Summer means vacations and vacations mean travel. So, for the rest of this week, I'll offer some of my favorite hints for travel.

Today, travel by air!

If you've traveled by air in the last few years, you've noticed the plethora of fees that add to the cost of your ticket. The fees are constantly changing, so it's important to check out what your airline does. Also, you need to add the fees into the fare to get a real sense of what it will cost to fly. If you need to check a bag each way, you need to add that fee into the fare. I often find that changing airlines to save the baggage fee actually saves me money.

Twenty to thirty minutes on the airline website can mean significant savings. Some airlines offer a discount on the checked bag fee if you pay the fee online before arriving at the airport. You can also see what the allowances are for checked and carry-on bags so that you can maximize what you can take while minimizing your costs.

You can also check out their onboard food and entertainment options. Some airlines offer free entertainment provided that you bring your own headphones. On the other hand, some airlines are now charging for coffee and soda. Most of the food available for purchase on planes is highly processed and tastes prefab. But some airlines offer very good food — some of it even healthy. Most airlines post their food offerings online, so you can check it out in advance.

If it's a short flight, you won't necessarily need to eat anything, but on a longer flight, you might need at least a hearty snack. If you don't want to purchase food on the plane, you have two options: bring food from home or purchase it in the airport. If you bring food from home, make sure it's not liquid or gel since you can't carry that on board. Also, you won't have access to refirgeration. Still, fresh fruit, cut up veggies, and crackers are fine. Most larger airports are getting better at offering options other than fast food. Check out the terminal maps to see which options are accessible to you.

If you are traveling with small children or seniors, leave yourself extra time to get to the airport, consider paying more for a non-stop flight if possible, and don't accept a tight connection. Getting a group of people through an airport always takes more time than you expect. And many airports have play areas if you get there early. But most kids are happy to watch the planes take off and land. Also, ask the TSA agent at the gate if there's a family line. That way, you'll get extra help and you won't frustrate business travelers on tight timelines.

If there is anything you can't do without for even one night (like medications, your cell charger, etc.), carry it on. Do not take a chance that your checked bag will travel with you. It's not a bad idea to take at least a change of underwear. Also, if you are going somewhere tropical, maybe take a bathing suit. It's much easier to wait out a luggage delay on the beach with a drink in your hand.

You can't use electronics on airplanes from the time the door closes until the plane reaches 10,000 feet. If there are any delays, that could be a while. I always take a book, a magazine, some needlework, etc. to do on a plane. It's actually rather nice to have some time away from electronics.

What are your best hints for flying?