Thanksgiving is traditionally the most traveled holiday of the year. Digital marketing firm Zeta Interactive conducted a survey and found that 84% of people are positive about holiday travel – with buzz words like “enjoy”, “rest” and “relax” surrounding blog posts about 2009 travel plans. Last year, the same marketing firm found only about 68% of people had positive opinions about the upcoming holiday travel season.

Despite the positive outlook, the 2009 holiday travel season will differ from previous years in a variety of ways, including:

Traveling because you have to – this year, less people are using Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays to get away on a relaxing vacation. If people are traveling, it’s typically to visit family for the holidays rather than take a trip.

Being extra careful not to miss your flight – it used to be if you missed your flight, there would be another one leaving soon after that you would have a good chance of getting a ticket for. In an effort to reduce expenses, airlines have reduced their flight schedules, meaning every seat on every flight is pretty much taken. If you miss the holiday flight, you might not have the opportunity to get another one until 2010!

More opportunities to be left behind – also due to the airlines booking each flight to full capacity, you can expect an increase in the number of over-booked flights. This means the airlines sell more tickets than they have seats on the plan – assuming a few people won’t show up for the scheduled flight! While this has happened from time to time before airlines started cutting back their flight schedules – during the 2009 holiday season there is likely an increased opportunity for over bookings. Make sure you know the airlines policy if you aren’t able to get on the flight you have a ticket for.

You’ll probably have to pay to bring your luggage – most airlines have begun charging a fee for checked baggage. During the holidays, travelers tend to bring extra luggage to carry gifts to the people they’re traveling to visit so be sure to budget for the extra expense – or do your shopping after you arrive to your destination. Alternatively, you could mail your gifts ahead of time so they arrive about the same time you do! If you can pack lighter, you can get away with just your carry-on luggage but keep in mind other travelers are likely doing the same and therefore those overhead bins are going to fill up quickly.

Thanksgiving is the Busiest day for Travel: Here’s How Traveling in 2009 is Different was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Halloween – Of the two holidays, Halloween is probably the priciest. With the costumes, decorations, candy, and Halloween parties, the price tab can add up pretty quickly. There are a few ways to cut costs without cutting corners, though.

First, try making your own costume. If you’re good at sewing, this can save yourself a lot of money and still look just as great as a store bought costume. Sometimes homemade costumes even look better than store-made. If you aren’t great at sewing, try shopping around online. Many websites offer costumes at great prices with a bigger selection. The same goes with decorations. Making your own is a lot cheaper than buying them, and sometimes that homemade touch makes them that much better.

With candy, buy only a couple of bags. If you buy a lot of candy, and then get very few trick-or-treaters, you’ll be left with a lot of candy. Then you’ll be tempted to eat it, which isn’t good for your waistline or teeth.  If the candy goes stale, it will be a bigger waste of money than if you had just bought a couple of mixed bags.  If you should run out before the night is over, you can simply turn out your light and the trick or treaters will know you’re no longer giving out candy.

Thanksgiving – Don’t make a ton of food if you have a small family. Most everyone makes far more food than is necessary for Thanksgiving dinner!  Pick and choose a few dishes that you would like to serve. This way, you don’t end up wasting a substantial amount of food because your family can’t eat all of it. Even if you enjoy having leftovers, you could probably stand to cut back on the amount of each dish you decide to serve. If your family prefers eating out, try finding a buffet that serves Thanksgiving food. Depending on the cost, being able to get unlimited food for a set price may be a better deal than paying one price for one plate of food.

The holidays can be a budget buster if you aren’t careful. If you take the right precautions, you can have a happy holiday without emptying your wallet. Look into making your costumes and decorations, and try to stay away from buying any food in bulk. The wasted leftovers are just money down the drain, which can be salvaged if you don’t buy the excess food to begin with. Be smart, and you’ll keep your cash in your possession.  If you use any of these tips and save money for Halloween and Thanksgiving – consider putting it toward your Christmas shopping!

