Airfare traditionally increases during the holidays. But if you want to go home to visit family during your college break, there are a few ways to save some money when booking your trip.

• Fly Tuesday through Thursday. Avoid flying midweek when the fares are higher. If you have to fly on Thanksgiving Day, choose an early morning flight. You'll not only most likely save a few bucks, but the airport will be less busy early in the morning.

• Travel light. Most airlines are now charging $25 or more for the first checked bag. Try to fit all of your clothes (and gifts) into your carry on suitcases. Most airlines allow 2 carry-ons: one to go overhead and one that goes under the seat.

• Check composite websites for specials. Rather than only checking the specific airlines for flights, run a search on comparison travel websites, such as Hotwire, Travelocity, Expedia, Kayak, and Orbitz.
• Cash in credit card points. If you have a rewards credit card that gives you miles, now is the time to use them. Since airline flights are often the most costly during the holidays, using your points now may be to your advantage. Be careful of black out dates, however.
• Pack some snack food. Eating in the airport can cost you an arm and a leg. Instead, pack some snack foods or even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for your travels.
• Pack an empty water bottle. As you know, liquids cannot go through security so you'll have to discard a water-filled bottle prior to going through security. However, an empty bottle isn't a problem. Simply fill up the empty water bottle at a fountain once you're past security. It sure beats paying $3 for a bottle of water at the airport.
• Let yourself get bumped. If you're not in a rush to get to your destination -- and there is another flight shortly thereafter, consider getting bumped if your flight is overbooked. You'll often get a free flight voucher for allowing the airline to bump you.
• Fly the red eye. If you're willing, consider flying an overnight flight. You'll typically see red eye flights from the west coast to the east coast (and vice versa) at discounted rates for overnight flights.