It's the most wonderful time of the year, other than expensive airline tickets and crowded tourist destinations. I love traveling but I hate the hassle, as most people do. Here are some tips that I stick to if I'm traveling during the holiday season.

1. Pick an off-the-maps tourist destination. I'm not saying to go somewhere no one has ever been before, but the less known the less expensive it will be to not only fly there, but also to stay there, eat there, sight see... Pretty much everything will be cheaper.

2. If you aren't set on a holiday destination, and you can choose your own vacation days, I highly recommend skyscanner.com. You simply pick your departing airport and search for any destination in the month of your choice. My friends and I found round trip tickets to Norway for roughly three hundred dollars over spring break. It will give you the most cheaply priced days throughout the month! Which brings me to my next point...

3. Fly on the least popular days, typically a Tuesday or a Wednesday. Weekends will be busier and thus, more expensive. If you get a choice when to depart and return, aim for the middle of the week to save some money.

4. Flights are cheapest about a month and a half before you'd like to depart. I would begin searching about three months in advance to keep an eye on the best prices. Another insider tip is to clear the cookies on your computer before you buy. Your computer tracks your recent searches and will raise prices on flights to New York if the history shows that is what you are looking for.

5. Pack only what you need. If I traveled Europe for three months with only a backpack, you can spend a weekend in Cabo with a small suitcase and survive. This also means you might not have to check luggage, which saves more money, and you don't have to wait at the baggage claim, which saves time. Oh and you accidentally forgot/didn't have room to pack a sundress? I guess you have to buy a new one from that boutique down the road.

6. Be prepared to go through the airport. If you are a first-time flyer, research the layout of the airport ahead of time. Make sure you pre-printed your boarding pass and have it ready to go through security. Keep your liquids and electronics in an accessible place because they need to be scanned separately. Try to wear clothing that is scanner-friendly, which means avoid unnecessary metal and empty your pockets before you get to the airport. It not only makes traveling easier and more comfortable for you, but for everyone else with a destination this holiday season.

I hope my tips help you save some time and some money. Happy Holidays everyone and safe travels, no matter where you may be headed!