My husband is an early bird and by early I mean on days we travel he’s in the car at 4:30 a.m. and ready to roll. Through the years I’ve found there are five simple things that always makes for an ease-filled early morning departure. 

#1 Pack and Properly place all Luggage the Night before

Instead of waiting until the day before to pack I usually start three or even four days before and put things in the suitcase or bags by themes  — bottoms, tops, shoes, etc. The day before we are set to depart I go through everything to ensure I have enough clothes for both of us for each day. Once I’m confident in my choices I zip everything up and it gets placed by the front door. If we are going by air  — the suitcases stay by the door. If we are driving, the bags are put in the car the night before. Packing early saves you from having to race around because you forgot something you realized at the last minute you needed. 

#2 Prep sandwiches, snacks, and treats 

A few years ago the Sergeant and I were catching the ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket. About thirty minutes in I was ravenous. He pulled out a surprise chicken cutlet sandwich from his backpack. The Sergeant always saves the day! Travel makes you hungry, there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Rather than relying on the flat tasting food at airports or worrying about finding a good spot on the road bring a goodie bag of healthy, wholesome, nutritious and delicious bites with you. 

#3 Keep essentials in your Travel Tote

How many times have you seen people unzipping their cases in the middle of the airport floor? Lots of times. I never pack essentials in my suitcase. The large luggage is for clothes, shoes, and toiletries. Invest in a sturdy travel tote or well compartmented backpack. Here are my travel tote essentials for every trip:

• MacBook Pro in an Incase
• iPhone
• Computer/Phone Chargers
• Wallet 
• Mini Travel Zipper Pouch for all travel IDs and documents (passports, hotel confirmations, etc.) 
• Neutral Clutch as an extra simple purse that doubles as a place to keep jewelry and other valuable or small items while en route
• Make-up Case
• Headphones
• Agenda 
• Pens
• Sunglasses 
• Hand Cream and Lip Balm

#4 Rely on Printed Itineraries 

I’ve never been one for putting everything in my phone. I still use a traditional written calendar and prefer to view all reservations and bookings on paper. I print out all documents related to the trip before I leave. It’s much easier to reach in your bag for a confirmation number, phone number or address than it is to search through hundreds of emails. When you’re looking for it, it’s right there at the ready. 

#5 Dress in Layers

You know the saying, cold flights lead to warmer destinations. Well I’m not sure it’s a saying but it should be! Temperatures fluctuate rapidly while traveling — it’s cold then hot then cold again. Dressing in layers is the way to go. For me that means a t-shirt with a pullover or sweater or perhaps a blazer. For Pat that means a t-shirt, shirt and pullover. It’s always easier to throw your sweater in the back seat or around your shoulders, then it is to be uncomfortable the entire journey. 

P.S. Goes without saying, or maybe it doesn’t, that the car is to be filled with gas the night before as well. ⛽️😉