Americans everywhere cut back on spending, and we have no doubt that many of you will cut back or even eliminate your travel this holiday season. But, we also know that these vacations and family visits are special, and millions of Americans will hit the road despite the economy.

Let's hear it for lower gas prices!

First, the bad news. Airfares are expected to be about 30% higher this holiday season than last year, so it has never been more important to maximize your hard-earned bucks.

The reasons for the higher costs? Higher fuel prices and fewer flights. (Many flights were eliminated after Labor Day because of slower demand and to save on costs.)

But wait a minute, you say. Oil prices have plummeted, so how the heck can higher fuel prices be the reason for higher fares? Good question, but let's be realistic. You didn't think the airlines were going to reduce their fares after they increased them, did you?

Our friend Tom Parsons at Bestfares.com sent us a note recently explaining how the major U.S. airlines had dropped the "fuel surcharges" (up to $170 roundtrip in the 48 contiguous states). But don't celebrate. They merely incorporated those surcharges into the base fares. Thanks for nothing.

The airlines aren't going to help you travel cheaper, but we will! Here are a number of time-tested travel tips sure to help you reduce stress during the year's busiest travel season while helping you get the most for your money. (Actually, many of these tips are useful all year long!)

Finding Low Airfares

• Alert! Be sure to sign up with individual airlines that you like prefer for "alerts" to be e-mailed directly to you. Some very nice deals are posted with little or no notice.



• Book early and consider off-peak travel times. If you are able, travel on Thanksgiving Day when the traffic is the lightest. The return crowd is the lightest the very next day. We know that shortens the trip, but it may be worth considering for the time, stress and money that it will save you.
  
  Be aware that the weekend before Christmas is typically the most expensive of the year. Fly on the Tuesday before Christmas or the day after Christmas for, generally, the best airfare deals.



• Use the Internet! Start watching airfares online today to get a good idea of what the airlines are offering. We recommend that you check TWICE per week, as fares frequently change. There are many excellent websites to shop around for best fares, but two of our favorites are www.bestfares.com and www.orbitz.com. Check Best Fares on Wednesdays for "Internet only" fares in the late afternoon.
  
  Dolan Straight Talk Tip: Also check the airlines' websites right after midnight (or call, if you're awake!) any day of the week when many airlines update their availabilities and cancel some reservations held until that time. Weekend specials are often posted after midnight on Thursday on their websites.

Next: How to Lower Your Stress When Traveling

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