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Holiday Travel Tips: Planning Ahead Pays Off

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It isn't even Halloween yet, but it might be time to start thinking about holiday travel.

Mark Ellwood, contributing editor for Conde Nast Travel, told CBS2's Alice Gainer that planning ahead will always lead to a better deal.

Despite what some may say, Ellwood said there are no specific magic booking days.

"Anyone who tells you, 'Oh 3 p.m. on Tuesday or Saturday is the cheapest day to book,' don't believe them. You can get a great deal on a flight anytime you look these days," he said.

And there's good news for travelers who don't want to sit at a computer and do all the legwork: there are some sites that will do it for you.

"Airfairwatchdog will send you an email whenever that route goes on sale. You find out the minute it's cheap," Ellwood said.

He also recommended Scott's Cheap Flights.

"Scott sits there checking where the deals are, sends you an email going, 'I think I found an amazing price.' And you can book it before the airlines notice," he said.

Right now, Southwest Airlines is having its semi-annual 72-hour sale. Some round-trip tickets are less than $100, but the holidays are blacked out. Eligible travel periods run November 30 through December 20 and January 4 through February 15.

Regardless of the cost, Ellwood has one final tip. He suggests travelers sign up for TSA PreCheck.

"This means you'll get through security way faster," he said.

Ellwood also said it's very hard to get a deal in the 11th hour, but booking a flight and hotel package together will help you pay less than you would for a last-minute flight.

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