We’ve already reported that traveling this Thanksgiving could end up being a nightmare. With reduced flights all over the U.S. it’s going to make it more difficult to get where you’re going quickly and easily – but hopefully these 5 tips will help to ease your pain, and make your Thanksgiving travel a little more stress-free.

5. Avoid the Traffic – Whether you’re driving to your destination – or driving to the airport to fly to your destination, you’re going to have to be out on the road to get where you’re going. With the vast majority of travelers having a long trip ahead of them – and millions of them each trying to get to their destinations at once – it can be a bit of a mess.

The busiest travel days are going to be Wednesday and Thursday. If it’s possible, you should try to make your trip earlier in the week. Also, the busiest traffic times are between 9am to 12 noon. So either leave early…or leave after lunch. Either way, you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip.

4. Don’t trust Internet Directions – Seriously, how many times have you printed directions right before you walked out the door without actually checking the map yourself? Internet directions are great – but look over them, and take a look at the map first to make sure you know where your important turns are.

3. Book Now – Flights are going to be hard to come by this Thanksgiving, so you need to book now. Again, if possible, book for travel on Monday or Tuesday – even earlier if you can. That will help ensure that if your flight is cancelled due to bad weather, that you can get another one without missing the holiday.

2. Look at the Low-Cost Airlines – Look at a company like Jet Blue, who offer less frills on their flights as a good source for cheap tickets. As all airlines tighten their belts, the difference between the high priced flights and the cheap flights is getting hard and hard to see. So take advantage and book cheap.

1. Get a Hotel – I know, I know – more expense…BUT…as much as you love your family, and as much as you can’t WAIT to see them…they’ll get old quick. Someone has an annoying kid, or a drunk uncle – and you’re going to WISH you had somewhere to go to get away from them. Think of this trip as a vacation for you – and find a nice, inexpensive hotel, and give yourself a place to escape from your family if need be. That’s the best stress relieving advice I could possibly give.

Have a happy, and safe, Thanksgiving.