Safety Tips For Travelers

Scores of Americans make a trek to celebrate the holidays with their extended families. To assist travelers, CBS News correspondents for The Early Show have compiled lists of suggestions.

If you are traveling by air, check ahead on parking availability and cost. The endless construction has limited parking at some airports:

• Know where your plane originated. Bad weather in some areas could cause unexpected delays in other sections of the country, where the weather is perfect for traveling.
  
• Know which other carriers fly to your destination. Depending on why your plane has been canceled or delayed, you may be able to hop onto another airline instead.
  
• Fly into major airports and drive the rest of the way. Many delays come at smaller airports.
  
• Watch the size of your carry-on bags. Many airlines recently have limited the size of such bags and if yours is too big, you will have to check it.

• Buy your ticket in advance or make a reservation.
  
• Get to the station early.
  
• Check on the weather at your destination.

• Leave early and stay late.
  
• Plan ahead. Know your route and have an alternate route in the event of heavy traffic.
  
• Make sure your car is in top condition.
  
• Take your time. Don't speed or take shortcuts you're not sure of.
  
• Don't tailgate. Truck drivers, especially, can't see a car behind them.
  
• Be careful driving near or passing trucks. Truck drivers have several blind spots and trucks can't slow down as quickly as autos.
  
• Take breaks often. Stop at a safe rest area for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours.