Fashion and beauty experts reveal the ultimate travel prep timeline so you can get ready to jet without any stress

Whether you're vacationing within the country or venturing abroad, travel prep can be overwhelming. 

From packing to primping, there's so much to do to look and feel your best before getting out the door and on the plane! 

How soon do you book all your beauty treatments? When do you start styling potential vacay outfits? You're going to need a vacation to recover from all the pre-travel stress!

Fortunately experts in fashion and beauty have the answers!

Read on for the ultimate pre-travel-prep timeline. 

When should you book your beauty treatment before a trip? Global beauty and wellness experts at Fresha reveal the most efficient timeline before going on holiday

BEAUTY 

Global experts at Fresha (the world's #1 beauty and wellness marketplace powered by all-in-one free business software with integrated payments) reveal the most efficient pre-travel beauty treatment timeline because nobody knows more about  booking appointments than them!

With over 100,000 partner venues in more than 120 countries, Fresha simplifies business operations and enhances customer experiences. 

1 month before departure - hair removal

'Whether you’re a waxing or a laser hair removal girly you'll want to book your final hair removal appointment about a month before you depart,' say Fresha experts.

'This allows for any irritation that might occur to calm down.

'We advise people to avoid sun exposure on their desired treatment area for 2-4 weeks before their session, as the laser treatment makes the skin more sensitive to heat and UV rays.'

Elizabeth Kugelman, senior esthetician/laser tech at Erase Spa in New York City adds, 'Post laser, I recommend a two week wait time for sun and I would say 24-48 hours for self tan/spray tan.' 

1-2 weeks before departure: 'Now is the time to be thinking about any major changes you might want to make to your hair, so that your ends are neat, and your color is fresh,' say Fresha experts

2-3 days before jetting: 'A few days before departure is the perfect time to get a mani/pedi,' say Fresha experts

1-2 weeks before departure – hair treatment

'Now is the time to be thinking about any major changes you might want to make to your hair, so that your ends are neat, and your color is fresh,' say Fresha experts.

'However, if you’re opting for hair lightening, there are extra precautions you must take on holiday to avoid the discoloration of bleached hair. 

'The sun is known to draw out the melanin in the hair, causing it to discolor. Wearing a hat or hair wrap is the easiest way to limit all exposure, but if you want your hair out in the sun, try and limit direct exposure to the sun for prolonged periods of time.'

2-3 days before departure – nails, lashes, brows

'A few days before departure is the perfect time to get a mani/pedi. 

'Whether you go for classic French or intricate designs, nails should be booked as close as possible to your holiday to ensure you’ll have the freshest set.

'A few days before you jet off is also a great time to have any brow or lash treatments done. A popular brow treatment is a tint and then either a wax or a thread. 

'For lashes, you can opt for LVL, a treatment that lifts your natural lashes or, if you’re wanting something more dramatic, opt for lash extensions.'

Day before departure – last minute at home DIY treatments

'The day (or night before) you might want to do some at home pampering. Combine a hydrating face mask with a nourishing hair mask to feel well and truly pampered.

'It’s also a good idea to exfoliate your skin before going away, follow up with a moisturizer and body oil for a last-minute glow.

'While away be sure to keep up with any aftercare your beautician has recommended, and of course wear sun cream!'

James Bridgman, resident holiday planner and Head of Marketing Communications at Fresha, warns that while following this holiday prep calendar will help you be ready for your trip, make sure you allow plenty of time to book your appointments to avoid disappointment. 

'Consider booking all your appointments at least once 1 month before your trip, so that you can plan accordingly and avoid a last-minute rush.' says James.

'And if you’re getting a haircut, remember to leave a few days for it to grow out so it looks perfect for your big trip.'

Stylists at Glamhive (a virtual styling platform that connects people with professional stylists for a variety of personalized styling services) reveal when and what to pack for your next trip

FASHION: 

Stylists at Glamhive (a virtual styling platform that connects people with professional stylists for a variety of personalized styling services) reveal when and what to pack for your next trip.

One week before departure

'Start packing at least a week before your vacation, says Glamhive Stylist, Kelsey O'Connor.

'This allows you to thoughtfully plan your outfits to make sure that everything coordinates well and suits the activities you have planned. 

'Starting early also gives you time to purchase any missing items and reduces last-minute stress.'

Glamhive Stylist Georgia Milton adds, 'When you give yourself this space you can be more intentional. When you procrastinate and rush at the end you are likely to forget the proper bra for that one dress or forget the belt that elevates the whole outfit etc.. etc.. ' 

For your best vacation wardrobe and to avoid and any sartorial melt downs, Georgia advises sticking to a simple color palette.

'You want to focus on versatility as much as possible - so go for the most repeat worthy items in your wardrobe (not boring, just can work with a lot of other items). 

'Think of packing like creating a tiny capsule wardrobe. It needs to feel like a cohesive little collection dedicated to your get-away.'

To avoid toting a ton of bulky items, Glamhive Stylist Teresa Foss recommends packing multiple outfits for each pair of shoes and each handbag.

Teresa says, 'Bring more tops than bottoms in a variety of sleeve lengths and formality.' 

Glamhive Stylist Jamie Lewis advises checking the weather as the trip gets closer.

'At this time you'll know if you're overpacking or need to make adjustments,' she asserts.

As part of the editing process the expert suggests photographing all complete looks.

'This not only eliminates overpacking but you have tried all of the outfits on and completely styled them.

'Now all you have to do everyday is turn to your photo album.'