The Sentinel: Holiday Travel

6 travel tips for a safe holiday season

Photo provided

BRANDPOINT - Traveling for the holidays? Whether you're having a Friendsgiving with pals or going to grandma's house for Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, you'll find the roads jam packed. According to a survey by GasBuddy, 72% of Americans plan to drive to their holiday destination, up from 41% in 2023. Stormy and snowy weather conditions won't help matters.

Here are some tips to help you arrive at your holiday destination safely from State Farm.

Before you go, make sure your car is in tip top shape so you get to your destination and home again safely.

Be prepared: transform your trunk for holiday travel. Is your trunk filled with your kids' sports equipment, your gym bag and miscellaneous items you found at a garage sale? State Farm recommends clearing all of that out and packing items you'll need if you get stranded, like hats, gloves, warm socks and blankets for everyone in the car.

Also include water, flashlights and high-calorie snacks like trail mix. Don't forget phone chargers, jumper cables, a shovel and ice scraper, a tarp, snow brushes and a bag of sand or cat litter to give your tires some traction if you need to get out of an icy mess.

Be mindful of distractions

Texting while driving is the top culprit in distracted driving, according to a survey from State Farm. But that's not the only one. Grooming, checking maps, interacting with kids in the back seat, eating or even rubbernecking at an accident can cause an accident of your own. Also, be alert for wildlife and pedestrians.

Car maintenance is key

Oil changed and tires winter ready? Check! Lights all functioning and fluids topped off? Check! How about the wipers? What about your battery life? Before you go, make sure your car is in tip top shape so you get to your destination and home again safely. Even pop an extra jug of windshield washing fluid into your trunk, just in case.

Check the weather ahead

Monitor the weather along your route to know what you're driving into. You can arrange to stop in a hotel if necessary or delay your trip. The last thing you want is to be on the road in dangerous driving conditions.

Plan your route

Hop on your favorite mapping app and plan the best route for your trip, including stops for meals or overnights in a hotel. Many apps revise your route based on traffic patterns and accidents on the road ahead, so keep it on for any changes.

Fight fatigue

If you're driving a long distance, plan to take breaks every few hours or 100 miles to refuel, get out of the car, stretch and walk around for a bit. You don't want to nod off while driving.

Following these tips can help you feel confident setting out on your holiday journeys. Arriving safely to spend time with family and friends is what it's all about.

Related articles:

Take a break: Five reasons to escape to the Mexican Caribbean this winter

Photo provided

BPT - Escape the chill this winter and discover the signature paradise of the Mexican Caribbean. This stunning region boasts endless experiences to suit every type of traveler in 12 distinct destinations, from popular spots like Cancun, Tulum and the Riviera Maya, to hidden gems like Holbox, Bacalar and Playa Mujeres.

With powder-soft beaches, turquoise seas, verdant jungles and world-class resorts, the Mexican Caribbean is the perfect destination for a wide range of travel experiences, from solo wellness retreats to couples' getaways, family vacations and more.

Here are the top five reasons to book a getaway in the Mexican Caribbean:

1. Easily accessible tropical weather year-round

Get ready to shake off the cold in the Mexican Caribbean's balmy tropical climate where average daily winter temperatures hover in the mid-80°s F and nights rarely dip below 60° F. Sunshine is just a short trip away, with direct flights available from more than 40 U.S. cities to international airports in Cancun, Tulum and Cozumel, most of which are five hours or less.

2. Rich cultural experiences

The foundation of the Mexican Caribbean's culture centers around the ancient Mayan civilization and the magnificent archaeological sites that draw visitors from around the world. For an authentic experience off the beaten path, explore Maya Ka'an, located two and a half hours south of Cancun. This enchanting region showcases the enduring legacy of the Mayan people, with the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - as its centerpiece. Here, visitors can engage with local artisans and discover lesser-known archaeological sites like Muyil, which is situated on the Sian Ka'an lagoon, a name meaning "Where the Sky is Born." Once a key stop on a Mayan trade route, Muyil's canals now offer visitors the opportunity to swim and float in natural lazy rivers.

