travel tips | The Mommy Insider

I can’t imagine sending one or both of my kids off on a flight alone but some parents such as single parents and those with kids who want to spend a couple of weeks at Grandma and Grandpa’s during summer vacation, have to put their children on an airplane to fly solo. Jennifer Michaels from CheapOAir.com provides parents with a few great tips to help prepare their kids (and themselves) for solo summer travel.

by Jennifer Michaels

Summer vacation is a great time to send your little ones on a flight to visit grandparents or other relatives this summer. But, there are so many questions parents have when it comes to sending their kids solo on a flight.

Interestingly, there are no set Department of Transportation regulations concerning travel by these “unaccompanied minors,” but the airlines have specific procedures to protect the well-being of youngsters flying by themselves.

These policies may differ, however, so you should check with the carrier that you plan to use for a description of its rules and services and any additional charges that may apply.

Before you go, check out some FAQs and answers from the U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division pamphlet titled “When Kids Fly Alone”. This tip-guide is the most comprehensive I have found and answers the following questions:

Who can fly alone?
What are the fees?
What kind of flight do I need to book for my child?
How do I prepare my child for the flight?
What do I do at the airport?
What should I send with my child (i.e. proof of age, etc.)
What should my child know to expect?

All of these questions are important to ask. Being informed – and making sure that your children are at ease and know the guidelines – will help with your peace of mind and help your child on the flight. Independence is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.

Going away to summer camp or to visit loved ones can be a stressful time for families. Teaching your children to expect the unexpected is a great life lesson. Being prepared and organized with toys, books and games to keep them busy is a good start.

The pamphlet not only tips for what to pack, but outlines detailed safety procedures as well. For example, always point out places for your child to go for assistance. Teaching your kids not to be afraid to ask for help is a valuable lesson for traveling alone.

There is also a checklist for the person picking up your child at the destination – another very important guide. With the right research and information, your child’s solo flight can go off without a hitch. And, then, mom and dad can have a little summer vacation of their own!

If you do plan to go on vacation with the little ones this summer, then be sure to check out the family travel deals available right now on CheapOair!

Jiffy Lube Prepares Drivers for Wintry Conditions to Minimize Breakdowns During the Cold Winter Months

Icy roads, salt-covered windshields and whiteout conditions are just a few of the challenges drivers may encounter as they take to the roads this winter. While simple preparation can help drivers avoid many difficult driving situations, more than 70 percent of motorists admit they don’t have their vehicles winterized in preparation for inclement weather.[1] Getting your vehicle ready for winter driving conditions can make the difference between a safe ride and being stranded on the side of the road.

“Cold weather and sub-par road conditions during the winter months can wreak havoc on your vehicle and create a stressful driving experience,” said John Sanfacon, head of Marketing and Innovations at

Jiffy Lube International. “Making time for simple, preventive vehicle maintenance can help keep you safe on the road through the cold winter months. Jiffy Lube offers services that can help you evaluate and prepare your vehicle.”

Not only do freezing temperatures, snow and ice contribute to hazardous driving conditions, they can take a toll on vehicle parts and systems. Before hitting the road, Jiffy Lube suggests checking your vehicle to ensure the essentials, such as engine fluids and vehicle parts, are ready to brave the elements.

Importance of Fluids

Cold weather increases pressure on vehicle parts because most vehicle fluids are thicker and don’t flow as easily. This can put a strain on your engine, which is why it’s important to assess vital fluids and change them according to the vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations. Engine oil is especially important because it reduces friction between moving parts and cleans away harmful contaminants. It should be checked regularly and if recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, changed in preparation for cold-weather. In addition, check your vehicle owner’s manual to see which grade of oil the manufacturer recommends for cold-weather driving. Antifreeze is also important to check since the condition of the fluid has a direct affect on the temperature at which it freezes. Be sure to reference the label on your antifreeze container to confirm the temperature protection will meet your needs based on where you live.

Safety First

Other vehicle parts are also critical for safe winter driving. The battery, wiper blades, headlights and tires should be inspected in preparation for winter driving. Getting stranded with a dead battery or caught in a snow storm with inadequate wipers or headlights can lead to a dangerous situation. The battery should be tested and replaced if necessary. Clean your wipers by running a towel over the blades, and check for cracks and tears. Also, have your headlights inspected by a professional to ensure they are clean and working properly. It’s also important to check out what’s between your vehicle and the road – the tires. Under-inflated or worn tires could cause a vehicle to slip on slick ice, rain or snow-covered roads. Check the tire pressure and fill your tires regularly; your owner’s manual will indicate the proper tire pressure. Please note that your tire pressure will drop approximately one pound per square inch for every 10 degree drop in temperature.

Quick Tips to Beat Winter Conditions

Planning ahead and keeping up with routine preventive maintenance is the best way to prepare your vehicle for winter driving, however, you may still find yourself in some tough situations. Jiffy Lube offers the following tips for handling unexpected winter driving situations:

Stuck on Ice? Keep a bag of sand in your trunk in case your vehicle gets stuck on ice. Sprinkle the sand on the ice near and around your tires; it won’t melt the ice but will provide enough traction to help you get on your way.
Frozen Ice on Windshield or Windows? Ice on your windshield or windows can restrict your vision, so remove it before hitting the road. Take a few minutes to use a de-icer and an ice scraper to say so long to ice. Avoid using hot water; it can freeze quickly and create more ice, restricting your vision even more. De-icing products, such as Rain-X® De-Icer, can be found at most hardware stores and gas stations.
Left in the Snow Dust? Drivers are sometimes influenced by other drivers on the road. If you find yourself being passed by others who are driving at fast speeds in stormy winter weather, don’t feel like you need to speed up. Continue to drive at a speed you are comfortable with because you’re more than likely going an appropriate speed for the driving conditions and you’ll probably be less likely to slip on the slick, icy roads.
Looking to Defrost? It can be a dangerous situation when your windows fog up, but don’t panic. To defrost your windows quickly, turn on the air conditioner with your temperature gauge turned to warm and your recycled air button switched off. The air conditioner will pull moisture out of the air and expedite the defrosting process.
Stranded on the Side of the Road? If your vehicle breaks down or the weather makes it difficult to drive, you could find yourself stuck on the side of the road in freezing temperatures. Be prepared with a fully equipped vehicle emergency kit. Suggested items include a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, bottled water, extra blankets, gloves and hat, energy bars, duct tape, a can of Fix-a-Flat®, an ice scraper and a hand shovel.

As the temperature drops, Jiffy Lube is here to help drivers prepare their vehicles for the winter months and potentially treacherous cold-weather driving. More than just a regular oil change, the
Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change is a preventive maintenance offering that helps drivers enhance the reliability and longevity of their vehicles. To find a Jiffy Lube in your area, please visit Locations.JiffyLube.com. Visit JiffyLube.com to find oil change coupons and promotions, Jiffy Lube news articles, community involvement programs and events, franchise information and employment opportunities.