Traveling Alone Safety

By: SIERRA SMALLS-GREER

(Gainesville, Ga.) – The Thanksgiving Holiday is coming up and we are all excited about heading home to stuff our faces with food, family and friends. Thanksgiving is a great time for everyone but it is also a time or college students to be traveling home– often times ALONE!

As if traveling isn’t already a pain in itself, traveling by yourself is a whole other story by plane or car.

Nevertheless, safety is a very important part of your upcoming travel plans and this article is here to help you make it as smooth as possible.

If you’re traveling home by car, you know that holiday traffic is just waiting on you. Not only are you going home, but millions of other people are too. Traffic can really be a pain but here are some ways to make it less painful.

Early Bird Gets The Worm
If possible, get off campus early! Plan and pack your bags ahead of time.

If your last class ends at 1 p.m., that will be the perfect time to get off campus and start your travel home in the daylight.

On the other hand, if you are getting out of class late it may be better to travel the next morning if possible.

Your Suitcase Is All About That Bass
Pack Extra! It is always a good idea to prepare yourself and your car for a long voyage.

Pack a duffel bag with items like:

• Flashlights
• Jumper Cables
• Snacks
• Blankets
• Cellular Charger
• Extra Clothing
• Boots
• Water
• and anything else you can think of!

This is a great way to prepare for any type of emergency!

The More, The Merrier
Carpooling is always an option! If you have a friend that lives nearby this could be a great opportunity to split the gas money and not travel alone.

Plus, it is Thanksgiving after all! Share your mom’s cooking with those you love.

Sleep-Driving Is Not An Option
Make sure you’re well rested! Traveling while tired is a terrible idea and energy boosters, like Red Bull or Starbuck’s, will not help you either.

Everyone is in haste to get home, but safety is first so always take the time to rest.

If you happen to be driving already and get sleepy get to a safe place and pull over, being tired behind the wheel makes you a danger to yourself and everyone else on the road.

I hope that these tips will make your travel experience a pleasant one! Enjoy your holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving!