It's that time of year again! Christmas trees popping up, malls getting overly crowded, and a holiday movie on almost every channel? It's definitely the Holidays!

You're probably starting to wrap up your Fall semester and pack up your dorms to head home. Whether it be by car, plane, or train, you're looking forward to spending time with family but you still dread traveling.

I'm one of the weird ones who loves flying and loves airports. Here are some travel tips to get you through your trip and one step closer to enjoying winter break and your holiday!

1. Have your chargers easily accessible.

This may be pretty obvious but when you're trying to quickly charge your phone in a crowded airport, you'll thank me. People hog up those public outlets so when you see one available you want to be ready. Also, what good is your charger doing when you're driving home in the dark and your phone is dying and you've never made the long drive home alone before...do you wanna be the one to pull over on the side of a dark highway by the woods? I didn't think so.

2. HAND SANITIZER!!!!!

This doesn't even need an explanation. Have a bottle in every bag you're traveling with.

3. Purchase/download your favorite movies so you can watch them.

I bought my three favorite movies on iTunes so that I always have them with me. It comes in handy when I'm driving alone and want to listen to something other than music. It also comes in handy on flights because you don't need wifi. (But this tip comes in handy for many situations, always have a movie saved on your phone or laptop for a rainy day.)

4. Wear comfortable shoes that you can easily slip on and off.

Some airports allow you to keep your shoes on during security, but others do not. Find a pair of shoes you can take on and off without needing to untie them or hold up the security line. Same goes for jackets. If I had a dollar for every time I heard a TSA agent tell someone to take their shoes and jackets off before they go to the front of the line (and then again when they failed to listen the first time) I'd be rich. They literally have all of the information on signs in the security area, READ THEM and follow them to make the line quicker for everyone.

5. Make a list of things to pack

Another obvious tip but not always the easiest. If you're packing up your dorm, chances are you're taking everything. But if you're going on a vacation or just a trip to see family for Christmas, you need to know what to take. Passport? Bathing suit? Snow coat? Heels? What are your plans for the trip and what do you need? Keep a list on your phone so you can add to it every time you think of something.

6. Traveling with gifts.

There's two sides to this one. The first is buying a gift that you are taking with you when you travel. Maybe you found some good Black Friday deals and you wanted to get a jump on your Christmas shopping. Just remember if you're traveling for the holidays, you need to be able to fit the gifts you bought. There's only so much room in a suitcase and you can only check so many free bags before you have to pay extra. The flip side to this is buying gifts for someone who is traveling to come visit you. Remember that they'll need to take it home with them. If you're ordering a gift online, maybe see if you can have it shipped directly to the person.

7. Be prepared for the weather wherever you're going.

Have clothes in your carry-on, easy to get to in your suitcase, or in the front seat of your car. You can change in the airport or add a layer if you get cold.

8. Dramamine is life changing.

They sell it at the airport and I recommend getting the kind that does make you sleepy. It will help tremendously if you want to sleep through your entire flight. Especially if you just got done with finals and you need a good nap.

9. Strategically pack your carry-on bag.

Overpacking is so easy but when you're trying to carry a purse, backpack, blanket, jacket, a drink, and something to eat around an airport, you're going to wish you never brought a carry-on. (Side note for women, yes you can bring a carry-on bag in addition to your purse...so bring a decent sized purse.)

10. Make the most of it!

Traveling can be boring, especially if you're alone but try to enjoy yourself. Take some coloring books, bring headphones, books to read, or maybe a notebook to write in. Talk to the people around you and remember that in just a few short hours you'll be home with the people you love.