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The holidays are just around the corner and now is the time to start planning your holiday travel strategy. It's easier to get air travel and hotel reservations if you book well in advance of your trip. This usually assures you of securing the lowest-priced airline seats, hotel rooms and rental cars that usually sell out quickly for holiday travel. (Be aware that prices generally escalate during the holiday season, as demand is higher.)

If at all possible avoid peak travel days. The busiest days to fly are those immediately before and after the actual holidays. If you can, book your flights two days before and after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.

Choose a non-stop flight if available, or one involving the fewest connections and stops. Every time your plane touches the ground during peak travel times, the possibility of delays due to inclement weather or air-traffic problems increases. Also, it's best to book morning flights, which tend to be delayed less often than afternoon departures. Secure advance seat assignments to insure you are sitting with your family on the plane.

During the holidays flights are sometimes overbooked so it's critical to check in early. Domestic travelers should arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure and international travelers should arrive three hours in advance.

Packing light saves time and energy. One tip for packing lighter is to ship your gifts to your destination ahead of time. If you choose not to send your gifts ahead, then do not wrap them before the flight. With safety a priority for all airlines, security personnel will need access to all items.

Keep a positive attitude, but also be ready for setbacks. Delays happen, and airlines do the best they can to keep their schedules on time.