12 rules to be less stressed when you travel during the holidays

12 rules to be less stressed when you travel during the holidays12 rules to be less stressed when you travel during the holidaysNobody likes the actual travel part of traveling - especially if it involves airports, and especially during the holidays. But since we all have to do it, why not make it as easy as possible?Here are a dozen travel tips guaranteed to take (some of) the stress out of your upcoming trip.1. Expect your check-in luggage to get lostThis isnt going to happen on most flights, but it pays to be prepared in case it does. Keep things simple Always have a spare outfit and a little bag of toiletries in your carry-on, plus any other necessities you cant live without (medications, etc.).2. Wear your bulkiest clothesThis is a must for winter travel. Rather than let your puffy coat and chunky scarf take up half your suitcase, wear them on the plane Your winter wear will be right at home on a freezing cold flight, and easily accessible once you arrive at your final destinat ion.3. Always bring an empty, reusable water bottleJust because you cant bring large quantities of liquid through airport security doesnt mean you have to leave your water bottle at home. Save a few bucks (and the environment) by packing an empty, reusable water bottle in your carry-on, and filling it up once you get through security.4. Print everythingOr, at the very least, make copies of any important documents you plan to bring, including your passport and/or other forms of ID - especially if youre traveling internationally. Its also helpful to have all your hotel, restaurant, and other travel information not only saved in your phone, but also written down somewhere. You never know when you could have a phone disaster - better safe than sorry5. Invest in an inflatable neck pillowYoure never too young for an inflatable neck pillow. Does it look silly? Absolutely. Is it a brilliant invention that makes sleeping on an airplane just slightly less impossible? Definitely. Inflatable versions take up less space, and are generally less bulky and annoying, but if youre feeling really dedicated (or desperately need to sleep), you can give one of theseostrich pillowsa try.6. Wear shoes that are easy to take off ( preferably with socks)If you arent wearing slip-on shoes when you travel, what are you even doing with your life? It makes getting through security approximately one million times easier, and your flight way mora comfortable. (That being said, if youre a total badass who feels her/his/their best traveling in heels, more power to you.)7. Bring more underwear than you needYou will never regret bringing more underwear when you travel, because there is no such thing as too much underwear. This is just a fact. They dont take up a lot of space, and youll sleep easier knowing you arent going to run out.8. Pack alcohol in travel-sized containersFor those who like to take the edge off of air travel by indulging in an alcoholic beverage either pre-flight or on board , save yourself the money and bring your own. Simply fill up your travel-sized shampoo/conditioner/body wash containers with your drink of choice, and enjoy as you please.9. Resealable bags are your friendsIts impossible to understate just how useful resealable bags are when traveling. You can use them to separate a wet swimsuit from your dry clothes, or to protect your jewelry. You can use them as a last-minute toiletry bag, or to pack away some leftover pie. Make sure to have a few on hand at all times.10. Bring an external phone chargerRather than desperately fight your fellow travelers for access to an outlet to charge your phone, why not skip the stress and just bring an external charger? Its a godsend when youre running low on battery, especially when theyve announced a delay or even just last call on your flight.11. Bars make the best plane snacksPro tip You should never board a flight without your own food. And, whether theyre homemade or store bought, a good old-fashioned b ar - granola, protein, breakfast, or otherwise - makes for the best plane snack. Theyre easily portable, fairly resilient in a carry-on, and create a minimal mess.12. Thou shall not travel without hand sanitizerIts cold and flu season, yall - and airplanes are basically just giant, sealed containers filled with germs. Even if you arent much of a germaphobe, play it safe this holiday season and invest in an illness-fighting spray or gel.This article was originally published on Shondaland.