After what felt like the coldest winter ever, it is finally spring. As the seasons change and we swap out our winter coats for off the shoulder tops, now is the time to start planning summer vacations. Once you’ve booked your flight to the Caribbean, check out these 5 tips that will help you smoothly navigate a busy airport and those pesky, sometimes uncomfortable flights. Bikinis and pina coladas, here we come!

1. Apply for TSA Pre✓®

The part I dread the most at the airport isn’t the long lines (even though that’s no fun either), it’s the part where I have to take off my shoes, jacket, accessories and then remove my liquids, work and personal laptop from my bag. In order to skip this process, I applied for TSA Pre✓®. The cost is $85 for 5 years (which is not a bad deal at all). To sign up all you have to do is fill out a 5-minute online application, followed by a 10 minute in-person “interview” where they process your fingerprints. A few weeks later, if approved, you’ll get your Known Traveler Number aka KTN and voila! Did I mention it’s $85 for 5 years? If you fly domestic pretty often, it is definitely worth it. If you spend more time flying internationally, be sure to check out Global Entry. It’s only $15 more and includes TSA Pre✓® clearance.