Real Estate Advisor: December

Travel Safe and Smart this Winter
Celebrate an Unconventional New Year's Eve

Travel Safe and Smart this Winter

Gloomy weather, icy roadways, and crowded airports aren't likely to prevent thousands of Americans from traveling this winter. The fact that Christmas and New Year's fall on Mondays this year may help spread out the "heavy" travel days, but overall the volume of travelers is expected to reach or exceed record volumes as it has during each of the past two holiday seasons.

Here are some tips and reminders for winter travel:

Drain water from outdoor hoses and faucets before leaving home, and make sure outdoor faucets are covered with insulating material. Make sure all interior pipes in unheated areas are properly insulated.
For long trips away from home, leave a set of keys with a friend or neighbor who can check in on your home.
Pets should be kept indoors during cold winter months. Board your animals at a shelter or with friends, even for short weekend trips.
If driving, make sure your car is prepared for the elements. Things to check:
1. Battery/lights
2. Windshield wipers
3. Defrost and heater
4. Antifreeze level
5. Tires/tire pressure
Keep an emergency car kit, including tire chains, jumper cables, road flares, blanket, flashlight and water. If you don't own a cell phone, invest in an inexpensive portable CB radio.
Stay up to date on road conditions, particularly snow tire/tire chain advisories or requirements.
Leave yourself extra time to reach your destination, and leave extra room behind the car in front of you during wet or icy conditions.
Holiday travel often translates to long lines. Arrive at the airport an extra 30 minutes early for domestic flights and at least 45 minutes for international flights.
Inclement conditions (even in other cities) can cause flight delays or cancellations. Opting for early morning flights leaves you a cushion should you need to catch a later flight.
Leave gifts unwrapped when flying or riding the train. Security screeners may have to un-wrap gifts found in your baggage, causing further delays.
Don't forget the TSA's 3-1-1 rule:
1. Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers three ounces or less,
2. Items must be put in a one quart, clear plastic zip-top bag, and
3. Only one zip-top bag per passenger.
Note that this applies to items received as gifts on your return trip (jams, lotion, perfume, even snow globes). Liquid/aerosol items purchased once past the security checkpoint are not restricted, as they have been previously screened.
Don't count on in-flight meals - bring healthy snacks for you and your family.
With cold and flu season in full swing, keep antiseptic hand wipes in your carry-on.
Keep prescription and over-the-counter medication in original containers.
When booking hotels, look for properties with indoor activities/amenities and a hot breakfast included.
When flying to a skiing or snowboarding vacation, consider renting skis or a snowboard at your destination.
If you do bring skis or a snowboard along, get travel insurance to cover damage that may occur in transit.
MP3 players, portable video games, digital cameras - in other words, stock up on batteries.

Celebrate an Unconventional New Year's Eve

In many ways New Year's Eve is the procrastinator's holiday, as the hectic pace and distractions of December can easily push New Year's plans out of mind. Those that wait are often left with a choice between hastily crafted plans or no real New Year's celebration at all. Here are some unique ways to usher in 2007 on short notice:

A Quiet Getaway -

Often New Year's plans center on places where "everything is happening" - why not take the exact opposite approach? Some out-of the way tourist areas that are crowded in the summer may have affordable off-season rates and availability on short notice during the winter months. A calm weekend at a cozy bed and breakfast can serve as relaxing coda to a long year. This is especially suited for those who want to spend a romantic New Year's with their loved one.

The Big Dinner -

It's no secret that most restaurants are booked solid months in advance for New Year's Eve dinners and private cocktail parties. However, if you plan an afternoon dinner (a la Thanksgiving), you may be able to find space at dining hot spots despite the holiday. Friends and family may appreciate the idea of taking their time to enjoy a meal, while still having the flexibility to get home or to other parties long before the clock strikes midnight.

Midnight Breakfast -

Hosting a New Year's party on short notice? Break away from the worn-out champagne and confetti formula by hosting a brunch-at-night get together. Serve mimosas, Bloody Marys, and hot toddies in place of standard party beverages. You can choose to serve a full breakfast menu or smaller fare depending on your tastes. Just remember, everyone loves an omelet bar.

Slumber Party -

If your aim is throw a memorable New Year's bash, you must remember two things: 1) everyone loves a true theme party, and 2) no one likes to worry about driving on New Year's. A pajama-style sleepover lets everyone get in touch with their inner-teenager, and can be a great family-friendly way to spend the evening. For added authenticity break out the board games and root beer floats.

Night on the Town -

While many New Year's events are booked out by now, you may be able to find some openings for a small group if you look hard enough. During the last week of December, many newspapers will run a "last minute" list of parties and events with tickets for sale. Check craigslist and the local classifieds for event tickets for re-sale from people whose plans have changed. If you're looking on behalf of a larger group of friends, call around to clubs and bars to see if cancellations have opened up any reserved areas.