The 12 tips of Christmas travel

7. "Travel on the actual holiday, if possible. Lines are minimal, flights aren't fully booked, and airports are virtually empty. Also, book your return flight for an off-peak day such as Tuesday. It's much less stressful and makes for a much more enjoyable trip." -- Amanda from Tennessee

Check out our guide to Bumping.

8. "Be polite. It may seem simple, but the heavier travel gets and the more problems occur, the more the airline employees hate their jobs. In the worst of situations, take time to say please and thank you. Go even further by saying 'I appreciate this so much' or show empathy with an irritated airline worker by saying 'I do not know how you guys can take your jobs on days like these.' They spend all day hearing about passengers' problems and they appreciate people who understand it is painful for them also. I have gotten put to the top of waiting lists, upgraded and put on alternative flights while other passengers sit and scream at the person behind the counter." -- Jason from Fargo

Check out our article on Passengers' Rights.

9. "When using a booking site like Expedia or Travelocity, you revisit the site and get a higher price than the one you were originally quoted. Go to your Internet Options and delete your cookies. This will clear any record the booking engine has of your previous visits and you will often find that the price goes back to the original one you saw." -- Genevieve from New York City

Check out What's the Deal: Multi-City Flight Searches.

10. "For those that work out on a regular basis, I would highly recommend a very strong workout before you fly anything over four hours or an international flight. As an avid fitness buff, I took the advice of my trainer and he kicked my butt for two hours at the gym, and not only did it relax me, but it helped me sleep. Also, when you're flying, stretch like you are ready to run in a 5K race. Believe me, it helped like you wouldn't believe, and it also helps against the symptoms of jet lag." -- Chris from Connecticut

Check out our tips for avoiding Jet Lag.

11. "For active senior citizens, if over 60 and especially over 70, it is important to check on the auto rental age rules for the countries you will be wanting to drive a rental. Your state of health doesn't seem to figure in some of the age limits. You may need to get information on how to mesh together train and bus connections." -- Nona Tyler

Check out our article on International Driving Permits.

12. "When traveling to major cities in the U.S., I always use the local hotel reservation services, like the Web sites Washington D.C. Accommodations, Express Reservations for New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles, as well as San Francisco Reservations. I can book a hotel in less than 10 minutes rather than searching generic mass-market search engines and not knowing the real deal with the hotel, neighborhood and public transportation logistics. I like talking with people who know the city -- not the hotel agents who are located in rural U.S. or even India." -- Nancy Riker from Washington D.C.

Check out our guide to Choosing a Hotel.

Want even more travel tips? Check out our e-letter and homepage for a new tip every week!

The Independent Traveler is an interactive traveler's exchange and comprehensive online travel guide for a community of travelers who enjoy the fun of planning their own trips and the adventure of independent travel. You can access our wealth of travel resources and great bargains here at www.independenttraveler.com, or at www.bargainbox.com.

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