While a vacation is meant to be relaxing, it would be a lie to say it’s always stress-free. There are bound to be bumps in the road no matter how hard you try to prepare for them. Luckily, there are always some ways for you to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Pack Essentials Into Your Carry on

There’s nothing more devastating than learning your luggage has been lost. Not only does it contain all your personal items, but you may be left without a toothbrush or your important medication. The best way to avoid a situation like this is to pack all of your essentials into your carry on. This way, if your luggage is lost, you’ll still have the most important items with you.

1. Leave Early Enough to Find Parking

Finding parking at an airport is almost as rare as winning the lottery. Believe it or not, you may have more luck finding parking on a lot that isn’t in the airport, but close enough that trams and railways run to and from it. Leave a little early to scope out the parking lot.

1. Know Your Hotel Information Beforehand

Most people keep their hotel information on their phones, but what happens when your phone dies and you don’t have a charger handy? Be sure you memorize everything you need to know in terms of your accommodations.

1. Keep Your Boarding Pass

Many people tend to stuff these in their carry on or simply toss them after boarding a plane. However, you should always keep it, until the end of your trip. Oftentimes your luggage information or other important details may be on your boarding pass that you may not be aware of.

1. Check in Early

The earlier you check in, the higher your chances of getting a good seat on the plane. After all, no one wants to be stuck in the last row next to all the toilets.

1. Mark Your Bags

Luggage often tends to look the same, so marking it with a specific tag will help you find it a lot easier.