The 12 tips of Christmas travel

By Elissa Vallano

updated 4:27 p.m. ET Dec. 14, 2005

The glittering lights, snow-covered trees and dangling mistletoe can only mean one thing -- the peak holiday travel season is upon us! While you're making your lists, and checking them twice, you really should be preparing for the traffic jams, flight delays and complete confusion that inevitably ensues this time of year.

As a present to you, we at IndependentTraveler.com have compiled a collection of the best travel tips (submitted by none other than our all-knowing readers) to ease your chaotic Christmas holiday and help your journey be as safe and smooth as possible. From lost luggage to packing problems, we've got a tip for you!

And if you have an airplane horror story, we want to hear it!   Share your flight woes with us on our message boards!

1. "Before flying to a new city, I MapQuest strolls from my hotel to various sites. When I arrive at the new city, I head right out the door with confidence, with specific destinations in mind and how to get there. With a detailed map of neighborhoods, I also allow myself to go off the beaten path of tourism." -- Patricia Brock from Cleveland

Check out our guide to maps and guidebooks.

2. "Compile a travel item list that is saved in your computer. This list has everything that you would ever need in any climate, country or trip length. Print out the list before packing and check off items as they are put in your luggage. It only takes 10 minutes to pack and I never forget anything." -- Charlie Atkins from Memphis

Check out our Packing Checklist.

3. "When booking travel online, call the airline to verify you have received the seats you requested. I just learned that I didn't get the seats I requested, and with a busy flight out, they separated all three people in my party. That just doesn't work when you are traveling with a small child." -- Chrystal Smart from San Diego

Check out our article Get the Best Seat.

4. "If traveling by air, always pack everything in clear plastic bags. Your bags will be opened and checked, sometimes several times. Anything loose may be lost. And most importantly, do not pre-wrap Christmas packages. They will be unwrapped by security, especially on international trips." -- Beth Christmas from Ohio

Check out our article At the Airport.

5. "Pack your cell phone charger in your carry-on bags. If you get snowed in or iced out of a destination for the night, you will be glad that you did." -- Emily from Kansas City

Check out our tips for Renting and Using a Cell Phone Abroad.

6. "Diabetics and people allergic to bees should remember to get a note from their doctor stating that they are carrying needles to give themselves injections when necessary." -- Tom Palucha from Rhode Island

Check out our Safety and Health Resource Page.

MORE FROM WINTER TRAVEL

Winter Travel Section Front

Mountain resorts redline the fun meter Top 10 black diamond ski runs Amazing adventures America's most dangerous slopes Celebrity winter hideaways Top 10 cities for shopaholics Winter Travel Section Front   Add Winter Travel headlines to your news reader: