December 22, 2021 Good morning from soon-to-be cold and rainy southern California. Rain is in the forecast and we'll take it! My family and I were supposed to be in Toronto but Covid threw a wrench into that plan so we're spending the holidays at home. We're still planning on going to Hawaii next month but like everything these days, we're in wait-and-see mode.
It seems that most Americans who had Christmas plans are following through with them as TSA officers reported screening 1,979,089 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, December 21. That's just 2,344 people fewer than 2019! So we're back to pre-pandemic levels (at least we were yesterday). If you are airport-bound, here's a holiday travel survival guide to help things go smoothly:
-The TSA’s Advice for Traveling with Gifts This Holiday Season
-5 Tips for Avoiding Airport Parking Pandemonium
-How to Cut to the Front of the Airport Security Line for Free
-Warning: These Two Days Are Expected to Be the Busiest at U.S. Airports
-These Straps Will Prevent Sore Ears from Wearing a Mask
-The Trick for Getting Luggage Carts for Free
-12 Tips to Make Holiday Travel Smoother and Safer
-What to Do: Weather Delays and Flight Cancellations
VIDEO: Police Officer Pulls Gun on Outraged Passengers at MIA Airport
There wasn't much holiday spirit in the air when these Miami passengers and police officer got in a brawl on Monday night. Watch both videos and be thankful you weren't there to witness the chaos.
Show Up Early, Flights are Full, Pack Your Patience and Chocolates
The holidays make travel even more stressful so be sure to leave plenty of time to get to the airport and through security because if you miss your flight, there aren't a lot of seats for the airlines to put you in. Flights are running at an average of 96% full! Also pack your patience and instead of giving your flight attendant a hard time, give them this instead and remember, they're away from their families as well.
Surprise Your Kids with These Free Santa Apps and Websites
Christmas is just a few days away and the excitement in our house is mounting. A few relatives have already sent wrapped presents for the kids that are now under the tree and just testing my kids' patience. One way to give the kids their Santa fix, besides watching The Grinch, Arthur Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on repeat is by checking out these free websites and apps.
There's plenty of travel news today as well as my travel tip of the day so please scroll down to see it all. | 
