Well it’s the weekend and I find myself on another plane. I have a shoot in Palm Beach. I left New York this morning at 7:55am and I am returning this evening at 6:20 pm. The Jet Blue kiosk was down and everyone had to check in the old-fashioned way at the ticket counter. It took forever and I was a nervous wreck that I would miss my plane. I finally got my ticket and ran to queue up in the security line. My heart was racing. The line was moving at a snail’s pace. I knew that the “my plane is about to leave” line would fall on deaf ears. Everyone was running late and hoping to make their flights. It seemed like every suitcase had to be checked. Most of the time it was because there were containers of liquid in the bags containing more than the 3.2.-oz. limit. Do you know what turned out to be the biggest culprit causing most of the delays? Shampoos, conditioners and styling products hidden in the depths of luggage slowed down the line to a standstill. I was smiling and crying at the same time when the lady ahead of me was busted for my own “Louis Licari” shampoo! I thought for sure it was some sort of karma. I finally got through security and even had time to buy the Sunday papers before I ran on board. I made the plane. All was well.

As I finally took my seat on the plane I breathed a sigh of relief. I realized that my years of “spanning the globe” had paid off. I knew how to maneuver airports and hotels in the most efficient way possible. I realized I had become a rather savvy traveler. Today I am going to share my “rules for the road” that have helped me travel as easily as possible.

 LESS IS MORE- Start to pack your tote a day before you have to leave. This will allow you a chance to do an edit. We all have a tendency to pack more than we need for any one trip. This is a major traffic slowdown. The more things you bring with you, the more chance you’ll have of a bag check. Think about your beauty routine at home. Can you reduce the number of products you need to take with you? Remember that almost every hotel provides shampoos, conditioners and blow dryers. It probably won’t be the same as the ones you use at home, but for a few days does it really matter? I would suggest bringing your favorite “must have” styling product only.

SWAP BOTTLES- Remember the rule is no more than 3.2 oz. It is judged by the size of the bottle, not the remaining amount of product. Pour products into appropriate-size bottles. Make sure they provide a tight seal. You can find the containers at your favorite drug or beauty supply store. Place each product in a differently-shaped bottle. Remember you won’t be able to label your products easily. If they have different shapes, you can easily identify them even in the shower.

HERE’S TO A NEW YOU- Your hair probably will look different on holiday and that’s a good thing. Vacation time is a great time to try out more relaxed hair styles. It’s the perfect time to let your hair dry naturally, use a faux pony tail, try a new hair accessory, or place your hair in a simple twist. Experiment until you find the right look for you. A good haircut is essential. When your hair has the right shape for its texture and your face, it will always look good no matter how it’s been styled. If you must look more finished, learn how to manage the style you want to wear. You can always use a few Velcro rollers to make hair straighter or add waves. If you’re still not pleased with your practice blow outs, call your hotel and ask them for the best hairdresser in the area. They will know whom to contact and probably make an appointment for you, too.

COLOR IF YOU MUST-You must color your hair if you have grey hair showing or if your hair is exceptionally faded or brassy (oxidized). If you feel okay with your hair color, wait to touch it up until you come home. This will allow you to correct your color after you’ve had fun in the sun. Remember not to make your hair as bright or as light in summer. It will lighten even if you think you are staying out of the sun.

Look relaxed even if you are taking a stay-cation instead of a vacation. Your hair is a great way to put yourself in a holiday frame of mind. Slash your grooming time. June is here and it’s warm outside. The last one in the pool spent too much time fussing with her hair.