You probably need to get away from the truss business for a while, and now is the best time to plan for it. Travel has never been cheaper. Facilities have never been cleaner or less congested. And you can book holiday plans now with little risk – hotel rooms and plane tickets are largely cancellable.
For air travel, first go to www.google.com/flights to view options. After entering your destination and dates, select the Price Graph (shown in the accompanying screen shot) and see the helpful display of fares. If you can complete travel before the week of Christmas, you’ll get the lowest possible fares. Though, if you stay for Christmas, plan your return before December 28 to save considerably. Or wait until the New Year for comparable savings. Whatever arrangements you plan, be sure you buy your ticket and hotel directly from the source. Avoid internet brokers like Travelocity or Hotels.com, which aren’t cheaper and can complicate changes.
During my dozen recent flights, I’ve noticed a marked increase in travelers around Thanksgiving, but nothing like I’ve seen in previous years. Now travel is falling off due to Covid-related caution. Rest assured that planes are meticulously cleaned and disinfected between flights. And because there are 25% less flights than a year ago, your plane will likely be on time and your flight crew will be the most experienced.
Treat yourself to premier hotels for about what you’d normally pay for a Hampton Inn. Recently, I checked into the fabulous Hyatt Regency at Dulles airport for $88 a night, ten dollars less than nearby Marriott properties. In the evening, I enjoyed their first-class fitness facility, which included a Peloton bike and a lap pool. And in the morning, I picked up a generous hot breakfast that I had ordered the evening before.
Of course, car travel remains the best bargain, and will take you there faster than ever – like I experienced driving through the entire DC-Baltimore-Philadelphia-NYC corridor at a steady 65 mph. Roadside stops are clean and less crowded. Hotel staffs are anxious to accommodate you – however you may never see them if you check-in online and use an electronic key. That way you can sneak in a side door closest to your room, bypassing the lobby and front desk.
Get refreshed for the new year by following the wise words of the McDonald’s ad, “You deserve a break today, so go out and get away!”