Flying Sans Rudolph ; )

Flying during the holidays is never as fun, efficient or exciting as Santa's once a year sleigh ride. However, here are some tips to help make your airport experiences much more merry, healthy and bright this season!

• Eat before you leave the house!! You should always leave with a full tummy or you will be tempted to nosh on whatever is convenient.
• Know before you go!! Know which airports you will be flying in and out of, laying over, etc. Most airports have websites that show what dining establishments can be found in each terminal. For instance, I know that the Delta terminal at LAX has a Starbucks (for my soy latte) and a CPK express where I can grab a salad or soup for the flight. Most international hubs have chain restaurants or familiar fast food counters that you can order up a healthy meal for your in flight pleasure. From a veggie salad or sandwich at Quiznos to a black Bean Burger at Chili's To Go, there are ways to not give in to bags of pretzels and pounds of danishes to keep you from passing out on your flight ; ) The World Travel Guide site is a great site that can lead you to each city's airport web site.
• Stay Hydrated!! Seeing as how we cannot bring our own food or beverages from home anymore, the first purchase one should make upon entering the appropriate gate is a big bottle of water. Above all else, staying hydrated during air travel is key to cutting down on fatigue and helps fight off the munchies!
• Sleep well the night before travel! That's the toughest with the anticipation and stress that comes with flying during the holidays but it can be done. And if not, invest in a flight pillow, eye mask, earplugs or noise reducing headphones and a blanket. Bring all the comforts of home with you to make your air Z catching easier.
• Plan ahead! Know where you are going directly after you pick up your bags at your destination. Home, hotel, family's house, wherever - map out what is close by in case you need to pick up a snack or a full blown meal so you don't keel over and start your vacation on a bad foot ; )

No matter what, air travel is a pain but hopefully the spirit of the season and these tips will help you get to and from your holiday destinations with a smile on your face!!