3. Endless activities

Nature enthusiasts will love the variety of outdoor activities available in the Mexican Caribbean. With its diverse geography, visitors can explore jungles, nature reserves and protected marine environments, all while unplugging from daily stress. Swimming, snorkeling and diving in cenotes is one of the most unique experiences in the Mexican Caribbean. These limestone sinkholes dotting the landscape have crystal clear waters, regional fauna and more to explore. Ancient Mayans considered them to be the entrance to the underworld.

In Puerto Morelos, the Cenotes Route boasts 60 cenotes over a span of 21 miles, accompanied by other adventure activities including mountain biking, ATVing, ziplining, rappelling, horseback riding, bird watching and more.

4. Unparalleled wellness experiences

The Mexican Caribbean is one of the world's top wellness destinations, offering luxury spas, holistic mind-body practices, and traditional healing rituals. For a truly restorative winter getaway, Tulum and Holbox offer distinctive experiences. Tulum is celebrated for its spiritual ambiance and laid-back atmosphere, offering a range of personalized wellness activities. Visitors can enjoy beachfront yoga, rejuvenating treatments at seaside spas, and temazcal ceremonies guided by traditional Mayan practices.

Holbox, a charming car-free island, is ideal for those seeking a more untouched experience. This free-spirited destination boasts beachside massages, ample yoga and boutique hotels offering a variety of holistic experiences including sound baths, Ayurvedic rituals, spiritual retreats and more. Holbox's tranquil environment and natural beauty make it an ideal escape for those looking to connect with nature.

5. Culinary experiences to please the palate

Culinary enthusiasts will be delighted by the variety of options available in the Mexican Caribbean, many featuring traditional Mexican and Mayan ingredients and techniques. For an unforgettable culinary journey, visit Riviera Maya, home to a wide array of dining experiences, from taco stands to fine dining establishments. Notably, Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas Riviera Maya and HA' at Hotel Xcaret stand out, as each were awarded One Star designation by MICHELIN Guide Mexico in 2024. More casual options abound on the Fifth Avenue pedestrian thoroughfare and surrounding streets.

Are you ready for an unforgettable tropical vacation this winter? To learn more and plan your trip to The Signature Paradise, visit MexicanCaribbean.Travel.

Keywords: unforgettable culinary journey, free-spirited destinations,magnificent archaeological sites, couples' getaways, winter travel, winter getaways

Heading out for Thanksgiving break

Two busses load passengers on Illinois Street on lovely fall morning in front of the Levis Faculty Center on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on Saturday morning. Nearly a half dozen additional charter busses were waiting along South Gregory between Krannert Performing Arts Center and the faculty center to take travelers to the Chicago area for the week-long Thanksgiving campus break. University of Illinois students will return to campus this coming weekend to resume classes before finals and the fall semester break.

Photo: PhotoNews Media

More OurSentinal.com articles:

SAD: Do you get the seasonal blues, here's a tip on what might help

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, so have the days of summer sun into the evening hours. While this is a typical sign of changing seasons, it can also come with a change in mood for those who...

Prep Sport Notebook | Hall big on the boards for Urbana, Unity loses first game

Janae Hall hauled in nine of her team's 28 rebounds in Urbana's 51-10 loss to visiting MacArthur on Thursday.

Leave the snow behind and head to the ocean this winter holiday season

Photo provided

NAPSI — As an increasing number of people have discovered: for delightful holidays by just adding water. Simply hop on a plane and leave the midwest for the warm waters, whether it be a lake, bay or the ocean, and head for Florida, Texas, or California. For an unique way to celebrate this Christmas, look at using Boatsetter, a mobile app for boat rentals, charters, and on-water experiences, making it easier to have fun with family and friends by spending the season at sea.

Just imagine — using Boatsetter to host Friendsgiving onboard, be part of a lighted boat parade, or secure the best view for New Year’s Eve fireworks.

With more than 50,000 boats in over 700 global locations, the company makes getting on the water as easy as calling a rideshare. With no sign-up fees or membership dues, its easy-to-use app and simplified booking process lets anyone — with or without prior boating experience—browse, book, and go.

As Michael Farb, Boatsetter CEO, put it, “The holiday season is about spending quality time with loved ones, and what better way to do that than on a boat?”

Sample Sailings

• A pontoon party where you can take in unparalleled views of dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees.

• A day of offshore fishing and cruising.

