The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the familiar scene at airports across the country: packed terminals, long security lines, and the occasional delayed flight. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your annual family visit, air travel can test anyone’s patience. Here’s your comprehensive guide to making your journey smoother.

Skip the Security Shuffle with TSA PreCheck

Beat those winding security lines by investing in TSA PreCheck. This time-saving program lets you breeze through security without removing shoes, laptops, or liquids. Pro tip: Always verify your PreCheck status is printed on your boarding pass – sometimes, booking systems miss this crucial detail.

Master the Art of Strategic Packing

Think like a TSA agent when packing your carry-on. Keep liquids (in their regulation-sized bags) and electronics easily accessible for screening. Before heading out, thoroughly check every pocket – you’d be surprised what items aren’t allowed through security. And yes, peanut butter counts as a liquid, sparking quite the debate among travelers!

Time Your Flight Right

While there’s no guaranteed “perfect” time to fly, early morning flights typically face fewer delays – ideal if you have connections or can’t afford to arrive late. Keep in mind that airports are often busiest at dawn. Check your airport’s website for historical wait times to plan accordingly. The golden rule remains: arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international departures.

Entertainment is Essential

Don’t count on in-flight Wi-Fi or entertainment systems working perfectly. Download your favorite shows, movies, podcasts, or books before boarding. This preparation is especially valuable when traveling with children needing reliable entertainment.

Explore Alternative

Check-in Options Consider curbside check-in – the small fee is often worth avoiding the indoor check-in lines. For security, look beyond the main checkpoints. Many airports offer multiple security entrances, some less crowded than others. Major hubs like Charlotte, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, and Philadelphia often have hidden gems of faster-moving lines at alternate checkpoints.

Maximize Security Line Efficiency

Use your time in line productively. Have your ID and boarding pass ready, remove required items ahead of time, and don’t hesitate to ask TSA agents about current requirements – they change frequently. Good news: newer scanning technology at some airports means fewer items need to be removed from bags, which is hopefully a sign of smoother screening ahead.

By following these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of holiday air travel. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in making your journey more enjoyable. Safe travels!

A couple of years ago I watched the movie Where’d you go Bernadette? and immediately became obsessed with the idea of going to Antarctica. I later found out that the scenes that are supposed to be in Antarctica were actually filmed in Greenland, but that hasn’t waivered my need to visit Antarctica!

Anyone who knows me is well aware that I am the least outdoorsy person you will ever meet, so I know me wanting to go on thiss trip is going to be a surprise to many.

But look at this…

Iceberg, Lindblad Cove, Antarctica aboard National Geographic Explorer. January 2011

I want to go there and see this…

An explosion of gentoo penguins alongside makes this kayaking experience doubly extraordinary.

Antarctica is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. It is said that a voyage to Antarctica is one of the most exhilarating adventures the planet offers, and one of the most life-enhancing travel decisions any traveler can make.

There are a number of cruise lines that venture down to Antarctica. One that I have my eye on is with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions.

Lars-Eric Lindblad, considered by many to be the “father of ecotourism,” founded Lindblad Travel in 1958. In 1966, he brought the first group of “citizen explorers” to Antarctica. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have joined forces to further inspire the world through expedition travel.

Together they are good stewards to the earth and encourage greater awareness and understanding of issues impacting the regions where they travel.

National Geographic Orion, Lemaire Channel, Antarctica

The 148-guest National Geographic Explorer and 126-guest National Geographic Endurance are purpose-built Antarctic expedition ships designed to safely explore Antarctica—the most remote, wild place on the planet. They are fully stabilized, ice-class vessels with ice-strengthened hulls strong enough to push through the Antarctic ice. Their construction and the caliber of their Icemaster Captains and veteran expedition teams are your assurances of safety.

It’s in the early season (Oct.-Nov.) when the Captain can adroitly “park” National Geographic Explorer, allowing guests to disembark directly on the ice.

Every expedition sails with a veteran expedition leader and a team of eight naturalists, many of them polar veterans, of a variety of specialties: zoology, biology, ornithology, geology, polar history, and more. Other members of the 15-person team include an undersea specialist, a National Geographic photographer, plus a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and a wellness specialist. Together, they provide you with a greater understanding and appreciation for this exceptional place.