So most of us will be making plans to head out of town this holiday season to enjoy time with family, friends or simply just to get away. And if you’re anything like me, you like to be prepared and travel like a pro.

I have been lucky enough to have traveled quite a bit in my 20s; partly due to my first professional job and attending conferences, and I learned quite a bit in regards to my traveling techniques.

1. Always have a bag ready to go. This includes suitcase and toiletry bag. This will save you time and effort knowing that your suitcase is handy and your toiletry bag is always stocked with the essentials.

   
   

2. Toiletry Bag…there is nothing worse than having traveled all day finally settling in your room and seeing that all of your toiletries exploded on the plane. One AWESOME tip that I learned while traveling with my boss many moons ago is before you leave for the airport and while you are packing, cut enough small squares to the amount of liquid bottles you have. Unscrew the lids and place one square on the bottle opening and reapply the lid. This will prevent shampoo, lotion and hair products to end up all over your clothes or creating their own blend in your toiletry bag. Also make sure to have an extra ziplock baggie or saran wrap in your toiletry bag and small scissors to reapply on your trip back home.

   
   

3. Roll it Up…When packing, always roll your jeans/pants. This will decrease the wrinkles and will in turn give you more space in your suitcase.

   
   

4. Be Smart About Your Suitcase…We’re all guilty of overpacking and adding clothes for those just in case outings. But you’ve gotta be smart about it; make sure you pack items of clothing that could be paired up with other pieces you already have in case of a last minute event or outing. Remember, we get charged for every ounce we put in the suitcase if traveling by plane; and if you’re traveling by car, you may have limited space!

   
   

5. Comfort All the Way. I’m one that likes to look my best at all times, but I have been caught in too many situations when I’ve had to run to my gate from connecting flights, or have to climb from a passenger seat to the back of an SUV to get something that my co-pilot needed. When traveling always remember to dress ready to take on the unexpected. Wear layers, wear shoes that YOU’RE comfortable in and  something that you’ll be comfortable in over a long travel day.

   
   

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Now go pack your bag and hit the road, remember traveling like a pro is not easy, but totally doable.