“Over the river and in the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go…” Several of us will travel this holiday season, for your holiday meal, several days’ stay with loved ones or friends, or a week’s vacation to celebrate with loved ones. Staying organized inside your holiday travel will ensure smooth sailing.

-Before you go

Plan your trip. Exactly where will you go? How will you get there? Exactly where will you stay? What will you do whilst you’re there? Make any needed arrangements and reservations as early as you can. Whilst there can also be occasional “last minute” bargains based on space availability, most often, about the heavily traveled holiday times, one of the most deals are obtainable to individuals who book in advance.

Pack thoughtfully. Make a list. It’s tempting to just open up your suitcase the night prior to you leave and toss some stuff in, but don’t skip the list step for stress-free travel. Brainstorm a list a week prior to you go. Do all of the laundry two days prior to you should pack so that everything you would like to consume is clean and ready. Examine the long-range weather forecast (weather.com) for your destination so you’ll know what the normal temperatures and problems is going to belikely be like. Think via what you’ll be producing whilst on your trip. Will you attend a party, engage in an physical exercise that requires unique clothing or equipment, exchange gifts? Include correct items on your list so that you’ll be prepared.

Don’t forget items such as your camera, batteries, chargers, swim suit, toiletries, medications, “every day” clothes, special occasion clothes, accessories, gifts, pajamas, shoes, and anything else you plan on wearing or using. If you’ll fly, visit your airline’s Web site and tsa.com to become familiar with current regulations, restrictions and charges associated with checked and carry-on baggage. Are you expecting to shop or receive a lot of gifts while on your trip? Consider packing an empty duffle bag, or smaller suitcase inside of a larger one to use on the return trip to hold extra items. Making a thorough list and then checking or crossing things off as you pack them will ease your mind that you’re remembering everything you wanted to take.

Prepare things at home for your absence. Have your mail held at the post office and your newspaper delivery suspended while you will be gone, or have a neighbor come by and pick up daily. Leave some interior lights on or set specific lamps on timers so it appears as if someone is home. Make arrangements for your pets’ care or plant watering while you’re away. Alert a trusted neighbor (and your alarm company, if you use one) of your travel plans and contact information so that they can reach you in case of an emergency. Leave a few minutes after you pack to put away things you decided not to take and tidy up a bit. It’s always nice to return to a clean home.

-Travel day

Know what to expect. Map out your travel route. If you’re traveling by car make sure you have directions to your destination (mapquest.com) and if you’re traveling by plane, understand your options for ground transportation to and from the airport, both at home and at your destination.

Leave a cushion and plan for the unexpected. Most of travel stress comes from time crunches and delays. Leave plenty of extra time to allow for traffic, long lines and anything else that may come up. Even if this means you’ll have time to wait at your gate at the airport, or arrive early to your destination, you’ll have time to relax with a cup of coffee, a good book, or just people watch - all better than the alternative.

Be prepared. Bring healthy snacks, reading material and anything else you may need to make your travels, or your waiting time, more comfortable and enjoyable. If you’re traveling with children, help them pack their own activity bag, perhaps including one or two new small items, books or activities, to hold their attention.

-Home, sweet home: your return

If possible, block off a full day at the end of your travels before returning to school or work. Use this time to unpack, wash clothes, catch up on mail, email and phone calls received while you were away, restock the refrigerator, and ease back into “real life”. You’ll be so glad you did.

Enjoy your travels, and happy holidays!