AOL Holiday Travel Tips

This holiday season, stretch your dollar, not your budget.

AOL's travel editor, Beth Caulfield joined us with hot holiday travel deals.

On the Net:

http://travel.aol.com/

AOL Holiday Travel DOs:

DO Give yourself time
Leave early to allow for traffic jams, full parking lots and long security lines

DO Be prepared
Have snacks, medications and a change of clothes in your carry-on
Have a variety of small and new games for the kids

DO Know the luggage rules
Re-familiarize yourself with TSAs rules for carry-ons
Weigh your bag before you go
Know the rules for your carrier, so youre not surprised if you have to check your bag and pay a fee

DO Be Strategic to avoid travel delays
Check the on-time statistics for your flight before booking
Book the first flight of the day to avoid delays and back-ups
Choose non-stop flights when possible and if you are connecting, connect through warm destinations to avoid weather delays
Know the next flight available on your carrier (and on others) so you can quickly make arrangements if your flight is canceled

DO Pack light and ship gifts ahead
Save the hassle of carrying them through the airport and risking them getting lost
Makes sense especially as carriers are adding on the baggage fees

DO Remember the home front
Use an indoor light timer so you feel secure about leaving home
Put your mail on hold
Make arrangements for your pets

jetblue.com

royalcaribbean.com

deltavacations.com

  disneyworld.disney.go.com

omnihotels.com

doylecollection.com