Thanksgiving and the winter holiday season will be here before you know it.
"If you can avoid traveling around Christmas and New Year's, do it," said Greg Geronemus, the co-CEO of smarTours. "Traveling during the holidays can actually add to your costs because almost everyone in the travel industry raises their prices during that premium time. Fares tend to be highest during the holidays when demand is highest."
Geronemus also suggests avoiding cruising during the holidays: "Not only are cruise fares higher during the major holidays and long weekends, but so are underlying parts of a trip, such as airfare."
Still looking to plan a holiday trip anyway? Here are a few more tips from travel agents:
Book Early
"If you want to get the most value out of your holiday travel, booking early is best," said Margie Lenau of Family Wonderland Vacations in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
"Some people believe that last-minute deals are the way to go, but the selections are very limited and there may have been a price increase. This just puts the consumer in a position of limited selection and not enough room at a resort or on a flight for their friends and family that would be traveling with them. I don't suggest gambling with last-minute booking."
Helen Prochilo suggests booking as far out as a year.
"Many families make bookings for the following year if they are at resorts that they love," said Prochilo of Promal Vacations in Long Beach, New York. "Also, if your family has more than four members, you may need two rooms or cabins. Resorts and ships that have rooms/cabins that can accommodate five people sell out first.
If you wait too long, Prochilo said you might be out of luck: "It could cost you a lot more if you have to book a higher room category then you actually want if the lower categories are sold out."
Arrive Earlier
"Plan to arrive at least two days prior to when you absolutely need to be there," said Erin Logsdon, Luxury Travel Works, an affiliate of Travel Experts in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.
"It could easily take a couple of days in order for you to get a new flight if there are major delays due to winter weather. If you have to be there on a certain date, then pad your itinerary with the exception of being delayed."
Be Prepared
Holiday travel means delays and Kim Rowland of Mickey Travels, suggests preparing for it.
"Pack some extra patience and extra clothes/toiletries in a carry-on bag," she said. "Flights can be canceled due to weather, and you might need a change of clothes or your toiletries. Book the earliest flight possible, so if there is a cancelation, you might have an option of getting on a later flight the same day."
Keep Your Cool
"Most of us don't have the option to avoid holiday travel completely, and the universe can throw a wrench in even the most well-laid plans," said Oli Russell-Cowan, startup founder of Rad Season.
"Approach holiday travel with a deep breath and a kind perspective. Everyone is trying to get somewhere. Patience and kindness go a long way in the chaos that is holiday travel."
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