Samantha emphasizes the importance of planning ahead when it comes to holiday travel. By booking flights and accommodations well in advance, you can often secure better deals and avoid the last-minute rush. For example, she shares a story of how she once booked a flight to a popular destination a few months in advance and saved a significant amount of money compared to booking at the last minute. Additionally, planning your itinerary in detail allows you to make the most of your time and avoid wasting it on unnecessary detours.
She also recommends researching different travel options and comparing prices. With the help of online travel agencies and search engines, you can easily find the best deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars. By taking the time to do this research, you can save a considerable amount of money and make your holiday travel more enjoyable.
Selecting the right destination is crucial for a successful holiday. Samantha suggests considering factors such as the time of year, local attractions, and cost of living. For instance, if you're looking to save money, you might consider traveling during the off-season when prices are lower. She also recommends exploring lesser-known destinations that offer unique experiences and are often more affordable than popular tourist spots.
Another aspect to consider is the local transportation system. Samantha advises choosing destinations where public transportation is easily accessible and affordable. This can save you a lot of money on rental cars and taxi fares. She shares an example of a city where she took the subway and bus to get around, which not only saved her money but also gave her a chance to experience the local culture up close.
Packing smart is another key to a successful holiday. Samantha recommends packing only the essentials and avoiding overpacking. By doing so, you can save space in your luggage and avoid paying extra fees for overweight bags. She suggests creating a packing list based on the activities you'll be doing and the duration of your trip.
She also advises packing versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. This allows you to create different outfits with fewer items, saving space and making it easier to pack. Additionally, Samantha recommends bringing travel-sized toiletries and using packing cubes to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.
Time is precious when on holiday, and Samantha has some tips on how to make the most of it. She suggests prioritizing the activities that are most important to you and skipping the ones that are not. By doing this, you can focus on enjoying your trip and avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
She also recommends setting aside some time for relaxation and downtime. Holiday travel can be stressful, so it's important to take breaks and recharge. Samantha shares a personal experience of taking a day off in the middle of her trip to relax by the beach and it made a world of difference to her overall well-being.
After the first crash, the driver was in a vulnerable state. The emergency teams worked diligently to stabilize the situation and provide the necessary medical attention. The fact that the driver was the only one in the car made the rescue operation more focused on his well-being.
The occurrence of two crashes in quick succession shows the unpredictability of such situations. It also emphasizes the need for increased awareness and caution on the roads. The police and emergency services had their hands full dealing with these two incidents, highlighting the challenges they face in ensuring public safety.
Justin Vellucci, a TribLive reporter with extensive experience in covering crime and public safety in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, was on the scene. A longtime freelance journalist and former reporter for the Asbury Park (N.J.) Press, he worked at the Trib from 2006 to 2009 and returned in 2022. He can be reached at jvellucci@triblive.com.