• A luxury sailing experience on board the aptly named “Serenity” sailboat. Learn to sail or just relax under the careful watch of a U.S. Coast Guard-certified captain.

• A two-day overnight charter for the extended family in Turks and Caicos. Escape to a private beach of your choosing on board a luxury yacht complete with crew.

By connecting qualified renters directly to boat owners and licensed USCG-certified captains, Boatsetter makes it easy to discover and enjoy a wide array of on-water experiences.

For further facts, to see available tours or to book one, visit www.boatsetter.com.

Traveling with your pet? 6 things you will want to remember

Pet parents increasingly want to take their furry family members with them wherever they can. This has led to an uptick in pet travel, whether around town, on business, or across the country. In response to this demand, more hotels are taking steps to accommodate four-legged guests.

Save money on trips with latest travel trend

A vacation planning and booking gateway lets you explore curated travel itineraries on featured destinations and then build and book your next dream vacation with a quick call. You can choose from thousands of destinations around the globe or design your own trip with ...

Traveling with your pet? 6 things you will want to remember

Photo: Bruno Cervera/Unsplash

by Kim Salerno
TripsWithPets

Wake Forest - Pet parents increasingly want to take their furry family members with them wherever they can. This has led to an uptick in pet travel, whether around town, on business, or across the country. In response to this demand, more hotels are taking steps to accommodate four-legged guests.

While there may be an increase in accommodations that allow pets, taking a trip with a pet still requires you to look under the hood. Taking a closer look at hotel pet policy details is essential to ensure you and your whole crew are welcome.

“Just because a hotel indicates that they allow pets, doesn’t mean that they will accept all pets." says Kim Salerno, CEO/Founder of TripsWithPets.com, a website that provides online reservations for pet-friendly accommodations. “It’s important to do your homework before booking. Reviewing specific hotel pet policies is a “must” to ensure it can accommodate your pets.”

Salerno notes that there are a number of specific pet policy details to check for when looking to book a pet-friendly hotel.

1. Pet Fees

There is a waning number of hotels that allow pets to stay for free. Most pet-friendly accommodations charge an additional fee for pets. Fees can range from $10 to around $100. It is most common for hotels to charge per night. However, some charge per stay, while others may charge per pet/night. In rare cases, pet deposits may also be required. It’s important to be aware of these added costs and factor them into your trip budget.

2. Pet Weight Limit

You’d be hard pressed to find a hotel that does not have a pet weight limit. If you have a large pet, it’s important to know before booking whether an establishment is willing to accommodate him, or whether you need to keep looking.

3. Number of Pets Allowed

The majority of hotels only allow one or two pets at most per room. If you’re traveling with human companions and 3+ pets, you might consider renting two rooms to accommodate everyone. If you need help finding space for a crowd, TripsWithPets can assist you.

4. Types of Pets Welcome

Pet friendly doesn’t automatically mean “all pets.” All pet-friendly hotels allow dogs, and many also allow cats. Some hotels, like Kimpton, are open to whatever pet you happen to bring, regardless of species, size or breed, but these are uncommon. Bottom line: Because a hotel says they allow pets, don’t assume they allow all types of pets.

5. Unattended Pet Policy

During your travels, you may want to attend an event or visit a place where your pet won’t be welcome. Some hotels will allow you to leave your pet unattended in your room, and others will not. If the hotel you choose has a “no unattended pets” policy, you may have to either modify your plans so that you can bring your pet along, or make arrangements for your pet’s care in your absence.

6. Breed Restrictions

Although not prevalent, dog breeds such as bully breeds, German Shepherds, and Dobermans, are restricted by some accommodations. It is more commonly found with vacation rentals and B&Bs.

“What sets TripsWithPets.com apart is that we provide detailed pet policies for all the properties on our site. This allows pet parents to know before booking.” says Salerno. “There are plenty of accommodation options out there. And if you need us, we’re happy to help.”

While some hotel chains are reliably “pets allowed” across the board, most individual hotels have their own specific pet policy, and policy restrictions can vary widely, even within brands and chains. Policies are also subject to change. Never assume a hotel’s pet policy – always know before you go.

Kim Salerno is Founder and Chief Executive Officer for TripsWithPets. TripsWithPets is a leader in the pet travel industry – providing online reservations at pet-friendly hotels across the United States and Canada.