Travel Doesn't Have To Be So Stressful Around Holidays...

Traveling this holiday season? Check out this great list of holiday travel do's and don'ts. So many of these I practice in my travels all year long and they really do help make travel easier in the long run. It's all about a little preparation ahead of time and a little give-and-take while traveling:

Holiday Travel DO's

1. SHOP EARLY: At least 4-months in advance; recently, airlines have been decreasing their flights during holiday periods, which means fewer discounts and fewer available seats.
   
2. FLY OFF-PEAK DAYS: Save money, and probably a headache, by traveling on a slow day (the busiest days of the year are the Wed. before and Sun. after Thanksgiving). Flights on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day are typically cheaper, but (dang it) youll miss out on all the work in the kitchen, and have to settle for simply eating the feast! (note: the busiest
3. FLY DIRECT: It might be more expensive, but worth it (and no lost luggage)
4. LABEL YOUR LUGGAGE CLEARLY: Sounds a little Martha Stewart, but during these busy travel times, you know SOMEONES luggage will get lost
5. SHIP GIFTS AHEAD: Lighten your load; let UPS ship any gifts; but if you do take gifts, make sure they are unwrapped (or security will unwrap them for you).
6. TAKE CARRY-ON LUGGAGE: Pack lightly and carry it on to save the hassle of the baggage-check line, or worse, losing your luggage
7. PRINT YOUR BOARDING PASS AT HOME: Huge time-saver
8. READ THE TSA’S NO-NO LIST: Check here for acceptable carry on items; remember, nothing over 3-ounces, and that includes items like Snow-Globes
9. PACK A LUNCH: Save money and eat food you like (but buy your water at the airport, after you pass through security)
10. HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN: Research other flights on your travel day in case of cancellations/delays, and here are some useful links when youre really stuck:

• Day-of-travel flight schedules
• Short quick list of hotel chain phone numbers
• Short quick list of rental car agency phone numbers

Holiday Travel DON’Ts

1. WAIT ‘TIL THE LAST MINUTE TO GET TICKETS: You know who you are. And if you’re flying peak-holiday periods, shop year-round
2. FORGET YOUR ID: Sounds obvious, but please, dont leave home without it!
3. OVER PACK: Airlines are getting serious about charging for over-weight bags (50 lb. limit for most carriers). Do you really need all that stuff?
4. FORGET TO CHECK YOUR FLIGHT STATUS: Check online or call the airline before you leave the house. It could save you a hassle. But the system isn’t perfect; there are times when the airline may say a flight will be 3-hours late, and then suddenly, its only a 2-hour delay, What you MUST DO is, check-in online and get your boarding pass as though the plane was leaving on time, so you wont lose your seat
5. IGNORE THE 2-HOURS EARLY RULE: Yes, you might sit around. But isn’t that better than missing your flight? (Note to international travelers: get there 3-hours early)
6. WEAR METAL: Don’t wear the belt-buckle or the watch that always sets off
   the X-ray machine; save yourself (and the people in line behind you) some time
7. FORGET TO CHARGE BATTERIES: For cellphones, DVD players, laptops
8. EXCEED THE CARRY-ON LIMIT: Another time-waster
9. BE A SPACE-HOG: Everyone will be traveling with lots of extra bags and coats and gifts; use the space under the seat in front of you. Some airlines may offer roomier seats for purchase (if available); if thats what you need, buy it
10. GO CRAZY: A little holiday spirit goes a long way; remember, everyone, even the pilot, is anxious to get home for the holidays

Check out comments other have made and other suggestions from readers here.

Feeling the Effects of Aging? Rolfing Can Help.

'Rolfing' massages make a return

Rolfing, deep massage of the connective tissue that surrounds all the muscles and organs that first became popular in the late 1960s, has been experiencing a comeback.

Rolfing's premise is that trauma to the body and the everyday effects of gravity cause connective tissues to shift out of place, resulting in aches and pains. Practitioners stretch and apply pressure to the connective tissue to restore alignment in the body.

"It's not for wimps. If you want a gentle, feel-good massage, this is not it," said Joyce Samples, a 54-year-old from Brentwood, Tenn., who had been experiencing chronic back and arm pain before turning to the procedure with a reputation for pain. "It's very intense, but I immediately feel better afterward."

Mary Alice Felder, a structural integration practitioner, attributes its resurgence to aging baby boomers who are open to trying alternative therapies.

"They are feeling the effects of aging," Felder said. "They wake up feeling stiff. Their bodies can't do what they used to, and Rolfing can help with that."

Rolfer Randy Mack, who has been practicing for 31 years, said he's been seeing an influx of young clients. "There's this whole new generation giving it a try," he said, adding that many of them are athletes looking to improve performance or people suffering from chronic pain.

There's a whole new generation of Rolfing practitioners, as well. For years, Mack was the only Rolfer in the Nashville area. Now there are at least six.

Technique can release pent-up emotions

Back in the late 1960s and early '70s, Rolfing adherents emphasized its supposed emotional benefits. The belief was that people's muscles held pent-up and repressed emotions and that Rolfing could release them. Mack said screaming and crying were common, even encouraged, during sessions.

These days the focus is almost solely on the physical benefits of the practice. Rolfing is said to help correct everything from body aches to restricted mobility to poor posture.

'Rolfing' massages make a return
However, Mack said he still believes that rolfing promotes emotional well-being through benefits such as improved posture.

"When people are standing up straight, they become more confident, more cheerful," he said.

Sessions typically last 1 1/2 hours and can cost $130 or more. It's recommended that people undergo 10 sessions for maximum benefit. However, most rolfers offer "fix-it work" that will target trouble spots in a single session.

Despite Rolfing's painful reputation, Felder said people can get good outcomes without experiencing excruciating pain.

"My goal is to give people the best possible results with the least amount of discomfort," she said.

I need a nap

Many of you know that starting a small business can be both rewarding and taxing. Sometimes it seems that the "taxing" part of it is the majority of what I feel when I'm tired and feeling run down ragged. Although today is Tuesday it feels like next Thursday considering how busy this week has been already. While I am a good time manager, sometimes it's hard juggle when two clients need projects completed at the same time without much lead time. And add on top of that the regular demands and desires of life, let alone sleep!

The dog needs attention, I have to get Christmas gifts and cards ready, the laundry needs folding and the floor vacuuming. I have two projects to complete and get out tonight before starting another full day tomorrow. But all I can think about is a nap. Am I alone here?

I'm sure fellow small business owners wonder, as I do, is this all really worth in the long run? I guess the only way to tell is to keep on keeping on and having faith that it is.