Cut Your Expenses in the Fall Holiday Season was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Games are a favorite evening or rainy day past time and are easy to pack resulting in together time and fun for kids and adults alike.

Pictionary Man^TMis the perfect gift for families, offering a contemporary twist on two old favorites – Pictionary and Charades. The new Pictionary Man  is a 3D-figure complete with accessories that are all made of “dry-erase” material, eliminating the need for paper, which is perfect for traveling. The figure digitally displays game clues on the bottom of his foot as players are challenged to bring the clue to life by drawing on “the Man” and his accessories as well as acting out the phrase so team members can guess the right answer! This is truly a great update on a known game and its use of “the Man” makes it the perfect size for traveling. Retail Price: $29.99  Age: 14+

UNO Flash^TM is a new electronic version of a classic game to pack on vacations. The element of speed is added now with a built-in timer and resulting in a new level of excitement for this classic game. Either the new UNO Flash or the classic card game provide some great one on one time together adding additional fun along the way. Retail Price: $29.99  Age: 7+

Apples-to-Apples® game is the wild, award-winning party game of hilarious comparisons and is a great choice for group play on vacation. Using the cards to “compare apples to apples,” each round of the game is filled with surprising and outrageous comparisons. This interactive game is easy to learn and fast-paced and is perfect to take along where lots of family members will be together. Retail Price: $24.99  Age: 12+  

Scene It?® Disney Channel Edition is the ultimate gift for any tween girl hooked on the Disney Channel shows. Just like its adult versions, this Scene It game is interactive, entertaining and fun for all. This is one game where the kids might overtake the grown ups! This trivia game features Disney Channel shows, including “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody,” “Hannah Montana,” “High School Musical” and many more! When traveling, another option is to take along the DVD and not the board game for a trivia game version with less pieces, but the entire game is easy to pack along. Retail Price: $34.99  Age: 8+ 

The High School Musical 3 DVD Game combines trivia, video clips, outtakes, songs and dances from all three of these popular movies. Players are sure to become Wildcats as they compete in different categories and test their knowledge of each of the High School Musical movies! For those traveling to Walt Disney World over the holidays, this game will keep the HSM parade at Hollywood Studios alive after your trip ends! Retail Price: $19.99  Age: 8+  Available: Fall 2008

Hannah Montana 2 DVD Game features Hannah Montana during her second year of high school with this performance-based DVD game. The new DVD game features real clips, trivia, songs and dance moves from the second season of the hit Disney Channel show. Even moms and dads might show off their Hannah Montana alter egos in this interactive game. Retail Price: $19.99  Age: 6+

The DVD based games are great for car travels too as they can be played in the back seat helping the hours pass during holiday travels resulting in less “are we there yet” questions. When packing up the car and suitcase on the way to grandma’s house, be sure to select a game or two to help provide some interactive family fun together this holiday season.

What is your favorite game to take along on car trips or vacations?

Photo Credits: Mattel.com

Black Friday Shopping: Games Make Great Travel Take-Alongs was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: TSA.gov

Photo Credit: TSA.gov

Photo Credit: TSA.gov

If you have ever traveled during the holidays, you have possibly experienced more stress due to increased volume at airports and on the road. Or, if you have traveled with infants and young children, you can appreciate that it just takes more time to juggle the stroller, baby, diaper bag and other kid necessities, especially as the impatient person stands behind you with no luggage waiting to rush through security.

However, this holiday season, airline travelers might be pleasantly surprised with less wait time to pass through airport security for some and reduced stress for families trying to manage little hands and extra items. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in time for this week’s Thanksgiving travel season, completed and unveiled its new family, expert and casual traveler lanes through security checkpoints in U.S. airports.

Less hassle in actual security lines coupled with an expected reduced amount of actual travelers will hopefully make holiday travels easier to navigate. Nearly 4.54 million (11 percent of holiday travelers) plan to travel by airplane, representing a 7.2 percent decrease from the 4.89 million travelers who flew last year, according to AAA.

