Written by Anne Rumpf: The first day of summer is rapidly approaching and so is vacation season, which means crowds. Yes, now is the season when you’re struggling to get to a meeting across the country all the while dodging families who are entering the mix to go to some fun place on their vacation. I love families, heck I have one of my own, but when you’re on a plane trying to organize a presentation or even trying to read email, you don’t need brothers and sisters fighting over who gets the window seat or asking, “are we there yet?” So to help prepare you, I’ve put together essential tips that ‘ll keep you sane during vacation season. This is just Part I. Part II will tackle how to deal with the crowds if you find yourself surrounded.

Be sure to click Read More for the rest of Anne Rumpf’s weekly column focused on business travel. If you have any comments for Anne, feel free to email her here.

Plan ahead to avoid the high traffic times and days.

Most business travelers fly early in the day and often catch the first flights after 5 so they can get in a full workday. Your boss might not love it, but consider flying off-peak hours such as mid-morning, mid-afternoon or after 7pm. Also keep in mind the least busy travel days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday (I know that’s not a popular choice, but it may help you get home with less stress and strain.)

Leave lots of extra time

More time less stress. I know it is not what you want to hear, but this simple tip will save you some of the stress that the extra long, slowly moving lines will cause.

Check out wait times and flight status

Check the wait times and flight status before you leave home and even while in transit via your mobile device. There are several ways to get real time information such as through Google and Yahoo. My new favorite is Flight Status. It’s very simple to set up. Send the following link to your device and avoid having to type in the URL: http://mobile.flightstats.com You can also send proactive flight alerts to your email or to your mobile device. Simply find the flight your want to track using the Flight Status application and click on the Alert Icons to set-up flight alerts.

Find a quiet place

Find a quiet place to work if you are delayed or have a long layover. It might just give you the stamina to make it to the end of your trip in one piece. Learn about quiet airport getaways at airporthavens. Discover hidden recommendations from fellow frequent flyers. For example at LAX, James discovered a hidden lounge that no one seems to know about – a nice, soft sofa on which you can spread out and get some work done. Check out the suggestions for most major airports. And if your local airport isn’t listed, enter their contest by sharing your favorite spots. (Remember to stay away from mall type areas and food courts as these are great places for parents to send their kids while they try to get some r&r.)

Consider sending your bag ahead.

Consider sending your bag ahead. If you have to check a bag, collecting it from baggage claim can be even more of a hassle this time of year. Everyone and his mother are crowded around the turnstile looking for their black bag. There are several companies that provide shipping service specifically geared to travelers’ baggage:

Luggage Concierge
Luggage Forward
Luggage Free
Sports Express
The Luggage Club
Virtual Bellhop

Use their Web sites to enter your trip and bag data for an immediate cost quote. The cost is most likely more than the $15 some airlines are now charging, but consider the idea of not dragging your bag through the airport or not waiting in the baggage claim queue. Each company picks up your baggage at your home or office, does all shipment (via DHL, Fed Ex, etc.) paperwork, and arranges for delivery to your destination. Well worth the few dollars extra.

Avoid the long taxi lines

Go to the very end of the terminal you arrived in and check around the corner. Depending on the airport, you will likely find the “secret” taxi line with no one waiting.

So as we come to the end of these tips, remember the laws of Karma…one day it might be you with your annoying family in front of people who need to get to their work destination. So do your best to be patient and accept the fact that you’re so far in front that you are in front of yourself – figure that one out. As always, I welcome your tips, suggestions and feedback – so write to me at anne@wejetset.com. Travel safely and keep your cool out there…

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