Author: Christopher Elliott, Special to USA TODAY

Book early. Give yourself a little extra time at the airport or on the road. Prepare for bad weather. But more than anything, be kind to others.

In some ways, travel has never been safer, more affordable or more accessible. On the other hand, it’s costly, fraught with hassles, and maddening.

Travelers who want to get to their destinations faster need to take risks, says Rob Katz, the CEO of Vail Resorts.