With trips planned to Chicago, Napa and New York City between now and the end of the year, the next few months promise to be busy ones. Throw in holidays, school vacations and extracurricular activities, and we’re moms desperate for a few good tips on how to preserve our sanity.

Good thing we know a group of women who are as crazy-busy as we are - our readers(?)! We recently turned to these smart, successful and savvy women to find out their sanity-saving travel tips. Here were some of our favorites:

Mari P., Omaha, NE

• Check in online. Many airlines will let you check into your flight as early as the night before. By checking in you will save time and secure your seat early. Plus, you may get the opportunity to bump your seat to first class (often at a lower rate than if you booked first class from the start).
• Bring a snack. With airlines cutting back on perks, bringing a snack (except liquids, of course) will help you save money and stave off the munchies during your trip.
• Here comes the sun. At the hotel ask for an east facing room so you can see the morning sun. It’s a great way to greet the day before a full schedule of meetings in windowless conference rooms.
• No boys allowed. Another tip for women travelers - many hotels have a women’s-only floor. Ask for your room to be on this floor if it makes you feel more comfortable when traveling solo.

Becky S., Kansas City, MO

• Be prepared to show off. Make sure to load up your iPod, iPhone, BlackBerry or other mobile device with the latest pictures of the kids (for when someone asks).
• Google first. Google your destinations ahead of time to locate local coffee shops, restaurants and other locations so you don’t waste time driving or walking around aimlessly looking for someplace to eat or something to do.

Lisa K., St. Louis, MO

• Bring your own nightlights. Rather than stumbling around in the dark in a strange hotel room, bring a couple of small nightlights to light your way. Putting one in the room and one in the bathroom will help prevent smashed toes and other accidents.
• Freshen up. Because you may not be able to open the windows in some hotel rooms, the air inside can get a little stale. Bring a small can of air freshener so you can give quick spritzes to freshen things up.

Traveling with the kids? Here are a few more great tips:

• Lisa K. - Give each family member his or her own reusable water bottle (the kind with a straw and snap-down lid). It will keep liquids cold for 12 hours, prevents spilling and helps protect the environment!
• Monica E., Weston FL - Don’t forget to pack lots of entertainment and snacks! Then, parcel them out slowly throughout your trip (rather than giving them the goodies all at once).

Whether traveling for business or pleasure - what are your favorite tips?