• Book it!  Get on the ball as soon as possible to buy your holiday tickets to wherever you might be visiting and to arrange lodging, if needed. The further in advance you purchase, the better chance you have of getting decent prices. 
• Fly non-stop!  Book non-stop flights when possible. It will lessen your chances for delays, missed flights, or lost luggage .
• Go off-peak!  Choose flights that depart at off-peak hours. For example, very early flights or very late ones (when most people would prefer not to fly) will be less crowded and possibly cheaper.
• Hitch a Ride!  Save yourself the trouble of getting to the airport. Either book a hotel near your airport (see if you can leave your car for the duration of the trip!) or arrange for a shuttle, taxi, limo service, or a friend to drop you at the airport.
• Get there early!  If you choose to drive yourself to the airport, arrange long-term parking well in advance.  You'll also need to factor in more time than usual for parking, checking in, and going through security.
• Check ahead!  Always call either the airline or airport before leaving home to assure that flights are on time. 

iPod Touch 

These portable media centers come in handy on the plane ride.  You can listen to music, watch movies, play hundreds of games, and even read books with the Kindle  application.

Pressure Regulating Earplugs 

For those who are easily ear-itated by the pressure change at high altitudes.

Neck Pillow 

These pillows solve the almost impossible problem of getting into a comfortable sleeping position in those coach seats.

Laptop Computer 

Many airlines offer wireless internet access so you can surf the web on a laptop while you fly.

PSP  / DSi 

Adults can enjoy these fun portable gaming systems, too. The PSP even lets you watch movies, listen to music, and browse the web with Wi-Fi.

• Give the car a check up!  Make sure that your ride is ready to go. That means double-checking the tire pressure, oil levels, brakes, etc.
• Travel off-peak!  One of the best ways to beat traffic is to plan on traveling a day earlier than you first planned. The further away from the holiday, the less traffic you'll have to battle on the roads. Also, travel on weekdays rather than on weekends, and opt for driving in the early morning (before or after rush hour) or late at night.
• Alternate drivers!  Have a buddy system. If you get too tired to be behind the wheel, someone else can take over for you. Should you be by yourself, don't hesitate to take needed pit stops to rest, stretch your legs, and relax.
• Pack ahead!  The night before you plan to leave, pack the car with luggage, gifts, and other items that you plan to take along. That will leave ample time on the day-of to get other details in order. Also, try to fill up the tank the night before--it will save time the day of your trip.
• Do your homework!  Check the local TV stations for traffic reports and verify that the route you plan to take is the best one. If you have any doubts, check out a map beforehand and design an alternate route just in case.
• Watch the weather!  Wintertime equals snowstorms and dangerous weather. Be aware of the weather so you don't end up driving in a blizzard. Inclement weather is the ideal time for car accidents. If there is bad weather, get off the road immediately. You don't want to be stuck on the side of the highway in three feet of snow.

Digital Camera 

Some of the funniest memories happen while en route to your destination, so make sure you have a camera to capture them.

Car Jack 

Accidents happen, but if you have the proper auto tools, you're less likely to end up stranded.

Car Cell Phone Charger 

A specific cell phone charger or a USB charger  will ensure your mobile devices don't run out of juice.

GPS Device 

Even if you're familar with the route, many GPS devices can give you traffic reports and alternate routes so you'll get there faster.

Snacks  and Water 

Keep the family happy with easy-to-eat snacks. Your tummy will be happy when you're stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic for an hour.

Luggage

• Make sure that your bags are in good condition. If not, consider purchasing a new luggage set  as an early Christmas present to yourself.
• Add tags  or a defining accent mark to differentiate your black bag from the other passengers'. Tie some colored ribbon  to the handle.
• Make sure it rolls ! There is nothing more cumbersome than lugging bags without wheels.
• Don't overpack!
• Doing so can cause luggage to break or tear.
• You'll get charged a mighty fee if your bag is over the airline's weight limit.
• If you come back with more than you went with, you may not be able to fit everything.
• If you overpack your carry-on and have to root through it when you're on-the-go, readjusting will be a major pain.
• Skip checked luggage and stick to a carry-on , if possible. However, be sure that you aren't bringing any prohibited items onboard with you. See this page at the TSA Web site to check what is and is not allowed on flights.
• Bring film  with you onboard. Leaving it in your checked luggage could potentially destroy it.

Gifts

• Don't wrap any gifts before flying. Put them in boxes  if you wish, but beware that they may need to be inspected before boarding. Anything that is unidentifiable through the X-ray machine will have to be searched by hand.
• Bring bows ,tissue paper , and gift bags  so that you may wrap the presents at your destination. This will also ensure that wrapping won't look squished or tattered upon arrival.
• Beware of bringing too many gifts onboard. If you have a lot, consider shipping things ahead of time, either by ordering online, or by sending from your home to the destination. Always be sure to do so well in advance, as shipping delays are frequent throughout the holiday seasons.
• Don't forget you'll be receiving gifts, so leave some room in your luggage for the return trip.

Other

• See this page at the TSA Web site to check what is and is not allowed onboard. Many common items have recently been prohibited.
• Keep medications in their original bottles and bring your prescriptions with you to avoid any hassles when going through security.
• Any liquids and medications need to be in clear plastic bags if they're going in your carry-on. 
• Make a list of everything you need so you can pack efficiently and quickly.
• Make sure you'll be comfy and entertained during your flight. See the guide on Travel Essentials for tons of tips.
• Just remember to stay safe no matter which method of travel you choose. Safety is more important than an on-time arrival.

Hardside Luggage 

Virtually indestructible luggage for the frequent flyer. These suitcases will keep your belongings safe and many are very stylish.

Expandable Luggage Sets 

Typically made of hemp canvas, these two-piece luggage sets will be environmentally friendly and very useful.

Classic Trunk Luggage 

Be retro chic next time you travel. All the style of classic trunk luggage, coupled with the convenience of modern rolling.

Overnight Luggage 

This luggage will store a couple days of clothing and supplies for those who like to jet-set on the weekends.

Cosmetics Case 

Keep all of your toiletries in one handy place. This is also a wonderful gift to give to jetsetting fellows.

Cruises

Lodging

Luggage

Travel Essentials

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