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Travel Tips for the Holidays

suitcase with Christmas gifts ready for travel.

Whether you’re driving or flying to see family this year, there are things you can do to save time, money, and reduce stress during the holiday rush.

Stay Longer in One Place
Try to arrive early and stay late around your favorite holiday. By flying out several days before and staying a few days later than December 25, or January 1, you’ll avoid peak rates and long lines. This applies to driving too.

Look for Travel Deals
To save money on your hotel, airfare, or car rental do your homework. Look for hotels in a smaller, neighboring town to save some cash, or fly into a nearby, smaller airport. Of course, the earlier you start shopping, the better your savings.

Be Patient
You’ll spend more time in line at the airport and on the highways during the holidays. If you’re driving, gas up the night before to avoid the rush at the pump. If you’re flying, and if you have the time, consider applying for TSA Pre-check program. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) manages and operates an expedited security screening program that allows certain travelers to move through security more quickly and easily.

Gift Wrap Later
Don’t wrap any gifts until you get to your destination. Airport security might need to unwrap and inspect what’s inside the box.

At St. Helens Community Credit Union, we can help you finance some of your holiday plans with our Santa-approved Sign & Spend Loan. Borrow up to $1,200 and take up to a year to pay it back at 12% APR*. Learn more here or stop by any branch.

*Loan requires verification of Direct Deposit into your St. Helens Community Credit Union account and automatic payments from your St. Helens Community Credit Union Account. Must be a member for at least six months and be in good standing with no late payments. Loan cannot be used to pay off an existing St. Helens Community Credit Union loan with the exception of Sign & Spend. Representative payment example: A $1,200.00 loan at a fixed Annual Percentage Rate of 12% for 12 months would require 12 monthly payments of $107.09. Loan available through December 31, 2017. One loan per member.

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