I’m heading to Chicago later this week, and while I’m always happy to visit my family there and that lively, lovely city, I can’t say I’m thrilled about the process of actually getting there — at least at this time of year. As far too many air travelers over the last month or so could tell you, just one storm can completely confound your travel plans, even if your flights don’t depart from or arrive at airports in the storm’s path. So I’m mentally preparing myself for the meteorological obstacles which may come my way: fog at my home airport here in Medford; ice, snow and/or fog at SeaTac; and the same at O’Hare. I prefer to fly into Midway when traveling to Chicago to avoid the congestion and nearly inevitable delays at O’Hare, but I couldn’t pass up the great fare I found for this trip. I’ll also pack my carry-on with lengthy layovers in mind: change of clothes and toiletries, plenty of good reading material and some mellow music on my iPod. Most importantly, I’ll be taking along a healthy dose of patience, tolerance and flexibility to deal with whatever Mother Nature and the airlines may send my way. So I’m preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. I wish all our global travelers smooth travels this season, and a special “Happy Trails” to all those attending the GT Tested Awards celebration in New York this week! — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor