With the 2006 holiday travel season fast approaching, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is offering some basic tips, specific to the mode of travel, to help people avoid common  travel mistakes and inconveniences.

“The holiday season is always the year’s busiest time for travel, but it doesn’t have to be frustrating,” said ASTA President and CEO Cheryl Hudak, CTC. “One sure way to make holiday trips smoother is by having a travel agent take care of all your travel details. From knowing which hotels have pet-friendly amenities to which airports have play areas, travel agents’ always have inside information that those outside of the industry do not have access to.”

Tips for air travel include:

• Book your ticket ASAP. However, if circumstances force you into booking at the last minute, remember, you have options. The key to securing the best deal is flexibility in travel dates--ask your travel agent to check into holiday fares (flights on Thanksgiving; Christmas and New Year`s Day), the slow week between Christmas and New Year’s; or consider flying into an alternate airport, renting a car, or using connecting flights. If your holiday vacation includes air travel outside the United States, make sure you have a valid passport. Beginning Jan. 8, 2007, air travelers will be required to have a passport to enter the United States. Your travel agent can advise you on the new rules and the most convenient way to apply for a passport.

• Arrive early for your flight. Difficult airport parking, long lines at security checkpoints and the possibility of the airline overselling the flight and bumping passengers, should all be considered when deciding what time to arrive at the airport. It is important to give yourself extra time by getting there early. Those arriving earliest on an overbooked flight stand the greatest chance of staying onboard. Check your airport’s Web site for real-time parking status and estimated check-in waits.

• Pack gifts, liquid items in checked baggage. Due to this summer’s thwarted airline terror plot, there have been numerous changes in the rules regarding what you can carry on a plane. Limits vary based on your destination, type of aircraft, and even your airline. To avoid problems, instead of carrying items on board such as gifts, pack them, unwrapped, in baggage that will be checked. Be sure to tag all carry-on and checked baggage, with name, address and phone number both inside and outside your bag. Ask your travel agent to provide you with baggage and carry-on information for your specific flight(s).

• Keep a close eye on all your belongings. Just as airports are extremely crowded during the peak holiday period with travelers, they can also be fraught with thieves working the airports. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a close watch over tickets, wallets, purses, and other belongings at all times.

Tips for travel by car include:

• Plan itineraries and arrange accommodations well in advance. Reservations for hotels, restaurants and rental cars get booked quickly during peak travel times. Your travel agent can help you get the lowest rate and make sure your rental car has room for your family, luggage and whatever souvenirs you bring home.

• Get a tune up. Before any long-distance drive, make sure to have your oil changed and your brakes, fluids and tire pressure checked. The slightest deficiency in air pressure significantly reduces your car’s gas mileage. On the flip side, too much air can result in a flat.

• Get an early start to avoid holiday gridlock. Traveling during late night/early morning hours helps. The worst times to travel are after meals since most travelers postpone leaving until they’ve eaten with their families. Make sure that all drivers are thoroughly rested.