Did you know that the Thanksgiving holiday is the most heavily traveled weekend of the year? Whether you are flying, driving, taking the bus or train, you may experience disruptions and delays in your schedule. Power blackouts in airports, vehicle breakdowns, and other unexpected surprises can be less upsetting if you are prepared for them physically and emotionally. Here are some tips adapted from Barbara Hemphill's "Tips for Travel Disaster Preparedness."

1. Carry a paper printout of your travel reservations. Computer systems may be down and you may have no way of substantiating your reservation. Having documentation with a reservation number on it may be used to get your boarding pass.
2. Travel with cash. Cash machines and credit cards require electricity. If the power is out your ability to buy food directly relates to the amount of cash you have available.
3. Keep your cell phone charged and a calling card handy. Although cellular service at best can be sketchy, without a battery you have no chance at all. Payphones may work intermittently. Also, you'll need coins to pay for the calls when you get the chance to use the phone.
4. Carry a flashlight.
5. Pack some snacks such as protein bars. Even if there is no disaster, never rely on the airlines to feed you.
6. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Keep in mind that temperatures vary widely - the airport may be incredibly hot and the airplane freezing. Walking long distances and up and down staircases in heels is not only exhausting but could be dangerous.
7. Carry wet wipes. Running water requires electricity.
8. Keep physically fit. You may have to climb up escalators that aren't working while carrying your luggage.
9. Take an extra battery for your laptop. In spite of the chaos you may actually be able to get some work done.
10. Carry a good book.
11. Be gracious. Getting upset won't solve any problems and it may create more.
12. Whenever you think you've got problems, just look around. Other travelers may be sick, elderly, physically or mentally handicapped or traveling with children. Help others whenever you can.