Everywhere I walk I hear people talking about wanting to travel. And I don’t blame them. I love traveling too. But there’s a difference flying with your family than flying alone. So as I traveled back home alone for the first time I thought I would give you my steps for a *flawless* day of travel.

Book your flight

Pretty obvious but very necessary. Look for the cheapest flight with the best layovers and time of day to travel. My whole life I’ve traveled either really early in the day or late at night so I look for those times when booking a flight of my own. Also make sure it makes sense in your schedule. No need to book your flight and your last final on the same day.

Pack your bags

Don’t wait until the last minute to do this but don’t start too early either. It’s all about balance. Just like how you have to balance everything into your overstuffed bag. Also keep in mind that if you are bringing a carry on make sure you can actually carry it. Also hope that your flight gets overbooked and they ask for people to check their carry ons if possible. This is the best money saver about flying. Since I always check one bag anyway and have to wait might as well check another for free at the gate. It’s also one less thing to keep track of in the airport and on the plane.

Check in 24hrs early

Pay for your checked bag in advance. Print your boarding pass. And your set.

Pick a good flying outfit

So much goes into this outfit. You want to be comfortable but presentable and dressed for the weather. It also has be able to get through security with little effort. How many times have you seen people running out of security barefoot and holding tennis shoes with laces all over the place? A lot. Tennis shoes are not practical when you are being rushed in and out of security. Invest (aka buying with a “reason”) in a pair of slip on shoes that you can wear socks with. For your clothes itself, layer. Planes can range from the Sahara to Antarctica and same with airports. Layers are your best friend. Just be sure to not go to overboard because again security. Also avoid wearing jewelry or anything valuable you have to take off, it will get lost somehow. So what it comes down to is wear leggings cause leggings are good for everything.

Know how you’re getting to the airport

It’s 2016 aka you have about 1000 ways to get to the airport. You can uber for usually super cheap or take a taxi. Or if you have a super great friend have them drive you. Just have a plan and a back up plan. Also think about the time of day you are traveling. Airports suggest being there two hours so do not forget to work that in.

Call your mom a thousand times

Flying is a lot of work. It’s stressful and exhausting and makes you want to cry. Just have your mom on speed dial from the day you book your flight to the time you get to your destination. And then thank her a million times for really being there at anytime of the day when she answers clearly in panic cause you called her at 3am.

Relax

After all the other steps your probably tired and stressed and wondering if a trip was worth it. So relax. Treat yourself to overpriced airport food and coffee cause you deserve and you will need it when it comes to waiting for your bags.