A light dusting of snow on the Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee

Holiday travel season is here, as if we need more stress this time of year. Since I seem to be preparing to be "on the road" most of the time, friends always ask how I eliminate the stress of travel prep. #traveltips #gigistyle

Practice makes perfect as they say, and after many years of doing it, I pretty much have it down to an art. Holiday season travel is exciting, but seems to bring with it an added level of stress by nature. Holiday travel is meant to be fun…so let’s see what we can do to help keep it that way!

First make a packing list of the types of items you will need, depending on your destination and planned activities. Packing smart is the key to stress free travel.

Pack light! Choose knits and cottons, fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily. I can actually go for two weeks in a carry-on bag, I know what you are thinking, impossible right? Stick with me here. Pick a color and plan around it using the Rule of Three. No more than three bottoms and/or 3 tops that are interchangeable among each other, this is where your color selection comes in, plus it really makes choosing what to take so much easier! Pack layers and ladies don’t forget a little black dress, the most versatile item in your closet. Dark fabrics don’t show stains and can be worn more often. If you roll clothes, place those items on the bottom of your bag and folded items on top. Pack small light colored clothes and undergarments in Ziploc bags, squeezing all the excess air out.

Think what you can do without, and don’t pack it! Only take jewelry that you are actually wearing to travel, which not only keeps is simple, but also helps to prevent leaving a “little” something behind.

Shoes: Rule of Three. Pack one pair of dress shoes and one pair of casual shoes, and of course, if you plan to visit the gym or hit the tennis courts, one pair of tennis/workout shoes. Stuff shoes with sunglasses, charge cords, other smaller items that will fit inside. If you are taking your golf clubs, don’t forget to utilize extra space in your golf travel bag for items that would take up unnecessary space in your suitcase, shoes in particular, tennis rackets, etc.

Pack liquids and cosmetics in small travel containers and place in sealed Ziploc bags, which helps with organization and prevents leakage. Place vitamins and supplements in Ziploc bags avoiding bottle bulk.

If you are traveling by air, ladies, always carry a wrap or sweater on the plane. And children should pack (with supervision of course) and carry their own bag! I see some of the cutest roller bags being pulled by the most proud children when I’m traveling.

Preparing your home: Turn off toilets, or water altogether. Pour a little bleach in the toilets. Turn off the icemaker and remove the all but a couple of ice cubes. This way you will know if you had a loss of power while you are away. Chances are if the cubes have melted, the food in your freezer has also thawed at some point. Remove foods and condiments from the refrigerator that will be spoiled by the time you return. Leave closet doors ajar for air circulation and in summer or warmer climates, leave AC turned on to 78-80 (F) degrees, winter heat on 60-65 (F).

There you have it. Stress free travel…just in time for the holidays!

If you haven’t made holiday travel plans as yet and you are still looking for a fabulous destination for you and your family to spend time together in an amazing setting with incredible culinary…my holiday dish list recommendation – Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee. Happy Traveling!

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