So you're planning to get away for the holidays. What can go wrong? That's what you have to ask yourself if you want to plan ahead and avoid travel woes.

Book Now. This Minute.
This year you don't have to wonder if it will save you money to wait to book a flight, the experts have already decreed the rates will only go up if you wait for a chancy holiday flight sale. At this point flights are not going to be cheap, but Kayak.com suggests you can save a little by booking your flights on less-ideal days (depart as close to the 25th as possible for Christmas), or schedule a shorter 3-5 day trip centered around New Year's.

Plan Early and Load up on Apps
Smart phone Apps make travel so much easier. Here is a list of Top-rated travel apps.

• Kayak, Orbitz and Google Flights for searching and booking flights, hotels and car rentals.

• Flight Track Pro sends alerts regarding delayed flights.

• Gate Guru, to make the most of extended airport layovers.

• TripIt keeps your confirmation numbers, reservation information and all other important info in one spot.

• Wunderground's Roadtrip keeps you aware of how the weather will affect the roads; so will the Weather Channel and Accuweather.

• My TSA keeps you updated with changes in flight rules.

• Waze guides you around real-time road hazards, re-routing if necessary.

• Instagram helps you document the holiday and makes your family look way cooler than reality.

Lighten the Load
Keep your bags light, avoid extra airline fees and decrease stress by shipping gifts to your destination, or select an in-store pickup in the city you're visiting if it's convenient to your plans. If you pack gifts in suitcases or carry-ons, leave them unwrapped for inspection in security check lines.

Travel Woes
Winter storms, transportation mishaps, and illness—what are you willing, or not willing to do in order to travel for the holidays? Decide the deal breakers in advance for your family. Scheduling a day or two between departure and the big family gathering will allow more flexibility to make it on time.

Be prepared, and maybe when you get back home, you won't need a vacation to recover from the holiday!