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The winter storms have hit one after another across the country. Travel experts say if you have a trip planned, be prepared and be flexible: Your holiday destination may be tough to get to this year.
"Be prepared is the best tip; plan ahead," said Barbara Gann, spokeswoman for the Salt Lake International Airport.
At the airport, there are a few delays, mostly caused by snow storms and major backups in other cities. "Tim's flight was delayed a couple of hours, but it got through OK. They just had trouble leaving the airport. They're not used to snow there," traveler Debra Walker told us.
Snow, ice and wind made for dangerous conditions on Utah's roads. Greyhound had to cancel several bus lines to the northwest, leaving passengers were stranded in Salt Lake City. "We've been here for five days without food, without protection; Greyhound cheated us," passenger Juan R. Mesa said.
But some of those passengers were lucky enough to find alternate ways home. "[I] can't wait to see my family again for a short little bit of leave before I go back to training," Marine Gerald Morales said.
So, when planning your trip, AAA says if you're driving, consider the weather. Experts suggest you allow extra time so you can drive slower to handle the conditions and navigate possible road closures.
"Depending on how important this trip is to you, really make some contingency plans or have some things in mind that you might be able to do," AAA spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough said.
If you're flying, airport officials say arrive at your airline early. Before you leave home, call or check your flight online for cancellations or delays. Finally, make sure you pack appropriately.
"You should wrap your gifts when you get to your destination, because if they can't determine what they are, they will ask you to re-wrap them," Gann said.
AAA says fewer people are taking trips this year because of the economic situation. Still, nearly 600,000 Utahns are expected to travel during the holiday season.
E-mail: wjohnson@ksl.com
