Holiday travel is stressful. It just is. Aside from wanting to get the best deal on your airline travel and lodging, there's the question of what to pack and how to get all the bags full of your necessities to your destination. Here are a few tried and true ideas for how to get your packing under control and easy.

First, pull out all the stuff you think you will need and put in on the bed. Do the same for the kids and your spouse. Keep in mind travel clothes, formal clothing for special occasions, jammies, underwear, shoes and socks. Now get all your toiletries out and put them with your stuff as well. Nervous about how you're going to fit all of it in? You don't need to. Here's the easy way to pack.

Now examine the items you have out. Are there duplicates? Do you and your husband both need your own bottles of contact solution? Tubes of toothpaste? Mouthwash? Can the kids share combs and skin care bottles? Having one bottle that can be shared will save everyone space when packing and allotting space on a counter in a hotel or relative's home. And speaking of homes, do they have shampoo you can use while you are there? Does the hotel? Utilizing these necessities will save time, space and money in the long run.

When deciding what to wear while traveling, chose your big, bulky items. Boots, sweaters and jackets worn will save room for other items to fit in the bag. Plus, a jacket doubles as a pillow on the plane. On your return flight you can always wear the same outfit as well.

Always have a carry on and make sure a change of clothes is included in it. Chose a business casual outfit as you never know if your luggage will be lost. Having an extra pair of packable pants, a top, shoes and underwear will be a relief for you if you have to deal with missing bags. Have a toothbrush, toothpaste, brush/comb, hairspray or gel with you in either your personal bag or carry-on. Remember those bags are free so pack them to the fullest.

Packing for your destination works best when you pre-plan. One nice cardigan will work doubly hard when you can pair it with a sparkly top and an t-shirt. Same goes for the pants that pack well and can be worn to the mall or to the dinner party. Always have a skirt, nice heels (they can be any type of heel from peep-toe pump to ankle boot) and a pair of sparkly earrings. All things merry and bright work best during the Holiday Season.