Simple Tips to Make Your Thanksgiving Travel More Restful and Less Stressful
NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 22: People wait for their flights at Newark Liberty International Airport on the day before one of the busiest travel days of the year.
This is the week that thousands of flights depart and arrive in New Jersey. We’re facing long flights, so we can spend time with our loved ones over the Thanksgiving holiday.
According to the AAA, over 55 million will travel over 50 miles away from home Thanksgiving week.
Traveling by flight during the holiday season can be daunting, especially if you’re faced with long waiting times, layovers, and the thought of cancellations. Whether you’re traveling domestically or going internationally, these expert tips from MattressNextDay will help you make the most of your flights and stay rested.
Choose the Right Seat
Traveling comfortably on a plane begins with your choice of seat. When booking your flights, consider investing a little extra in the correct seat for your needs.
If you have long legs, opt for an emergency exit seat to enjoy extra legroom. To minimize interruptions during the flight, book a window seat, ensuring that you won’t have to get up every five minutes to let fellow travelers pass.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Stay away from wearing tight jeans and heeled boots and opt for cozy and comfy during your flight. An oversized sweater or a hoodie are excellent choices for in-flight comfort, especially during long-haul trips. Also, it’s essential to avoid feeling excessively hot or cold. Dress in a couple of layers so you can peel some off if you’re warm.
Remember Your Neck Pillow
This is something my wife and I have done multiple times. We have a whole shelf in our closet filled with neck pillows. We’ve forgotten them and then had to buy new ones quite a few times. To ensure a restful flight, a neck pillow can make a world of difference. It not only helps maintain a relaxed posture but also prevents neck and shoulder stiffness.
Don’t Forget Your Other Flight Essentials
A neck pillow is just one of the things you should bring. Eye masks, earplugs, and noise-canceling headphones are equally important to create an ideal sleeping environment. The latter makes such a difference when you want to get some sleep.
Maybe you’re someone who never sleeps on a flight. Download the latest TV shows, books, or puzzle books on your phone or tablet to pass the time. Use this as a backup for what viewing options the airline offers.
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5 Unique and Unusual Thanksgiving Traditions to Consider
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated with a blend of family, food, and traditions, some of which are deeply rooted in history. But, if you think this holiday is all about the turkey and pumpkin pie, you’re in for a surprise. There are also some more unique and unexpected customs that have found their way into the Thanksgiving celebration.
Traditions surrounding Thanksgiving.
Over time, families and close-knit groups of friends often create their unique Thanksgiving customs, which they observe annually. Many families engage in acts of giving back by volunteering at local food banks or shelters, to share their good fortune with those in need. Some base their day around the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, a tradition since 1924. Then, there’s the age-old custom of partaking in or watching a friendly game of touch football with friends and family. It has also become synonymous with Thanksgiving, creating opportunities for connection and fun.
Commonly practiced annual traditions that some deem as unusual.
Despite the presence of commonly practiced annual traditions, there are some customs that may strike certain people as unusual. For instance, consider the annual Presidential Turkey Pardon, officially known as the “National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation.” On Thanksgiving Day, the President extends clemency to a specially selected turkey, sparing it from becoming the centerpiece of a meal and ensuring that it lives out its days freely on a farm.
According to the National Turkey Federation, this tradition started in 1947 when President Harry Truman received a live turkey from them. In 1963, President Kennedy returned the gift from the National Turkey Federation to its farm of origin, according to the White House website. Sometime during the Nixon administration, the President began sending the turkey to a petting farm near Washington after the receiving ceremony and photos, although no formal pardon was given. President George H.W. Bush offered the first actual turkey pardon. On November 14, 1989, he declared that year’s turkey had “been granted a presidential pardon as of right now.”
But this is just the start when it comes to unusual Thanksgiving customs. Check out the following list for even more unique and eccentric traditions associated with the Thanksgiving holiday.
Joel Katz is the Morning Show Personality, Assistant Program Director, Podcast Host, Voiceover artist, audio producer, and Digital Content Writer for Magic 98.3. Joel has been working in New Jersey radio since college and started at Magic in 2002 as the Morning Show Host, “I can’t think of another place where I’d fit more perfectly; it’s just a great company with awesome people.” Joel is married to Kathleen, his elementary school sweetheart (they were each other’s first dates at age 9), shares a birthday with his oldest son, Ty, and has twins, Kiera and Liam. Joel runs at least 3.1 miles every day and enjoys playing basketball, doing laundry, saving his turn signal for when he really needs it, kissing dogs through a fence, using coasters, making that cool noise by rubbing his fingers on balloons, and chasing after ping pong balls on a windy cruise ship.