The holidays are upon us, and the flurry of flights and family trips means that airports and roads are clogged with traffic. Oftentimes, airlines will increase the price of their most desirable tickets, ensuring that you pay the price when visiting your family. But what are some ways to beat the holiday price hike? How can you turn holiday stress into a way to save some spare cash? Below are some quick tips to ensure that your money goes to your family and not the travel agent this season.

Flexibility: During the holiday seasons, it’s important to avoid traveling before or immediately after the holiday in question. Ticket costs spike on these days because airlines know how eager families are to see each other, and then to escape when the initial charm has worn off. Be flexible when setting your holiday travel schedule. This means that spending the holidays with your family either a little before or after the actual date can save big dollars.

Bundle Up: Though it might be cold where you’re traveling, I do not mean to layer up. The more you can group together when organizing your vacation, the better. A flight bundled with a rental car and hotel can save you hundreds if done correctly. Don’t be afraid to invest a little time in your price hunting. Your bank account will appreciate the extra effort.

Air Miles: Did you know that thousands of airline miles go unused every year? Don’t be afraid to break open your cache of free flights and use them during the holidays. Some credit card customers don’t know that with each swipe, they’re accumulating miles that could save them even more. Failing to take advantage of such an excellent program will only cost you money and frustration.

Following these tips will guarantee a happy holiday if travel is in your midst. For more information on useful holiday travel tips, click here.

In light of the recent and horrible events of Friday the 13th, many are reconsidering traveling outside the borders of their native lands. In a world where borders are becoming more like dividing lines than simple demarcation on a map, do we choose to venture beyond or stay within the relative safety of the familiar? Below are some ways to combat the ever-growing sense of unease that comes with travel, and remember that the world was meant to be seen, not feared.

Be Aware: You’d be surprised how many people arrive at unfavorable conclusions because they didn’t take the time to familiarize themselves with where they were going. It’s not enough to purchase a ticket and pack a bag. A smart traveler does research on where they are visiting if there are any dangerous elements, and how to avoid them. This goes for anywhere you can visit, from Colorado to Columbia, so keep a level head.

Be Understanding: Though it’s pertinent to be aware in this day and age, the same can be said for being understanding. Assuming that everyone around you is a potential threat will only ruin your vacation and weigh heavily on your mind when you should be relaxing. Keep this in mind while traveling. You may not have control over what goes on around you, but you can certainly manage your reactions.

Be Realistic: While the attacks in Paris were utterly deplorable, it’s important to be realistic when traveling. Statistics show that, at least in the United States, you are more prone to catch a stray bullet from an act of gun violence than be involved in an act of terrorism. Now, I’ve listed this as the third thing to remember because the above two are vastly more important. Statistics cannot replace alertness and will not substitute understanding, but they can offer some sense of truth in a time of concern.

Regardless of where you choose to journey, be safe. The world has been many things over the years, but one thing that never faltered is it’s beauty, and we owe it to ourselves to see as much of our home as we can.