Thanksgiving and the winter holiday season will be here before you know it.“If you can avoid traveling around Christmas and New Year's, do it,” said Greg Geronemus, the co-CEO of smarTours. “Traveling during the holidays can actually add to your costs because almost everyone in the travel industry raises their prices during that premium time. Fares tend to be highest during the holidays when demand is highest.”Geronemus also suggests avoiding cruising during the holidays: “Not only are cruise fares higher during the major holidays and long weekends, but so are underlying parts of a trip, such as airfare."Still looking to plan a holiday trip anyway? Here are a few more tips from travel agents:MORE Features & AdviceBook Early"If you want to get the most value out of your holiday travel, booking early is best,” said Margie Lenau of Family Wonderland Vacations in Grand Rapids, Michigan.“Some people believe that last-minute deals are the way to go, but the selections are very limited and there may have been a price increase. This just puts the consumer in a position of limited selection and not enough room at a resort or on a flight for their friends and family that would be traveling with them. I don't suggest gambling with last-minute booking.”Helen Prochilo suggests booking as far out as a year.“Many families make bookings for the following year if they are at resorts that they love,” said Prochilo of Promal Vacations in Long Beach, New York. “Also, if your family has more than four members, you may need two rooms or cabins. Resorts and ships that have rooms/cabins that can accommodate five people sell out first.If you wait too long, Prochilo said you might be out of luck: “It could cost you a lot more if you have to book a higher room category then you actually want if the lower categories are sold out."READ MORE: Think Ahead When Planning Holiday TravelSplurge“So many airlines have moved to charging for seat assignments, and the fear of being bumped due to over-booked flights and not seating with their families is measurable,” said April Schmitt, CEO of Divine Destination Weddings & Honeymoons in Granite Bay, California.“The time to splurge on premium economy or business class seats is the holidays to ensure passengers arrive to their holiday destinations as planned.”Think Outside the Box“There are some great holiday destinations that are more uncommon and unique for the holidays, making them a little less crowded than the typical tourist places,” said Kim Everett, Travel Design Expert at Keepsake Travel Designs in Los Angeles, California.“Try Palm Springs or Bermuda for a warm holiday getaway instead of typically crowded islands. If you want European charm for the holidays, head to a smaller town outside of the bigger cities. St Albans, outside of London, is a small city with a vibrant Christmas Market and tons of history, yet is still an easy train ride to London if you really feel the need to visit.”Bob Winter, co-owner of Lake Country Travel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, said that he has found holiday bargains to such unique destinations as Thailand, Malaysia, India and Kenya:“All of these offer a unique cultural experience adaptable to individuals and families as well as a diverse array of activities, not to mention pleasant weather temperatures. While the destinations may require more effort to book clients into, they are sure to be the ones that will create lasting memories.”Ben Gritzewsky, Senior Independent Travel Advisor of FROSCH in Houston, Texas encourages travelers to go to Mexico City:“It’s always alluring and welcoming, despite its many urban challenges. But during the holidays, a large chunk of the population retreats and corporate business practically stops. However, except for December 25th and January 1st, most shops, restaurants and all tourist attractions remain open. Archaeological sites like amazing Teotihuacan are actually open every day of the year, and the weather is typically perfect.”Book a Group TourTo save money at holiday time, Geronemus advises travelers to book a vacation with a tour operator.“Tour operators have significant purchasing power with airlines, hotels and restaurants. By going in a group, you spread lots of costs across a group of people instead of absorbing all the costs yourself. You can save anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars when you travel with a group."Remember the Caribbean“An overabundance of product and the perception that all of the Caribbean is closed due to the busy hurricane season has caused several suppliers to have available inventory for the upcoming holiday season,” said Chuck Flagg of Cruise Planners in Canton, Georgia.READ MORE: Holiday Travel Booking Off to a Busy StartArrive Earlier“Plan to arrive at least two days prior to when you absolutely need to be there,” said Erin Logsdon, Luxury Travel Works, an affiliate of Travel Experts in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.“It could easily take a couple of days in order for you to get a new flight if there are major delays due to winter weather. If you have to be there on a certain date, then pad your itinerary with the exception of being delayed.”Be PreparedHoliday travel means delays and Kim Rowland of Mickey Travels, suggests preparing for it.“Pack some extra patience and extra clothes/toiletries in a carry-on bag,” she said. “Flights can be canceled due to weather, and you might need a change of clothes or your toiletries. Book the earliest flight possible, so if there is a cancelation, you might have an option of getting on a later flight the same day.”Keep Your Cool“Most of us don't have the option to avoid holiday travel completely, and the universe can throw a wrench in even the most well-laid plans,” said Oli Russell-Cowan, startup founder of Rad Season.“Approach holiday travel with a deep breath and a kind perspective. Everyone is trying to get somewhere. Patience and kindness go a long way in the chaos that is holiday travel.”