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Yes, that’s the creepiest picture I could find to depict “holiday travel.”  You’re welcome.  Going home for the holidays, or maybe a ski trip out west?  Here are some tips for booking flights this holiday season, courtesy of MSNBC.com.

1. You will pay more this year.  Farecast.com predicts that holiday flights are 30% more expensive this year than last.
2. Don’t hold out for last-minute deals. 
3. Being flexible with your dates will help a LOT.  Case in point- I’m going to Italy over the holidays this year.  Instead of leaving a few days before or after Christmas like everyone else in the universe, I’m leaving on Christmas day and saving myself about $200 in the process.  And that’s $200 worth of cute handbags I can pick up in Italia!
4. Try other airports, like if you’re in Boston, try flying out of Rhode Island or New Hampshire. 
5. Instead of checking your bags, pack light and carry on- almost all airlines are imposing checked bag fees on your FIRST checked bag, let alone the second or third. 

For the rest of the list, check out MSNBC.com.