Rule No. 1: When it comes to holiday travel, it's never too early to make reservations. Book your flights, accommodations, rental cars, and other holiday activities as early as possible. Furthermore, if your schedule is flexible, plan your travel days around off-peak periods to elude the largest crowds. When it comes time to pack, keep it light. Check our packing tips for more info.

Be flexible: Avoid the Holiday Rush though it will be nearly impossible to avoid the rush altogether, we can provide some helpful advice on how to make your holiday travels as stress-free as possible. Being flexible, organized, and prepared are the most important things to keep in mind when travelling during this hectic holiday season, as well as other busy travel times.

Re-confirming flights: Always reconfirm your flight schedule and seat assignment 24 hours prior to departure. If you think weather conditions may cause last-minute delays, call the airline frequently. Since your flight number, departure time, and routing can change at any time, it helps to keep on top of your schedule.

Reaching airport on time: Most airlines recommend that passengers arrive at the airport an hour to two hours before their departure time during peak travel periods. To help expedite the process, avoid driving to and parking at the airport. Instead, take public transportation, a cab, shuttle service, or have a friend drop you at the curb.

Marking your baggage: And as with any flight, make sure your baggage is clearly marked and identified with your name, telephone number, and address. Once you arrive at the counter, have your tickets out and a photo ID ready for the airline representative. You'll also want to keep a close eye on your luggage and carry-on items as thieves routinely step-up their criminal activity during frantic travel periods. During the hectic holiday rush, many airlines strictly limit the number of carry-on bags allowed for each person. As overhead-bin space fills up, airline representatives may ask late passengers to check their luggage. Again, arriving early helps thwart this problem.

Picking your baggage: Once you've touched down in your final destination, head straight for the baggage claim carousel and keep a watchful eye on your luggage. Thieves, sensing plenty of holiday loot, may crowd the area around the chute and dash off with a package or two before anyone suspects a thing. After you've successfully secured your luggage, check for your tour escort holding a placard at the waiting lounge. Normally the drivers and escorts from the tour companies wait at the lounge or at the designated waiting area.

Relax-you are on a vacation: Just take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy that fateful slice of fruitcake. Happy holidays!

Causes of Sea-sickness: Basically, seasickness, or motion sickness of any kind, is a battle between the senses. When you're on a ship, your vestibular system (the inner ear's balancing mechanism) tells your brain that your body is moving along with the swell of the sea. Your eyes, however, look about the cabin of the ship and tell your brain that you are not moving. This conflict causes an imbalance in the body, resulting in fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and possible vomiting. When you book your cruise, you can reduce your chances of becoming seasick by requesting a cabin as close to the middle and bottom of the ship as possible. Though the top floor suites offer fantastic views, they also pitch and rock more than their inside counterparts. Before setting sail, check out a few over-the-counter medications and natural preventatives.

Remedies for Seasickness: Non-prescription antihistamines such as Dramamine, Marezine, and Bonine can be found at most drug stores and offer relief to many seasickness sufferers. Unfortunately, they can also cause severe drowsiness and should not be mixed with alcohol. Another natural remedy is ginger, said to have a calming affect on queasy tummies. Chewable ginger tablets, ginger tea, and crystallized ginger can be found at most health food stores. . Remember to check with your doctor before taking any medications.

Food precautions while you are sick: Remember to use caution when approaching the sprawling buffet tables--while the bacon, eggs, and mimosas at brunch would be perfectly tasty on land, they're not exactly what you want to consume when you're feeling ill. Caffeine, alcohol, and greasy or acidic foods are tough to digest and may add to your nausea. Crackers, dry toast, and flat soda are better bets. And don't forget to drink plenty of water, as dehydration lowers your body's resistance to stress.

Food on board: while most cruise liners offer meals included in the package. Please check with your booking agent about the meals included in the fare. Normally if meals are included the package, it is advisable to check with the restaurants where your meals are served. Some cruises charge for alcoholic beverages

Captain’s Dinner: Most cruises offer one theme dinner with the captain of the ship. This is considered as an exclusive sit-down dinner for all passengers. Please dress appropriately for the same as per the cruise liner rules.

Using on board facilities: Some facilities like gymnasium, sauna, swimming pools are free for usage for all passengers. When you book a higher category cabin, you may get some additional privileges like a free massages, special dinners etc. If you travelling on the basic category cabin, check with the on board pricing for all others services.

Requesting a seat: You can request for a window or an aisle seat while making your reservation at the travel agency. You can also ask for the seating preference while checking in. Depending on the seat configuration of the aircraft, it can also be a good idea to request a seat assignment in the centre section toward the back of the plane, since the side sections of seats near the front fill up first.

More legroom: If your legs get cramped, you might volunteer to sit in one of the emergency-exit rows, which provide more leg room and often have one fewer seats than a regular row. Be aware, however, that seats in emergency-exit rows sometimes do not recline. The emergency-exit row is a safe haven for those who prefer a kid-free flight experience, as children are not allowed to occupy these seats.

While flying long haul wear comfortable shoes. Walk around the aisles once the seat-belt sign goes off. This will help the blood circulation and reduces the swelling of the feet. There's no way you'll be able to sit comfortably in a cramped space if you're not properly dressed. Wear loose garments like sweatpants, track pants or comfortable jeans, and wear a T-shirt under a button-down shirt or zip-up sweater, so that you can adapt to changing climates quickly and easily. Whatever you do, remember that layering is key. And since the temperature tends to drop while in flight, make sure you have warm socks handy (if you're wearing sandals). Earplugs and chewing gum are very helpful in regulating the air pressure at high altitudes, particularly during takeoff and landing. And if you're hoping to snooze onboard, bring a neck pillow for some added support or ask the flight attendant for one. As well, keep some moisturizer in your carryon to combat the effects of drastic temperature changes (the air in planes can get very dry).

Flight etiquette: Many people often overlook the importance of maintaining a harmonious and stable travelling environment in order to avoid disrupting the flight crew or other passengers. Proper etiquette includes using the armrest on your right (unless there's no one sitting to your left, in which case you can use both) and keeping the noise levels down.

Behaviour towards flight attendants: Be courteous to the flight attendant. Remember that you should stay on their good side if you want extra special service. Some airline stake very stringent actions if you misbehave with flight attendants.

Relax and enjoy your flight: Once the plane takes off, it's crucial that you maintain a positive attitude. Don't think about outstanding bills, the work waiting for you when you get back home or the strange, albeit normal noises the plane makes; you'll get all worked up for nothing. Besides giving yourself a migraine, there's very little you can do once you're 30,000 feet in the air.