This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Marriott Rewards Premier and United MileagePlus Credit Cards from Chase for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and people across the country are preparing for holiday travel. Some are headed back home for the holidays and others are scheduling getaways to a tropical locale. No matter which category you fall into, there are a few tips you can use to maximize both the fun and the cost of your holiday travel.

1. Avoid the Busiest Travel Days

If at all possible avoid the busiest travel days to not only save yourself some stress, but also to save money. Key days like the day before Thanksgiving, the days before Christmas, or New Year's are days you will want to avoid flying in or out on. Instead, try to bank up some extra vacation time, and leave a few days earlier or later. Can't get extra time off? Sometimes flying in or out on the actual holiday itself can save you money as well and be less busy.

2. Plan in Advance

Booking last minute holiday travel is a great way to ensure that you pay premium prices. Want to save? Start looking for flights and hotel rooms months in advance. Most of the time, the best date range to book a flight is 45 days from your departure date and on a Tuesday. There are apps that can help pinpoint the best possible time to book your flight for holiday travel.

3. Bundle Up

Another great way to maximize your holiday travel and save some time and money is to bundle up your flights and hotel reservations. Use an online service to book these two things together, and you can often save hundreds of dollars. Don't be afraid to shop around for the best deal either, there can often be variation from one site to another, and individual airline or hotel websites can often be the source of the best savings.

4. Scope Out Credit Card Travel Rewards Offers

If you will be traveling during the holidays, it is to your benefit to keep an eye on travel rewards offers that become available through your cardholder. For example, during the month of November, Marriott Rewards Premier and eligible United MileagePlus Credit Cards from Chase are teaming up to offer a first- ever Double Stay, Double Go promotion to earn double rewards on Marriott and United purchases for a limited time.

If you are a Marriott Rewards Premier card member, you can earn double points on United purchases and United MileagePlus Explorer, Club and Presidential Plus cardmembers can earn double miles when they book a Marriott stay. With more than 4,000 Marriott Hotels and 362 United flight destinations worldwide, there are plenty of opportunities to save on holiday travel! Be sure to visit the Double Stay, Double Go website before November 30, 2015 for more details.

Traveling during the holidays should be all about having fun with family and friends,. The tips above can help you save big and maximize your holiday travel this year!