Holiday Travel Tips for Boston, MA

The holiday season is here and many of us travel to and from family during this busy season. Airports are now more crowded than ever, which means it's taking fliers longer (and longer) to move through the dreaded airport security line. Thankfully, the TSA has just released its list of tips for making that whole experience a lot smoother—and a lot faster. Here are their recommendations (plus a few more courtesy of Conde Nast Traveler).

TSA PreCheck: The government-sponsored program creates a "trusted traveler network," which means approved fliers on domestic flights—and some international—enjoy expedited screening. Unlike the regular security line, PreCheck passengers don't need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets, which means less time in line (and more in the lounge). On a good day, you can speed through security in under three minutes. For only $85 for three years, it’s a great deal!

Avoid the pat-down: Be sure to make sure your pockets are completely empty. Consider taking off "bulky" jewelry, like a necklace, and keep glasses in the bin or on your face where they belong: The TSA says the machine can misread glasses that have been flipped up as hidden items in the hair.

Wear the right shoes: Not going to spend the money on TSA PreCheck? Then make sure you wear the right shoes. Save time by avoiding footwear that's cumbersome to take on and off—lots of laces, straps, and ties will only slow you down. Here are 13 pairs of shoes recommended by CNN Traveler that you can slip on and off with ease.

Follow the 3-1-1 Rule: The biggest passenger hold-up in the airport security line is having oversize liquids or gels in a carry-on. An officer has to pull aside and inspect your bag, All liquid items in a carry-on need to be in 3.4-ounce containers (or smaller) and then placed in one clear, quart-sized bag.

Get CLEAR: Are you a frequent flyer? Then the CLEAR program may be for you. People often confuse TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, but the programs are different. Where PreCheck lets fliers get expedited screening, CLEAR is a private company and lets passengers jump to the front of the security line at an additional cost. Just tap a screen, scan your eyes or fingers, and go straight to the TSA agent checking IDs, bypassing everyone else waiting in line. CLEAR costs $179 annually, but its Delta partnership makes it free for Delta Diamond members, $79 for Platinum, and $99 for Gold and Silver and the general frequent flier population. Now, if you pair CLEAR with PreCheck, you pass through all of airport security as fast as you could possibly go.

Food?: Read the fine print on food. Whether you can or can't bring food on a plane isn't always clear-cut. Best to wait till after security to purchase any food items to bring aboard.

Need more savvy traveler tips, read more at Conde Nast Traveler! If you're visiting us in hopes of buying a home in Boston, MA, please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent between your Halloween fun. Without the guidance of a local expert, it can be tricky to cover all the city's vibrant neighborhoods! My services extend beyond helping buyers and sellers through their transactions. I thoroughly enjoy getting prospective residents familiar with their surroundings and exposing them to the best of everything Boston, MA has to offer. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Stress Relievers for Your Boston Thanksgiving

The holiday season is officially upon us and unfortunately with the holidays can come added stress. More than 20 percent of Americans report “high levels of stress” during the holiday season. It's no wonder we feel this way with family members everywhere in your Boston home, over-night guests, and an ever-growing to-do list to manage. Keep your stress in check with some simple five-minute activities.

Brew a cup of tea. A few sips of a calming blend of tea can be the key to unwinding during the midst of craziness while preparing your 5 course Thanksgiving meal. Black tea or even green tea can help lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and can reduce heart rate and overall stress.

Count your breaths. The most effective stress reliever is a nice deep cleansing breath. When the children are running all over your Boston home and you are juggling 5 courses with your one oven it’s time to take some deep cleansing breaths to help recenter.

Find your center. Take your cleansing breaths a step further with some Zen time. A few minutes of mindful meditation will help reduce cortisol levels and give you a new perspective during a stressful situation. Need help with your meditation? Step off to a quiet space and use a guided meditation app – Calm comes highly recommended.

Step outside. If all else fails step out into the brisk Boston air to grab a bit of sunshine or to take a breather. You'll feel much better when you return to the hectic holiday schedule.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and families and that it is relatively stress-free thanks to these tips. Most of all I am thankful for my clients and future clients - please know, a Boston Real Estate agent is only a click away if you have any Boston, MA real estate needs. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA Thanksgiving 2019

Thanksgiving 2019 is Thursday, November 28^th and it is just around the corner. If you don’t feel up to cooking or hosting Thanksgiving, try a new tradition and eat out instead. Boston, MA has plenty of restaurants open on Thanksgiving with menus ranging from traditional to innovative. Seeing as many families have a long-standing tradition of eating out on this holiday, be sure you make your Thanksgiving reservations early, should you plan to dine out. Here is a roundup of some of the favorites to try this year.

Beehive.  The South End’s Beehive is offering an all-day (11 a.m.-10 p.m.), three-course Thanksgiving feast with a side of live music. Entrees vary from organic roasted turkey and lobster chowder, to a vegan feast. Desserts include apple pie, spiced pumpkin pie, and Mississippi Mud pie. Kids menu is also available. 541 Tremont St., Boston, MA

Capo. South Boston’s Italian spot, Capo, will be serving Thanksgiving from noon to 8 p.m. Roasted turkey comes with homemade sausage, chestnut and apple stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a choice of classic sides. For drinks, look for their selection of seasonal cocktails. 443 West Broadway, Boston, MA

Clink. Book a table at The Liberty Hotel’s signature restaurant and enjoy a three-course meal with plated options followed by a dessert buffet. Available from noon – 8pm. 215 Charles Street, Boston MA

If you're visiting us in hopes of buying a home in Boston, MA, please contact a Boston, MA Real Estate Agent after your holiday. Without the guidance of a local expert, it can be tricky to cover all the city's vibrant neighborhoods! My services extend beyond helping buyers and sellers through their transactions. I thoroughly enjoy getting prospective residents familiar with their surroundings and exposing them to the best of everything Boston, MA has to offer. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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