by Jamee Larson

The holidays are typically a time for celebrating with friends and family. In many cases, this means traveling, often for a considerable distance. The cost of travel is particularly concerning in today’s economy, but there are steps that can be taken to save money and reduce stress.

The United States Department of Transportation estimates that twenty-six percent of Americans will travel this Thanksgiving, while forty percent will travel during the Christmas holidays, up from seventeen and twenty-two percent respectively over the same period last year. Furthermore, the average Thanksgiving traveler will cover 214 miles one-way, while Christmas travelers will log 275 miles. Ninety-one percent of this long-distance travel will be by personal vehicle. As a result, the price of gas is an important consideration when creating a travel budget.

Gas prices are a concern for consumers regardless of the time of year. During the holiday travel season that concern is amplified. According to Consumer Reports, the average price of a gallon of gas nationwide is currently $3.49. The price varies significantly, however, depending on the area of the country. Travelers should keep the following statistics in mind when making travel plans.

Average price of a gallon of gas (as of Nov. 5, 2012):

East Coast $3.53

Midwest $3.32

Gulf Coast $3.27

Rocky Mountains $3.61

West Coast $3.90

There are measures that travelers can take to avoid spending their entire holiday budget on gas. AAA offers the following tips to increase fuel efficiency:

· Ensure tires are properly inflated and aligned.

· Slow down. Vehicles lose fuel efficiency at speeds over 55mph. Traveling at 55mph versus 75mph can reduce fuel costs by 25%, whereas traveling at 65mph can reduce costs by 13%.

· Turning off the engine if the car is stopped for more than a couple of minutes can result in a 19% reduction.

· Accelerating less from a stop and slowing moderately can increase fuel efficiency by up to 30%.

Not all travelers, on the other hand, will find themselves on the highways this holiday season. The Air Transport Association of American (ATAA) estimates that over 43 million people will fly the American Skyways over the holidays, up 9% from last year. In order to maximize potential savings, travelers should be flexible with their plans and look for dates that offer reduced prices. These are also the days that will see fewer flyers and decreased airport delays.

According to the ATAA, the busiest and most expensive days to fly over Thanksgiving are Nov. 21 and 25th. Flying on the actual Thanksgiving holiday is the best choice for travelers looking to save money. During the Christmas holiday, traveling on Dec. 21-23, 26-30, and Jan. 2-3 will be the costliest. Once again, traveling on the actual holidays of Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Day will save money and alleviate some of the normal airport stress. Airlines typically begin charging increased holiday pricing (up to 30% more) after Dec. 19th, so traveling before that date will be even cheaper. Unfortunately, airline cutbacks over the last year have led to fewer flights, so travelers need to plan ahead and make their reservations as soon as possible.

There are steps that can be taken to reduce the cost of flying over the holidays. According to USA Today, travelers can utilize the following tips to save money and reduce stress:

· Look into flying into smaller airports that may offer cheaper flights, easier (and less expensive) parking, and short lines.

· Book tickets early to avoid paying higher fees.

· Don’t forget to factor in luggage fees, which can vary between airlines. For example, American Airlines charges $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second. On the other end, Southwest Airlines has no checked baggage fees.

· If traveling out of the country, be sure to bring the necessary documents to avoid delays.

· Plan ahead by bringing snacks and an empty water bottle to avoid paying airport prices on food and drink. Empty water bottles can be brought through security and filled at the gate area.

· Pack wisely. If gifts need to be transported, considering shipping them ahead to avoid excess baggage fees.

· If renting a car at the airport, research hidden fees in order to avoid surprises on the final bill.

Many travelers will stay at hotels over the holiday season. Unfortunately, USA Today predicts room rates 2.4% higher than in 2011. This doesn’t mean, however, that lodging costs need to break the budget. Many hotels offer discounts and/or coupons through their websites. In addition, price breaks for those staying three or more consecutive nights are common among most hotel chains. Travelers should research potential lodging spots and compare based on cost, location, and available amenities. Hotels in the heart of a city or near an airport are typically more expensive than those that would require a short commute.

Ultimately, the most important aspect of traveling over the holidays is getting to one’s destination safely. The holiday season typically sees an increase in vehicle accidents due to more vehicles on the roadways, more vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed, and more impaired or distracted drivers. Utilizing defensive driving techniques is particularly important this time of year. The U.S. Department of Transportation has offered the following suggestions to ensure safe and happy travels this holiday season:

§ Check the weather and plan accordingly for possible changes.

§ Leave early and factor in travel time for unexpected delays. Accidents are more likely to happen when drivers are late or in a hurry.

§ Conduct a thorough pre-trip vehicle inspection to avoid mechanical issues while traveling.

§ Be sure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency travel kit.

§ Make sure to have all roadside assistance information, including phone numbers.

Having the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends is most often well worth the rigors of travel. With a little planning and preparation, traveling does not need to break the budget or cause undue pressure and stress. Safe and smart traveling will give everyone the opportunity to be a part of the celebration.

Holiday Traveling

on a Budget