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7 Sanity Savers to Survive Thanksgiving Travel

By U.S. News & World Report

Slow-moving airport security lines. Squeezing through cramped airport terminals. Settling sibling shouting matches in the back seat while stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. It’s no secret that crowds, prices and stress levels soar during the hectic travel period, testing the patience of even the most seasoned travelers. In fact, AAA Travel estimates 48.7 million Americans will travel a minimum of 50 miles from home over the holiday, nearly a 2 percent uptick from 2015 and the greatest spike over the Thanksgiving travel period since 2007. To avoid feeling frazzled during the holiday rush, use these pro hacks to dodge common travel headaches, save time and optimize comfort (and keep your sanity intact) on your way home this holiday.

[See: 10 Frequent Flier Secrets Every Traveler Should Know.]

Embrace Your Inner Early Bird

Checking in early (24 hours ahead of departure) isn’t just a time-saver, it’s a way to reduce your chances of getting bumped from your flight. Plus, you’ll need to account for heightened security traffic and heavy crowds at popular airports across the country. Plan to arrive 45 minutes earlier than usual to navigate unexpected delays and stagnant security lines, advises Keith Nowak, director of Communications at Travelocity. He also suggests steering clear of the most crowded hubs (think: Los Angeles International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport), where you may encounter “the longest security lines, most crowded concession areas and the fewest available parking spaces.” Another simple way to beat the rush: Fly in the morning or late at night, and if possible, steer clear of traveling on the Wednesday before and Sunday after, typically the most popular Thanksgiving travel days, he adds.

Don’t Leave Home Without the Right Tools

Keeping your airline’s app in your back pocket is an easy way to avoid anxiety-inducing situations, explains Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com. Carrying your airport’s app “can be particularly useful, as many offer real-time updates on delays and cancellations,” he adds. Another must-have item for sharing your itinerary with friends and family members: Google’s new Trips app, says Robert Birge, chief managing officer of Lola, a personal chat-based travel service available via smartphone that helps research and book flights and hotels. He also points to Waze, Google Maps and luggage trackers like LugLoc as essential travel tools. If it’s a top priority to breeze through security, Birge also suggests enrolling in TSA PreCheck. “Even these [PreCheck] lines are getting long, but it’s still much faster and involves less unpacking,” he says.

And if you’re planning to drive to grandma’s house this Thanksgiving, rely on social media. “We like to keep on top of Twitter when road tripping. Local police, even in some smaller towns, use Twitter for real-time updates,” Klee says.

Unwind in the Airport Lounge

If you find yourself stalled at the airport or your itinerary includes a lengthy layover, consider splurging for access to a business lounge. “Many major airlines have one-day passes (approximately $50) where you’ll have access to a variety of amenities,” Nowak explains, highlighting snacks, high-speed internet and newspapers as top perks. He points to LoungeBuddy.com as a helpful tool for finding lounges based on your desired amenities.

[See: 8 Ways You’re Annoying Passengers During the Holidays.]

Keep Kids Entertained

If you’re traveling with youngsters, finding distractions while in transit is essential. “Get a carry-on for your toddlers, and use it for a few weeks before. If they don’t already use a backpack for school, get them one — or a kids roller. First, it gives them something to do, but more importantly you can pack their toys and snacks in their bag,” Birge says. Also, make sure to stock up on snacks and their favorite TV shows and videos on your phone and tablet before leaving home, he says. And remember to bring along a foldable stroller if you’re traveling with toddlers. “Don’t underestimate how far you walk in many airports, and how tiring that can be for little 4-year-old legs,” he cautions.

Klee also suggests packing along travel-friendly toys such as stuffed animals for little globetrotters. If you’re traveling with small children, bring along “something chewy to combat the cabin pressure changes that can put too much pressure on little ears,” Klee adds.

Prepare to Pivot Your Plans

Remember, Thanksgiving is a popular time for overbooked flights, says George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com. “You may be offered a voucher to travel on a later flight or the next day if you’re bumped from a flight. Don’t take it.” Instead, accept cash, Hobica advises. Depending on the delay, you may be able to receive up to $1,350 in compensation, he explains. Practice patience if your plans are detoured. “If your flight is severely delayed or canceled and you’ll miss grandpa carving the bird, remember that you can simply cancel the entire trip and get a refund of your airfare,” Hobica explains.

Birge also recommends mentally preparing yourself should your plans go awry. “You don’t want to be ‘that guy’ that screams at the poor customer service desk [agent],” he says. If you’re planning to turn to a travel agent, “have their number handy,” he says. And if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, “use Google for finding flight alternatives,” Birge says. “You can cancel any flight booking within 24 hours, so don’t wait.” And if you need alternative lodging on the fly, he points to HotelTonight as a helpful tool to secure last-minute accommodations at a discount.

Consider Alternative Parking Arrangements

If you’re planning to drive to the airport, you may encounter jampacked lots, Hobica explains. He advises looking at “cheaper off-airport parking services” as an alternative or taking a taxi. While some airports, including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, allow you to secure parking reservations in advance, you may be better off taking public transit or using a ride-sharing service. Nowak also suggests renting a car to “save your family some time and effort of having to pick you up.”

[See: 9 Steps to Trim Holiday Travel Costs.]

Pack Light

Paring down your suitcase can translate to a smooth and speedy security screening. Make sure you have your photo ID, phone charger and travel documents within easy reach, and stay organized before going through security, Klee cautions. Hobica echoes these sentiments: “One of the main causes of airport TSA delays is people forgetting to take cellphones and other metal objects out of pockets. Put all these things in your carry-on bag before you leave for the airport.” Birge suggests leaving as many devices — including your laptop and your Kindle — as possible at home. And to maximize storage, “Roll your clothes; don’t fold,” he adds.

Nowak recommends sporting your bulkiest winter outerwear and stowing away light clothes in your suitcase. And if you’re planning to bring your host a gift or a heavy item, consider shipping these presents rather than taking up limited suitcase space or paying a steep fee for oversized luggage, he adds.

More from U.S. News

10 Hacks for Headache-Free Travel This Holiday Season

8 Ways You’re Irritating People at the Airport

9 Last-Minute Places to Escape the Holidays for Less Than $1,000

7 Sanity Savers to Survive Thanksgiving Travel originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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