Based on sample data released by the Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the three busiest travel days surrounding Thanksgiving Day are expected to be Sunday, Nov. 30, Monday, Dec. 1, and Wednesday, Nov. 26, respectively. On these days, ATA projects that planes will be, on average, close to 90 percent full.

“Despite the expected decline in passengers this Thanksgiving holiday travel season – the first such decline in seven years – Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel time of the year for airlines,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “And make no mistake – the airports will be busy and many flights will be 100 percent full.”

Hoping to ease congestion, provide additional help to those who need it, and to decrease wait time, the newly unveiled lanes, part of TSA’s Diamond Self-Select program currently at 48 airports, allow families, individuals unfamiliar with air travel procedures and travelers with special needs to go through security at their own pace, as reported by TSA. Click here to watch the Black Diamond Self-Select video.

Individuals traveling with medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols like baby formula, insulin, cough syrup, contact lens solution and prescription medications will undergo additional screening that will usually take less than two minutes to ensure these items do not pose a threat.

Just like a skier who sees the slopes marked with black diamonds for the “expert” to the green slope for the “beginner”, the security lines are now marked for “expert” travelers to those needing some more time to get through.

The introduction of lanes that will serve as both family lanes and dedicated lanes for passengers carrying medically necessary liquids strengthens TSA efforts to build a network of technology to detect liquid explosives, as reported in TSA’s release.

“Passengers have clearly demonstrated their preference to go at their own pace,” said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley. “Expanding these lanes to every airport and directing families and passengers with medically necessary liquids to them, increases passenger convenience and security.”

TSA has put together some tips to help people get through the screening process faster. Visit: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/screening_experience.shtm There is even a video demonstrating traveling with an infant available and special tips for this group of travelers: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm

Family Travel Lanes Take Off in Time for Holiday Travel was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Photo Credit: IgoUgo.com

Holiday traditions? Every Thanksgiving, a tradition for many travelers is making the trek to New York City to experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (airs live on November 27^th, 2008 at 9am EST on NBC). For those who do not make the trip, they can still witness this amazing event from the comfort of their home. Meanwhile, others take to the air and roads for their own holiday celebrations.

Thanksgiving is often boasted as one of the most traveled holidays via air and car. From day trips to long weekends, travelers are preparing for what could be a busy few days on the roads and in the air.  For Thanksgiving alone, TripAdvisor® reports that 37 percent of Americans plan to travel this Thanksgiving, which is equal to those traveling last year.

Fifty-seven percent of respondents plan to drive to their destination this Thanksgiving, down slightly from 59 percent, last year, while 38 percent intend to fly, up marginally from 37 percent, one year ago, according to the TripAdvisor survey.

“The holiday season is always the year’s busiest time for travel, but it doesn’t have to be frustrating,” according to the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) President and CEO Chris Russo. “One sure way to make holiday trips smoother is by having a travel agent take care of all your travel details. Travel agents’ always have inside information and can make holiday travel a lot less stressful.”

ASTA has prepared some travel tips for both air and car trips to help ensure smooth travels. Tips for air travel include:

• Book your ticket ASAP. If you must book last minute, remember, you have options. The key to securing the best deal is flexibility in travel dates–ask your ASTA travel agent to check into holiday fares; the slow week between Christmas and New Year’s; or consider flying into an alternate airport and renting a car. If your holiday vacation includes international travel, make sure you have a valid passport.
• Arrive early. Difficult airport parking, long lines at security checkpoints and the possibility of the airline overselling the flight and bumping passengers, should all be considered when deciding what time to arrive at the airport. Give yourself plenty of extra time. Need some incentive? Keep in mind that those who arrive earliest for an overbooked flight stand the greatest chance of staying onboard.
• Avoid getting bumped. 1) Get an advance seat assignment. Passengers with seat assignments are typically only bumped if they arrive late and their seat assignment is released. 2) Check-in online. Most airlines allow you to do so within 24 hours of departure. Seat assignments that were not available at the time of ticketing may be available when checking in online. 3) Don’t be late. If all else fails, get to the airport early. Some airlines reserve a portion of their seat assignment inventory for airport check-in. If you are denied a seat assignment at check-in, put your name on the “standby” seat assignment list.
• Remember 3-1-1. New regulations limit the amount of gels and liquids passengers can take through security in their carry-on luggage to travel-size toiletries of three (3) ounces or less that fit comfortably in one (1) quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag and the one (1) bag per passenger must be placed in the screening bin.
• Know your limits. Pack light and know baggage limits. Some airlines place special restrictions during the holidays and allow only one carry-on.

