Planning Tips
Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, there is still time to plan the perfect Christmas trip with ESSENCE.com and Hampton. This week's tips will help put more money into gifts instead of your trip. Continue to check back for new tips on how to plan a smooth trip for yourself, or the entire family. Plus, we'll also suggest 10 new destinations you'll want to check out during your holiday travels.

1. Smile
 Before you pay for an upgrade, try your winning smile and give it your best shot. It doesn't hurt to ask, especially if it's a special occasion.

2. Packaged Deal
 Buying in bulk will not only cut costs for your groceries, but your travel plans as well. Search online for packages that combine airfare and hotel to save cash.

3. Park It
 To have more money for room service, try parking your car yourself. Valet parking is higher than guest self-parking, and a nearby garage could be even better.

4. Fly High
 When researching flight, check into smaller airports in the town you are going. Less-crowded hubs are more likely to cater to low-cost airlines.

5. The Hot Spot
 Also, try flying into the biggest city nearby. In-demand destinations that have a lot of flights are cheaper than small, quaint, out-of-the-way locations.

6. Branch Out
 Book your hotel on the outskirts of the city. Staying in the suburbs rather than in the downtown often means lower rates and makes for a great scenic drive.

7. Book Early
 If you know you're going to visit family across the country, do yourself a favor and book the trip now. Chances are, it will be much more expensive if we wait until a week before.

8. Know the Net
 Perusing the travel sites may not help you find the one with the lowest prices. Check out the blogs and Google the destinations that you're interested in to see if others have tips on finding the best deal.

Enjoy a relaxing trip!