The holiday season is fast-approaching and if you haven’t already booked your flight home, now is definitely the time to do it. When it comes to booking holiday flights; the earlier you book, the more you’ll save. This may seem like a standard rule of thumb but Better Business Bureau has a few more travel tips to help you save time and money this holiday season:

1. Use online discount travel sites to find the best deals out there. If you plan on renting a car or staying at a hotel, bundle these reservations with airfare as a way to save money and find cheaper rates through your airline.

2. Consider going on a tropical vacation. Most people go home for the holidays so traditional vacation destinations are often less busy and less expensive over the holidays. It may seem strange to be laying on a beach on Christmas day, but it may turn out to be your favorite Christmas yet.

3. Fly into smaller airports. Their fares might actually be cheaper and they will be less crowded than larger airports.

4. Pack light to avoid possible overweight baggage fees. If possible, limit yourself to a carry-on bag to avoid the drama of lost or left-behind luggage. Also, do not wrap your presents before you fly because TSA workers may unwrap presents for inspection.

5. Be flexible with when you fly. The most expensive flights are on the days leading up to holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Check out flights on the morning of the holiday because the rates may be cheaper and the lines may be shorter.

6. Take a taxi or van or ask a friend to drive you to the airport. This will save you money on airport parking, which often have very high rates especially around the holidays.

7. Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Don’t risk missing your flight because there is a huge line at security. Airports around the holidays are extremely hectic so make sure to leave extra early and avoid unnecessary travel drama.

8. If your flight gets cancelled, try finding your own alternative flight. There are many apps and websites that not only track flight delays, but also show departures and seats available elsewhere. This beats waiting in line and depending on an airline agent to find you a new flight.

We all know the holidays can be stressful enough, so don’t let a travel fiasco turn you into the Grinch before you even leave the terminal. Following these steps will reduce your travel stress and help you save some money along the way.