Time for another great American tradition -- holiday travel. It's inevitable, whether we're headed around the corner to a friend's for a party or across the country's heartland to Grandma. And, we're all trying to reach our destinations over the same few weeks, so airports are jammed, roads fill up and tempers grow short.

I recently read that air travel this holiday season is projected to increase over last year's, so proportionately also will the search for airport parking, the waits for security checks, the number of flights canceled due to weather and general mishaps. All the more reason to take a deep breath, review the latest TSA security requirements and remember that travel plans are only plans until executed.

I came across a website that seemed to have some useful information about travel security in general (read and believe at your own risk, of course): www.kevincoffee.com. There's a wealth of tips from flying to hotels to money.

Flying remains a popular way to go, but many of us take to the roadways also. It's time to check the quality of tires, change the oil and do a minimal "preflight" check of the vehicle before blastoff. Perhaps road conditions require chains. Buying the right set at your local store is a lot more hassle-free than waiting until the visibility on Highway 36 has been reduced to a mile due to the snow you were betting wasn't going to fall.

Plan for the weather along the way -- just because you're in your speeding cacoon of metal and fiberglass, does not mean you're immune. If your vehicle breaks down, you could be stranded. A blanket or two, basic emergency items and some food could come in handy. Cell phones can help, but don't count on coverage necessarily being available. Hope for the best; plan for the worst.

Even if you plan to be away from home only a day or so, beware the security of your homestead. There's been a recent rash of burglaries and car thefts in my neighborhood, entries apparently all made to unlocked homes.

Local law enforcement representatives are also available to give you tips regarding basic steps to take for home security.

Wherever your travels take you this season, may they be pleasant, flawlessly-executed and, above all else, safe. Best wishes to all for a good holiday with family, friends and loved ones.