ones that aren't wrapped that you can wrap or bag when you arrive (paper and bags are easy to stash in the bottom of your carry-on or in a side pocket). TSA won't always let wrapped gifts through, and you'll be mad if you spent all your time on wrapping and they rip it open. If you don't mind paying, shipping them ahead works too, and is still probably cheaper than baggage fees. 

Bring a back-up bag

When coming back from the holidays, you're probably going to have more than you started with. Throw a back-up bag in your carry-on that you can then bring those back with you on the plane. I have several different ones that work to carry purchases I've made when traveling. I love this full-size bag (which will fit under the airplane seat) and also this bright tote bag. Both can be packed away and are sturdy enough to hold a large load of goodies.

Pack electronic and tangible entertainment

Whether that be books, magazines, card games or whatever. Bring a small selection of things that aren't digital, because you never know what can happen on your travels and batteries don't last forever. That said, don't forget your chargers and a small power strip. A portable back-up battery is also a lifesaver. 

Be chill

Count to 10. Go to your happy place. Get to the airport 3 hours early and have a drink at the bar. Whatever you need to do, but please don't take out your stress and crankiness on everyone else. These times are hard on everyone. The security and flight crew don't need to get yelled at for no reason. There's only such much within their control too, so chill out and sit down and try to ask yourself if it's really that important. Smile at others and maybe the holiday spirit will spread.

Also bring snacks

I get cranky and mean if I don't eat. It's not often, because I get to the airport early and eat there and am prepared for my flight. I always have snacks though, because you never know. Being hangry can be avoided, which is why I bring more food than shoes when I travel. Snag a bottle of water once you're through security too, because being dehydrated can lead to getting sick, and that sucks worse than being hungry.

Look for Lyft/Uber promo codes

If you've not used either of these car sharing services before, then you can probably sign up with a hefty promo added to your account. Make those I-gotta-get-out-of-this-house-and-away-from-family trips a little cheaper and less guilt inducing.

When you simply need to release your cabin fever, splurge on a city scavenger hunt like Stray Boots or Urban Adventure Quest. This is great for kids that have all that pent up energy too.

photo credit

Get a tune up

Are you driving to your destination? Millions of people are. If you'll be driving your own car, then make sure it's safe for the road before you go. Right now, many mechanics are running specials for road-worthiness. It's very important. 

The holidays can be stressful, but that doesn't mean you can't make the best of it. If you want to be even more prepared, download some of these great apps to your phone and then plan, plan, plan, but assume things may not go as you expect.

Are you all set for your holiday travels?

Give Them the Gift of Style With Visionworks

I'm just gonna say it. I love sunglasses. I routinely have between 2-4 pair at any given time. They are all good pairs from good brands that I like. Perhaps you have someone on your holiday list that is like me. They enjoy being stylish and not having to squint wherever they go. If that sounds like someone you know, then Visionworks has you covered. Whether you're looking for just a straight-forward pair of shades or ones that have prescription lenses, there are styles for everyone.

Visionworks has a ton of brand name frames to choose from and I chose these black Guess frames with rhinestones, because sparkly! The black is classic and goes with everything, and they style is on the larger side, so they don't let any sun in on the sides. I love that! A good pair of sunnies is really important for eye health and perfect for at home and on vacation. Look awesome in all those sunshine-y travel pics!

If that traveler on your list is always heading off to the beach or bright locales, they might just love to find a new pair of shades under the tree this year. Each pair comes in a lovely box and has a nice soft case to keep them in when you aren't wearing them and avoid any scratches from being thrown around in your carry-on, purse, pocket or glovebox. They have styles for men and women, as well as kids, so nobody is left out. A good pair of sunglasses can last for years, even if they're prescription, because the lenses can just be replaced. Get them ones they'll be excited to wear each time the sun makes an appearance (and even on slightly cloudy days if they are light-sensitive like I am). 

This pair I have make the light more bearable, but also make things easier to see and focus on. These aren't the only Guess style that Visionworks stocks either, so go check out their website, or a nearby location, to browse the others they have to choose from. Perhaps they're more suited for a pair of Nike specs, or Nine West (which my regular glasses our and I adore), or even Lacoste. There's something in every price range, too!

I won't say these that I picked out were cheap. They weren't, but for someting you're going to use nearly every day, they are worth the money. And again, Visionworks accommodates all budgets and you can easily find a pair of shades for under $100. 

Not sure what to buy? Use the Visionworks website to choose the frame shape, face shape, or even the style, like business, trendy or sporty. Buying for yourself? Schedule an appointment online and get one-on-one help in-store, or just walk into your local branch.

While you may only have a few days left to find the perfect gift, anyone on your list is sure to appreciate this stylish and practical choice. While my pair cost $180, you can find a pair for as little as $90. You can't beat good eye care! Visit Visionworks now.

Want to connect with Visionworks elsewhere? 

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Disclaimer: I was provided with this pair of sunnies by Visionworks for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are my own.

Swago: Holiday Shopping Edition Is Back! (US)

The holidays are here and the online rewards site Swagbucks has a smart and fun way for you to earn and save while you spend. 

Swagbucks is hosting another round of Shopping Swago! What is SWAGO you ask? It's a bingo-inspired promotion run by Swagbucks, a website that rewards you with points (called SB) for completing everyday online activities. You can redeem those SB for free gift cards. If you've never used Swagbucks, participating in SWAGO is a great introduction to the site and an easy way to earn a good amount of points quickly.  

Click here to get started! 

Here’s what you need to know to get your 300 SB ($3) Bonus (and don’t worry, you don’t have to make a purchase to complete a pattern):

• Shop Swago will begin on Monday, December 18th at 9am PT/12pm ET, make sure you hit “Join” otherwise you won’t get credit for completing the action items. Each square on your Swago Board will contain an action item to complete.
• Once you complete the action item in a particular square the square will change color signifying the action item is complete.
• You have a limited amount of time to mark off as many squares as possible so use your time wisely.
• Be mindful of the patterns and their corresponding bonuses located on the right of your Swago Board. The patterns will vary in difficulty and bonus value - up to 300 SB - enough for your first $3 gift card.
• Once you’ve achieved a pattern the corresponding “Submit” button will light up. You can have multiple patterns available for submission, however, you can only submit ONE pattern so choose wisely.
• The game ends Friday, December 22nd at 12pm PDT/3pm EDT. So make sure to hit “Submit” on the pattern you wish to submit. If you don’t hit “Submit” before the game ends you won’t receive your SB bonus. 

Use your Swagbucks to get gift cards you can use on travel or to make your travel better, like for buying new items on Amazon to take with you. You can also earn Swagbucks when you  book travel and make purchases for your trips and everyday (like last-minute holiday gifts!). So, you're saving double and working on making your vacations more affordable!

Also, if you sign up through me this month, you'll get a $10 rebate when you make your first purchase via Swagbucks Shopping! You can activate it in the "Swag Ups" area of "My Account".