TripAdvisor, the world’s most pop­u­lar and largest travel com­mu­nity, today announced the results of its December hol­i­day travel sur­vey of more than 1,200 trav­el­ers. Despite the econ­omy, the num­ber of Americans trav­el­ing for the hol­i­days has increased slightly in each of the last three years: 45 per­cent of Americans are plan­ning to travel for the December hol­i­days this year, up from 42 per­cent one year ago and 39 per­cent in 2007.

There are numer­ous rea­sons to break away from the hol­i­day crowds, cold weather and the stress of enter­tain­ing – espe­cially when it means you can share more qual­ity time with your fam­ily and friends. Escape from all the work of prepar­ing for the hol­i­days and relax while Chattanooga rolls out the red car­pet just for you.

Southwest Airlines is offer­ing even more ways to save on win­ter air­fares! For Customers who missed the recent 72-hour sale, Southwest is offer­ing fares start­ing as low as $59 one-way to select des­ti­na­tions. Fares must be pur­chased by Nov. 23, 2009.

Traveling for the hol­i­days can test the patience of even the most sea­soned trav­eler. Airports are at their busiest dur­ing Thanksgiving, mak­ing for hec­tic travel for you and your fam­ily. Below are some time-saving tips to help you nav­i­gate those bustling air­ports dur­ing the hol­i­day sea­son, cour­tesy of Orbitz.com (www.orbitz.com).