Tips For Winter Travel

Well, two winter storms have hit the US so far, burying Washington DC in snow.

Although I live in Hampton Roads, Virginia now - a place so unused to snow that when we get a light dusting, schools shut down for the day - I am originally from Minnesota and I know what's needed when people go on winter travel!

Obviously if you're going via airplane, the onus is on the plane to keep you warm and safe, assuming you can reach the airport. It's difficult to give you suggestions on what to bring to the airport, since regulations change all the time. You should bring water and food... but once you get into the secure area sometimes the powers that be don't let you have water anymore.... so much silliness. The best thing to do, if you are going on travel while your city is in the grip of winter, is to call the airport and find out what the chances are of your flight leaving on time, and what the regulations are against you having sustenance inside the passenger waiting area.

If you're renting a car and driving, however or even if you are driving in your own car, be prepared. First of course, get yourself a cell phone. Buy one of those non-contract ones if you don't want the expense of a full service phone. I have a Tracphone that worked just fine as I drove from Virginia up to Pennsylvania, across to Ohio, and then retracing my steps.

Here's your winter survival kit.

Pack your trunk with several blankets, one for each of you and your potential passengers (ie if you're bringing your whole family, or picking up people on the way). Have several boxes of candy bars or trail mix - something to eat. Emergency fire kit, emergency flares. Several jugs of water. Some waterproof blankets as well. A battery operated radio.

You can pick up little chemical packets of handwarmers from any Walmart or even Walgreens. Those always come in handy. Also a few LED lights to put on your coat, should you find yourself walking in darkness.

In addition, always tell *someone* **reliable** where you are going and when you expect to be there. Plan your route in advance and *doublecheck it* before you leave.

If you're renting a car rather than taking your own, always drive around the block of the car rental agency a ocuple of times, checking to make sure the car heater and defroster works. Check the trunk to see if there's any winter survial paraphenalia - there probably won't be, as people do have a tendency to walk off with such things. So if you're going to be driving long distances - stock it with your own gear, as listed above. If you dont need it, and hopefully you won't, just put it all in a box and mail it back to yourself.

Finally, you must maintain a sense of humor and proportion. Winter travel is simply unpredictable. Prepare as much as you can, expect the unexpected, and be relieved when everything goes right. Being "over-safe" is better than being "under-safe"!