When you’re traveling, you think of a million things at once. From what to pack to TSA protocols, it’s no wonder why traveling can be stressful. And with the holidays and traffic, on the road and in the air, is going to be hectic. I have traveled a good amount in my life, and luckily with trial and error, I have come up with some tips and tricks to remember for your next flight. And feel free to take notes!

The biggest thing to remember when flying is arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to when your plane leaves. Now if it’s the holidays, it doesn’t hurt to arrive a tad bit earlier. Why do we have to arrive 2 hours early? Common sense really. And also TSA is a tedious task when entering the terminals. So make sure your arrival time is 2 hours prior to your first flight.

The next tip for traveling is to make a list, a packing list. There are so many different packing apps but my favorite is Packing List. Luckily for those apps, they not only list out some things to add onto your packing list, but also your to do list prior to your trip like take out the trash, check the weather, etc. This helps you not forget anything and keeps your packing experience fluid

On the same page as packing, pack as you go. Especially for toiletries when you need to where them the day of your trip. So instead of packing everything at once, you can pack your clothes and some toiletries you’re not going to use and then the morning of, pack everything else like electronics, makeup, the rest of the toiletries.

My bonus packing trick is for when you come home. When you get home from a trip, you have no idea which is used and which is not. So my trick is whatever is used, roll them up; and those that aren’t used can be folded. So that way when you get home, you know which goes in the laundry and which goes in the drawers.

From personal experience, the most stressful part of the airport experience is the TSA check area. You’re doing many things at once and sometimes you can be in a stumbling mess coming in and going out. So here are some tricks to make it easier. Place your laptop in the front; if it’s in the back of the backpack, move it to the front part so it’s easy to access. Liquids, in the front as well for easy access. And remember these things: shoes, electronics, sweater, liquids, pockets, done. Sure, the agents will shout it out but remember shoes, liquids, electronics, and you’re good to go.

Now this next one is debatable. Everyone has their personal preference on how they want to spend their time at the airport from eating to shopping to just walking about. I would recommend going from the TSA checkpoint straight to your gate. Why? You don’t have to be late for your flight, you can save a seat, and you can relax before getting into that cramped space for the duration of your flight. Also, if you’re hungry or need to get something at the store, either you do it en route to your gate or find it close to your gate. The last thing you want to experience is missing your flight.

This last one is something I need to bring up because of the state of the world. The biggest tip I would give you is BEHAVE YOURSELF. We’ve heard enough incidents of people, grown adults, acting like toddlers having a tantrum and getting kicked out of their flight. Just breathe, know that everything is not in your control, and you will get there. The last thing you want to say to your relatives en route for the holidays is “well I’m not coming because I blew up and got kicked off the plane.” How embarrassing is that?

I hope those tricks help on your next trip. The biggest thing is to always be prepared and just relax, you will get there. Will weather ruin it? Of course, but you can make it work.