Traveling over the holidays? Millions of people will hit the roads, rails and sky this holiday season to join family and friends for thanks and celebration. With tons of sunshine and cool nights, Arizona has become a prime destination for not just vacations, but also activities and entertainment during the holiday season. While some stress is unavoidable when planning around the holidays, you can avoid other headaches and stay in good spirits with a little advanced planning.

To ensure you don’t get caught in the hustle and bustle this year, here is a list of dos and don’ts for the in-state or out-of-state traveler.

Holiday Traveling Dos & Don’ts:

DO plan ahead

If you haven’t booked your holiday travel yet, it’s time to stop waiting and start booking! Check hotel and travel websites for holiday discounts and specials. At Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino, seasonal promotions are routinely offered for those guests who may need somewhere to stay over the holidays. Some sites like Expedia and Hotels.com also offer discounts and specials to travelers based on destination.

DON’T overpack

For some, the holidays mean cold temperatures and snow. Here in the Valley, it means lots of sunshine and shorts. With the 70-plus-degree days this holiday season, it has many Arizonan’s dressing down instead of buttoning up. Try to plan out your outfits ahead of time, and figure out  exactly what you’ll need. Using lists when packing will come in handy to ensure you pack the right wardrobe and don’t over pack.

DO see holiday shows

This holiday season, travelers can enjoy shows of all kinds from festive light shows to holiday concert series. At Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort and Casino, enjoy an array of performances this holiday season as country stars Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan perform to celebrate the holidays and bring in the New Year. Have kids? Enjoy several holiday light displays around the Valley. From Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo to Glendale Glitters, the Valley has a little something for everyone.

DON’T forget Northern Arizona

With Prescott, Flagstaff and Sedona just a few hours away, travelers can experience what the other parts of Arizona have to offer for the holidays. Visit Downtown Prescott, and see historic landmarks and shops, or venture to Sedona to enjoy the red-rock scenery and the outdoors. For those looking for some snow this holiday season, a short drive will get you to Snowbowl in Flagstaff where you can test the slopes.

DO make a budget

Of course you want to shower all your friends and family with all the items on their wish lists, but keep in mind that money doesn’t grow on trees (including Christmas trees). Between shopping, holiday parties and decorating, it can pile on the stress by racking up huge bills. Stick to a realistic budget instead, so you don’t spend the New Year scrambling to pay off your holidays.

DON’T forget about yourself

Between shopping for gifts, holiday happenings and other schedule demands, it can be very easy to forget about yourself during the holidays. Avoid stress during the holidays by scheduling some time for yourself. Yoga and other exercise are great ways to wind down. Taking the time to eat right and get enough sleep can also help keep your mind and bodies refreshed and avoid any added stress through the holidays and into the New Year.

The holidays are a festive time of year, but can also prove stressful for those who host friends and family, travel or go on vacation. By adhering to a few dos and don’ts, you can survive yet another year of stress and demands, and ensure a joyous holiday season and New Year.