Dos and Don'ts of Holiday Travel

You need these cash and stress-saving tips in your arsenal.

Travel Tips - With the holiday season upon us, making travel arrangements can seemingly take on a life of its own. Just for you, we’ve put together some tips that will help you save money and make your trip less stressful. By Dontaira Terrell (Photo: Chuck Savage/Corbis)

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Travel Tips - With the holiday season upon us, making travel arrangements can seemingly take on a life of its own. Just for you, we’ve put together some tips that will help you save money and make your trip less stressful. By Dontaira Terrell (Photo: Chuck Savage/Corbis)

Use Student Discounts - If you’re a student, it’s time to whip out your ID card! Try using websites like Student Universe, which give you access to exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, train rides and much more.  (Photo: 237/Sam Edwards/Ocean/Corbis)

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Use Student Discounts - If you’re a student, it’s time to whip out your ID card! Try using websites like Student Universe, which give you access to exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, train rides and much more.  (Photo: 237/Sam Edwards/Ocean/Corbis)

Use Price-Monitoring Websites - There’s no need to stress about booking last-minute travel because with websites like TripWatcher and Yapta, you can sign up to receive price-drop alerts to help you monitor deals and compare price-saving options.  (Photo: Trip Watcher)

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Use Price-Monitoring Websites - There’s no need to stress about booking last-minute travel because with websites like TripWatcher and Yapta, you can sign up to receive price-drop alerts to help you monitor deals and compare price-saving options.  (Photo: Trip Watcher)

Have a Backup Plan - Just to be on the safe side, pay the extra funds and add travel insurance to your car rental, hotel accommodations or airfare. Among other things, weather conditions and flight itineraries can be extremely unpredictable, and you want to have options in case your plans change. (Photo: miluxian/Getty Images)

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Have a Backup Plan - Just to be on the safe side, pay the extra funds and add travel insurance to your car rental, hotel accommodations or airfare. Among other things, weather conditions and flight itineraries can be extremely unpredictable, and you want to have options in case your plans change. (Photo: miluxian/Getty Images)

Reward Yourself - If you’ve racked up any customer loyalty points throughout the year, now is the time to use them. You may be able to score a few freebies like paid airfare for yourself or a friend, but do beware of blackout dates. (Photo: Moncherie/Getty Images)

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Reward Yourself - If you’ve racked up any customer loyalty points throughout the year, now is the time to use them. You may be able to score a few freebies like paid airfare for yourself or a friend, but do beware of blackout dates. (Photo: Moncherie/Getty Images)

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Look for Incentives - CheapAir.com has created a refund program, giving you some much needed stress relief. They will reimburse you if the price of your ticket drops after you’ve already purchased, and you can’t beat that! No matter which company you use, get an idea of the incentives they offer. (Photo: CheapAir.com)

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Look for Incentives - CheapAir.com has created a refund program, giving you some much needed stress relief. They will reimburse you if the price of your ticket drops after you’ve already purchased, and you can’t beat that! No matter which company you use, get an idea of the incentives they offer. (Photo: CheapAir.com)

Read Between the Lines - If you happen to come across an incredible deal, always remember to read the fine print in order to make sure you understand exactly what you’re paying for. If you’re uncertain or have questions, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call for clarification before you click that purchase button. (Photo: Juice Images/Corbis)

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Read Between the Lines - If you happen to come across an incredible deal, always remember to read the fine print in order to make sure you understand exactly what you’re paying for. If you’re uncertain or have questions, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call for clarification before you click that purchase button. (Photo: Juice Images/Corbis)

Research Alternatives - If you’re unable to find affordable travel within your budget, then it’s time to utilize other options, including carpooling with a group of friends, taking the train or riding the bus. Companies like Greyhound often post special rates you can only get when you book online, so check around before you commit.  (Photo: Peathegee Inc/Getty Images)

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Research Alternatives - If you’re unable to find affordable travel within your budget, then it’s time to utilize other options, including carpooling with a group of friends, taking the train or riding the bus. Companies like Greyhound often post special rates you can only get when you book online, so check around before you commit.  (Photo: Peathegee Inc/Getty Images)

Pack Your Patience - Most important, don’t allow this time to turn into a stress-filled holiday nightmare. Plan ahead for traffic, be prepared for heightened security, don’t sweat the small stuff and above all else, allow yourself time to kick back and relax with those who matter most during this wonderful time of year. (Photo: Hero Images/Hero Images/Corbis)

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Pack Your Patience - Most important, don’t allow this time to turn into a stress-filled holiday nightmare. Plan ahead for traffic, be prepared for heightened security, don’t sweat the small stuff and above all else, allow yourself time to kick back and relax with those who matter most during this wonderful time of year. (Photo: Hero Images/Hero Images/Corbis)