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No longer, is it simply, "Over the river and through the woods" to reach our holiday destination. More often, it's like, over our heads and deep into debt. However, there are ways to save money on holiday travel if you know how to plan well and plan early.

PLAN EARLY IF YOU FLY

*If you plan to fly during the holidays, start checking prices about six months before you plan to leave. Most major airlines will have their best bargains out by then. Sign up with sites such as

Yapta.com and receive email updates on tickets in which you are interested. Another good site is Fare Alert at expedia.com.

*Don't worry that if you buy now the price will drop lower, most major airlines in the US guarantee that if the price of a ticket drops after you pay, you will get the difference back. However, this only applies if you purchase your tickets directly from the airlines.

*Booking your flight between Monday afternoons and Wednesday morning can save you some big bucks, as this is when most airlines post their sale and reduced tickets. Remember that children under the age of two fly free if they sit in your lap.

*Before, you buy; check to see if flying to an adjacent city airport is cheaper. Even with the added cost of car rental, bus or cab fare back into town, it may still be a substantial savings to fly to a smaller airport.

OTHER MODES OF TRAVEL

*If your destination is not too distant, consider traveling by car, which can be much cheaper than flying. Just make sure your car and tires are in tiptop shape before you begin your journey. Badly inflated tires can run up the fuel cost and we've all heard the horror stories of travelers having car trouble.

*If you opt to travel by car and have two drivers, you may be able to skip stopping at a motel. You can also pack a cooler with sandwich meats, fruits and vegetables. Add some bread and chips and eat as you travel. Saves time and saves money too.

*If your destination is a bit too far to drive comfortably, consider taking a train. It's slower but less expensive than flying and you won't arrive worn out from a long drive. Neither will you have to endure the frustrations of a busy or slow airport with lost luggage, high food prices and delayed flights.

PACK LIGHT AND PACK SNACKS

*Luggage fees at airports are out of sight now as they try to compete with other airlines and use up the fuel they bought when it was high. Pack as light as possible and wear an extra shirt, sweater and coat, which can be removed once on board and stored under your seat.

*Pack snacks to get you through the airport and flight if possible. Eat well before you leave home and carry

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