Editor's Pick
Vacation is supposed to be a time to kick back, recharge, and let stress puddle away. Personally, I take more vacation time in December than any other month of the year. You'd think I'd come back in January ready to rumble. Er, no. I end up logging about 2,500 miles every December, trudging through airports, fighting traffic, and packing and unpacking. Used to be that by the time I got back to my desk at Southern Living, I looked like 18 reindeer kicked the Christmas out of me in a dark alley.

Here's what I did to put the cheer back in my holiday: I took some time for me. That's right; I suggest pulling over once in a while this month so you can savor the journey. Going through a big town on the way to grandma's house? Stop at a spa, and get a 30-minute massage. Stuck on interstates the whole way? Detour to a small-town, and catch a short parade. Marooned at the airport? Make a dinner reservation nearby, and order something really fattening.

The point is, do something to release travel-related tension. You'll arrive happier, have more fun during your time off, and probably return truly refreshed. Good luck out there.

In the Air
"Lots of whiskey!" is my friend Kenny May's advice for a smooth flight. Of course, Kenny is the son of a moonshiner and a bourbon distiller himself. But if firewater isn't your cup of tea, follow these tips for pleasant air travel.

• To avoid delays, fly early in the day.
• Have a long layover? Buy a one-day pass to an ultra-cushy frequent fliers' lounge. Delta sells a one-day Crown Room Club pass for $50, which gives access to snacks, free drinks, and local telephone calls. It also offers televisions as well as putting greens and computer access in some airports.
• Zone out with a good movie by renting a portable DVD player and movie from a company such as InMotion Pictures (www.inmotionpictures.com) for as little as $12 a day. Even if you're not flying to an airport that has the service, they'll ship the equipment to your home before your trip.
• Stay seated until it's your turn to leave the plane. Rather than stand hunched over, sit back and wait until it's time for your row to exit. Don't get caught in that stress race--you're on vacation!

On the Road
A brisk walk around a rest stop may calm frazzled nerves. Some experts have recommended doing isometric exercises while behind the wheel. But really, who does this stuff? Here are three real-world suggestions that will keep you calm and get you there safely.

• Drive the speed limit. Watching for cops and listening to beeping radar detectors keeps you on edge and adds needless stress to your trip.
• Reduce your drive time. Sitting in traffic can unnerve even the calmest driver. If you're headed into a city during rush hour (from 4 to 6 p.m.), consider an early dinner. Instead of creeping along at 5 mph, you can be unwinding with a civilized, sit-down meal.
• Take a back road. Sure, they may be stop and go, but you'll see more than just monotonous macadam. Gently rolling farmland, small villages, and gorgeous countryside will take your mind off the drive itself and show a truer portrait of the landscape.

Mind Your P's and Q's Let stress build, and you may wind up like the crab in this town. Thanks to reader Linda Pigott of Knoxville who sent in this photo.

Have a Tip for Postscript?
Do you have a photo of a funny sign? Know a savvy travel tip? Send them to me at Travel Editor, Southern Living, P.O. Box 523, Birmingham, AL 35201, or e-mail tips to morgan_murphy@timeinc.com. Be sure to include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. For each item published you will receive $25.

This article is from the December 2004 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.