It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas. But if you are traveling over the holidays, that may not necessarily mean a good thing.

Now, it’s easy to lose your cool, with the holiday rush and long lines at the airport. But you do not have to be a Grinch. Here’s how to keep your cool and travel smart during the holiday season.

Going to the airport, why not opt for a New Jersey airport limo service so that you can focus on the tasks you need to do and not worry about your transportation? With professional chauffeurs who know the best routes to take, you do not have to worry about being late for your flight.

For the tech savvy, downloading travel apps can be a life-saver. There are apps that update travelers on delays and baggage numbers. Others can give you an estimate on the amount of time you may need to spend on security.

Whenever possible, pack light. This allows you to skip on waiting for your luggage at the conveyor belt and you can save a substantial amount of money. If that is not entirely possible, make sure that your essentials are hand-carried. Should your other things get lost, you will still have valuables like documents and medication with you.

Don’t forget your earphone and upload your fave tunes on your smartphone or MP3 player. Waiting at the airport can be stressful with the high amount of foot traffic. Momentarily escape these by putting on your earphones.

It’s easier to get sucked into the vortex that is the holiday rush and feel like the Grinch if you are tired and hungry. Eat before boarding so you do not have to wait for the airline food.

If possible, ship your gifts to friends or relatives. Otherwise, wrap your gifts upon reaching your destination. These tactics will save you from the hassle of wrapping, unwrapping and re wrapping your gifts.

It also pays to travel early. Why? Some studies show that early flights have a significantly higher chance of arriving on time. And should your flight get cancelled, you can still catch a later flight. On top of these, the lines at the security check are shorter.

Finally, embrace the idea that not everything will go your way. The next best thing that you can do is to expect the worst, hope for the best and keep your calm.