Flying during the Chinese New Year/Spring Festival period can be one of the greatest challenges of one's travel career. The number of people soaring from place to place is unlike even a peak Thanksgiving or Christmas season. To minimize the hassle on the way to (and back from) your holiday destination, keep these simple strategies in mind. They won't make your flight less crowded, but they may help save time and trouble while en route.

Keep your documents in order. Aside from your passport, this should include a printed copy of your itinerary and the credit card with which you bought your air ticket. Some countries require proof of onward travel for admittance, and many airlines will want to swipe the credit card as an added security measure. Consider taking a digital photo of each (including both sides of the credit card), your passport's main ID page and any visa pages you may have, as a back-up in case they are lost or not easily retrieved while in transit.

Reserve your seats online. Depending on the airline, you may be able to book your seat at the time of purchase, or as late as 24 hours before the flight departs. Some airlines now also permit early and premium seat selection for an additional fee. Regardless, get your aisle or window seat as early as possible, especially for a longer plane journey. Middle seats are for tour-group tourists!

Charge all your electronics. While in-seat power in economy class is becoming more common, it is far from ubiquitous. Make sure you have the wherewithal to entertain yourself, just in case you don't like the inflight offerings or end up with the dead monitor/crappy sound plug. Having a fully charged laptop can also act as a back-up battery or recharge unit if your iPod or iPad runs out of power.

Buy food. Drinks from outside the airport can't pass through security, but food can. Why roll the dice on "chicken or fish" when you can have something you might actually enjoy? Also, on the off-chance that your flight is delayed excessively, it provides you with emergency rations, at least until the other passengers rise up and steal Toblerone from the duty-free cart.

Pack light. One of the best tips I've ever read about travel says you should only take three sets of clothes on a trip. That way you are wearing one, one is in the laundry, and there's one extra, just in case. For a beach vacation this should be especially easy. You can always buy another t-shirt, book or bottle of sunscreen once you arrive.

Get on the plane first. On a full flight, competition for space is downright Darwinian. Getting on the plane first means you get first crack at overhead luggage compartments, and allows you to get set up in your seat before your new neighbors arrive. If there's in-seat power, put your power adapter in the plug before you even take off. Would you rather have your feet mashed up against your bag and hold your coat in your lap?

Get off the plane fast. Walking leisurely to the customs line gives dozens, if not hundreds, of other passengers the chance to queue up before you. That could mean considerable extra time waiting in line, perhaps in a charming, non-air conditioned airport. Get off the plane as soon as you can, and walk quickly to the customs area. Time saved here can also mean you get your bags faster and then into ground transportation in front of all those people you passed earlier.

Have a wonderful trip!