Pic credit: Condé Nast Traveller

Holiday travel plans are imminent for many of us whether it’s a family trip abroad or a local adventure interstate. The time prior to arrival can be stressful and being well prepared is KEY… adopt these travel-friendly hacks for a smoother ride.

Plan ahead…

Create a comprehensive checklist early to avoid a last-minute scramble and overlooking important details. Consolidate all information into an itinerary which can easily be shared with other family members. Keep travel documents secure in one place and have a safety system in place with digital copies of everything. Invest in tracking device for luggage for security peace of mind. Allow for a margin of error with all activities not only to be punctual but also allow for spontaneity and flexibility. Ensure travel insurance is comprehensive and easily accessible if an emergency arises.

Make beauty mini

Beauty packing is overwhelming and can add serious weight to your travel allowance. Best to downsize your routine to the basics, use multi-tasking products and switch to mini sizes – if unavailable, decanter into small containers. Switch out foundation for a tinted moisturiser and take a compact makeup palette with multiple uses: bronzer, eyeshadow, highlighter and blush in one. Always keep a tinted lip balm handy to hydrate parched lips and inject a flush of colour, plus a hand cream for hydration on the go. SPF is a must.

Pack light and smart

Sorting, packing and organisation tools (think packing cubes) are a game-changer for creating order through the chaos of travel. Again, multipurpose or capsule clothing items work best… like a high-quality white t-shirt that can be worn on the beach as easily as with a pair of sequin trousers for a dressy dinner. Stick to the basics and pack items that can easily be mixed and matched. Take a travel scarf or sarong to use on the plane for extra warmth and throughout the trip, easily folded into your day bag. Don’t forget a small laundry bag for dirty clothes.

Sleep and relax…

Adjust to the local timezone as quickly as possible to mitigate jetlag and establish a good sleep pattern. Pack eyemasks, earplugs and sleep aids if required. Prepare to relax by downloading books to your kindle, scheduling audiobooks or organising podcasts you have been dying to listen to.

Make your journey more comfortable...

Have reliable props at hand to prepare for any mishaps along the way. A reusable water bottle, hand sanitiser, tissues, portable device charger, protein-rich snacks, band-aids, headphones and aspirin are travel essentials. Learn common phrases of the local language… a simple ‘hello’, ‘please’, and ‘thank you’ in the local language goes a long way. Respect local culture.