With airline baggage fees, confusing security measures, and grumpy passengers, air travel is getting trickier every year. As a professional organizer and frequent traveler, I know these organizing strategies will help you enjoy your trip as much as possible — and get there in a good mood!

• Think through your trip. Consider each activity and decide what you'll wear now instead of throwing several pieces in and hoping for the best. Assume you will get at least two wearings from each pair of pants or skirt, and choose a basic color scheme. Wear your bulkiest shoes on the flight, so you can save room in your suitcase. Related: Best Ways to Pack for a Trip
   
• Start with the right suitcase. Make sure carry-on bags meet size regulations to avoid disappointment, hassle, and expense. You are allowed one large bag, which must fit in the overhead bin, and one smaller bag, which must fit completely under the seat in front of you, as well as a laptop — though hopefully you won't be doing too much work on that summer trip! 
   
• Use packing and travel planning lists. Keep these saved as documents on your computer to update as you think of other items. Your travel planning checklist will help make sure the plants get watered, the pets are cared for, the phones are on their chargers, and the garbage is emptied before you leave. Related: 10 Easy Ways to Have a Better Vacation
   
• To avoid airline baggage fees, pack light and carry on your bags. Ladies, it really is possible to pack for a two-week vacation with only carry-on luggage — I have done it myself! Packing light also means fewer dollars spent in tips and less time worrying and fussing over your bags.
   
• BYOB. You need to hydrate even more while traveling, but that expensive bottled water on the other side of security is highway robbery. Save some cash by bringing an empty filtered water bottle through security (I like Rubbermaid's Filter Fresh), then filling it up at any water fountain. (Great in your hotel room also.) Related: The Best Lightweight Check-in Luggage
   
• Brown bag it. Good airline or airport food is hard to come by, and it all costs more than it should. Pack yourself a superb set of snacks and sandwiches (make sure there are no liquids). Do make the other passengers jealous, but don't make them smell something unpleasant like tuna or spicy foods.

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