Tips for travel by car include:

• Plan itineraries and arrange accommodations well in advance. Reservations for hotels, restaurants and rental cars get booked quickly during peak travel times. Your travel agent can help you get the lowest rate and make sure your rental car has room for your family, luggage and whatever souvenirs you bring home.
• Get a tune up. Before any long-distance drive, make sure to have your oil changed and your brakes, fluids and tire pressure checked. The slightest deficiency in air pressure significantly reduces your car’s gas mileage. On the flip side, too much air can result in a flat.
• Get an early start to avoid holiday gridlock. Traveling during late night/early morning hours helps. The worst times to travel are after meals since most travelers postpone leaving until they’ve eaten with their families. Make sure that all drivers are thoroughly rested.

Taking some time for preparation and planning results in travels with less-stress and anxiety…allowing time to celebrate the season.

Do you plan to travel this holiday season? If so, where are you going and how are you traveling?

Holiday Travel Tips: Thanksgiving Kicks Off Travel Traditions was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

While last-minute holiday shoppers can score some good deals, this is not the case for the 2008 holiday travel season. Those who procrastinate might just have the Grinch steal their Christmas travel dreams.

The latest figures from OAG’s consolidated database reveal a 7% drop both in the number of flights and in seat capacity for October, November and December 2008 compared with the same time last year.  The U.S. domestic market will account for about 20 million of that figure, or 33% of the global decline in capacity, in what could potentially be the most widespread crisis to hit the aviation industry in recent memory, according to an OAG press release.

Steve Casley, Chief Operating Officer of OAG, said, “The data speaks for itself. It took a good three years for the industry to recover from the downturn in 2001 when it had a 5% drop in capacity and a 7% drop in flights.  Steady annual growth since 2002 looks set to plummet in the fourth quarter this year with an unprecedented global decline of 7%.”

OAG reports it is not only passengers who are facing reduced service and choice.  Many airports will be severely affected by the announced cuts by airline operations, with 275 airports around the world losing scheduled air service altogether based on current filed schedules. Of these, 32 are in the U.S. while 116 are in the Asia Pacific region, OAG reports.

Traveling during the holidays is hectic enough as it is without this capacity reduction and service elimination to certain airports. Travelers hoping to travel over the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas), should consider booking their flights now with this newly released data.

OAG, which also maintains the world’s leading fleet database, has adjusted its 10-year forecast for the global scheduled aircraft fleet to shrink by more than 3,500 aircraft as a result of high jet fuel prices and to reflect the impact of these capacity cuts.

Now is not the time to procrastinate or to hope airline prices “might” drop! “If you know you are traveling during peak holiday time, then go ahead and purchase your ticket now,” says Bill Thomas, owner of Tropical Latitudes Travel. “The continued airline turmoil is not conducive to shop around and only to end up paying more for a ticket, but even more importantly, missing the flight opportunity all together.”

To ensure travelers’ holiday trips are protected, travel insurance has never played a more important role. Those traveling during the holidays can purchase travel insurance through comparison sites such as Squaremouth.com to ensure their Christmas is still merry!

Do not assume that purchasing travel insurance through the airline direct is a full-proof protection as if the airline declares bankruptcy; customers are not covered, according to Squaremouth.com’s CEO Chris Harvey.

Travelers Who Wait Might Have a Disappointing Christmas: Nearly 60 Million Airline Seats will not be offered was created by and is property of American Consumer News.