Spring break is almost upon us, which means many people will be heading to an airport. Although vacations are supposed to be relaxing, I find prepping for one rather stressful, especially if you have children (no matter how old they are!). It’s hard enough packing for oneself let alone the whole family. So, how can you streamline the process and pack effectively without making yourself cuckoo? Here are my tips:

• Create an individualized packing list for each family member. Keep this list in a specific e-file and update it as needed as each person’s needs change. Seasonal lists for each family member are even more helpful, as packing needs change according to season and vacation destination. Check off each item as you pack it and you’ll never leave home without important items.

• Apply for TSA Precheck or Global Entry (if you travel internationally more than four times per year). The cost for application may be partially covered by your travel credit card company (if you don’t yet have a credit card with travel perks, get one!) and your membership lasts five years. Children under 18 can travel under their parents’ memberships if the family is travelling together. This perk will get you through security at a much faster rate. TSA Precheck costs $80 per person. Global Entry costs $120.

• Don’t check any luggage. Traveling with carry-on luggage is cheaper, less cumbersome, and you don’t risk having your luggage get lost. Yes, the size and weight allowances for on-board bags are small, but if you pack smart (more on that later) you’ll be fine. We all tend to gravitate towards a few items in our closets anyway, so why bring things on a trip that we know we’ll never wear?

• Dress comfortably (but not sloppily!) for flights. Loose fitting, breathable clothing is best and layers help when the aircraft either gets too chilly or too warm.

• Purchase compression packing cubes. These things are a game changer! I don’t know how I ever packed without them. They work by compressing your clothes into cubes which means in addition to keeping your clothes organized in your bag, they take up much less space.

• Pack a travel pillow or gadget. I don’t trust airline pillows. Do those things ever get washed? I highly doubt it!

• Wear comfortable, but stylish shoes. When traveling, you will likely be doing a lot of walking. This is not the time to break in a new pair of stilettos. 

• Consider purchasing mini versions of your hair appliances. I found a great travel-sized flat/curling iron that can be used every day at home as well. Most hotels offer hair dryers, so there’s no need to pack your own.

• Bring your own food to the airport. Airport food is ridiculously and needlessly expensive. If you have food allergies you may not even be able to find something you can safely eat at the airport. It’s best to pack some snacks and a meal for yourself at home. The only exception is a drink, as TSA will not allow liquid over three ounces to go through security.

What to pack in a carry-on suitcase and backpack:

Note that you are allowed to bring a carry-on suitcase and a personal item on international flights, but the weight limits are small. So, you’ll need to buy an extremely lightweight suitcase like this one if you want to pack a few outfits.

For a two-week trip, I recommend packing:

• 3 shirts/sweaters
• 3 tees (2 long sleeve, 2 short sleeve for fall/spring)
• 3 pairs of pants (one dressy/dressier. I bring black jeans)
• 4-6 pairs of socks
• 6 pairs of underwear
• 2 bras
• 1 pair of pajamas
• Toiletries (all travel sized)
• A small crossover bag (placed empty in my backpack). 

If you work out, bring:

• 2-3 workout “outfits” (tanks, bras, leggings, socks)

Note: I wear sneakers on flights and pack my nicer shoes in my suitcase.

Make sure your hotel or the neighborhood near your hotel offers laundry service. After day three, I wash everything I/my family wore via the launderer and then we have three more days’ worth of clothes to wear until we get our clothes returned. If you have to do the laundry yourself at the hotel, throw in a load at night and hang everything up in the hotel room to dry (if there’s no dryer). By the second day, everything will be dry. I find this approach very easy and inexpensive as compared to paying for, carrying and waiting for checked luggage.

If you’re lucky enough to be taking a vacay this school break, happy packing and safe travels. I hope you get to create many happy memories!