For many, a trip to the airport is the first step toward a well-earned vacation. Why not start it early?

The recently revamped restaurants and shops at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will set the perfect mood no matter where your vacation might take you.

Begin by taking a look at the TSA wait times, check parking availability or track your flight to make sure it’s on time.

You’ve checked in for your flight, passed through the security checkpoint and now have the time to begin your vacation a little early. Here are some suggestions for how to do it.

Terminal A

If you are traveling with kids, capture the beginning of the adventure with a family selfie in front of the Moonwalking Cow in the ticketing lobby. They might also take an interest in Dylan’s Candy Bar near Gate A7.

If it’s a more relaxing experience you’re after, we invite you to take in one of the daily performances with our Harmony in the Air performing arts program. Whether it’s jazz, classical, or international, this music is sure to soothe your soul. And if art is your thing, we have one of the largest collections of public art in the State of Texas. You can browse the collection here or choose to see it in person.

In the mood for a cocktail or special beverage? Near Gates A15-A17 are Liquid Provisions and Mockingbird Distillery & Smokehouse and if you could use a coffee fix, we there are three Starbucks in Terminal A alone.

Finally, get a massage. Chair massage is available near Gates A12 and A27, in the Food Court near Gates A17-24 and even in the ticketing lobby.

Terminal B

Going somewhere tropical? Why not start things off with some fresh juice at The Fruteria? You might even try a fruit-infused tequila.

Brookstone can be a relaxing experience as well. This “What will they think of next?” store has some of the most creative products one can imagine.

Check out the newly-opened Hard Rock Café near B85.  IAH is one of only two airports in the world to have one.

Regardless of where you might be headed, The Body Shop likely has just the product to sink you into a more relaxed mood.

If you’d like to pause the transit experience and take your mind off of life for five minutes, ease into a massage chair near Gates B76-83 or B85-B88.

Finally, if you are from Texas and you are leaving Texas for a while, it may be worth grabbing one last Whataburger for the road or some real BBQ from Ray’s BBQ Shack.

Terminal C

So maybe you’ve gone without a vacation for months or more and you now find yourself in Terminal C. Let’s get it started by grabbing some shades at Sunglass Icon near Gate 23. You’ll need them on the beach.

And while on the beach, something to read is a must and nearby is Simply Books near Gate C24.

Have you seen the new Terminal C North yet? Chefs from throughout Houston have created unique and interesting food concepts just for you.

If your vacation takes you somewhere European and exotic, visit Paul & Shark near Gate C34.  Not to brag, but it’s the first airport location in the U.S. for this brand, synonymous with Italian high-tech elegance and style.

Perhaps your vacation takes you and your friends on a golfing expedition. Drop by The Local at IAH near Gate C23 for some brews and bites and then wander over to the Manready Mercantile and deck yourselves out with some of the most interesting products you’ve seen such as non-liquid cologne.

If it’s a romantic vacation for you and your loved one, how about a nice bottle of wine and some upscale dining at Le Grand Comptoir near Gate C33?

Finally, if it’s a surfing adventure you have planned, Rip Curl offers high-quality surf gear and apparel near C43. In fact, why not grab a snack nearby at Camden food co. at Gate C24 where your organic, non-GMO, kosher, vegan, gluten-free or low-fat dietary needs can be met?

Terminal D

If you are departing out of Terminal D, there’s a good chance you arrived at the airport extra early to prepare for an international vacation. Should you find yourself with a little spare time - there’s no better place to prepare for that long flight.

First things first: stock up for your flight with some healthy snacks from Ciao Gourmet Market, near Gate D8. International flights might have plenty of snacks, but if you’d like to choose what you’ll be eating between naps or feature length movies, this is the place to do it.

The next stop for international travelers is ATU Duty Free nearby at Gate D7. Save some money and purchase gifts, cosmetics and luxury goods ahead of that next birthday or holiday. If you are flying away for an anniversary or special occasion and forgot that something special, this might be a worthwhile visit. Don’t see the sparkly thing you’ve been looking for? There’s also Corsa Collections and Pandora, both located near Gate D7.

As you wrap up your quick prep tour through Terminal D, why not make time for a glass of wine and artisanal cheeses at Tony’s Wine Cellar & Bistro? Created by Houston’s pre-eminent restaurateur for over 50 years, Tony Vallone, this sublime bistro features a rich selection of wines from around the world to toast the beginning of any adventure. A walking tour of the art throughout Terminal D may be a nice way of decompressing before your upcoming flight.

For first and business class passengers or club members, Terminal D has club rooms for Air France (D12), British Airways (Gate D7), KLM (D8), and an Executive Club for Air China, Emirates, EVA Air, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways (D4). There is also the newly-opened Centurion Lounge by American Express for AMEX Centurion and Platinum Card members, located via elevator near Gate D6.

Finally, save time when you return by downloading the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Mobile Passport Control (MPC) application. IAH is one of the first to use this technology, allowing approved users to expedite the Customs process and skip the lines to save time.

Terminal E

Terminal E offers a robust selection of amenities to start your vacation early.

Traveling with the family? Take them to the award-winning Ruby’s Diner (just after the security checkpoint) to enjoy a full-service meal (and potentially an even better nap on the flight!). Ruby’s is modeled after a 1940’s diner and includes made-to-order milkshakes, burgers, salads and even a full bar for mom and dad. If deciding on cuisine type presents a larger challenge, satisfy everyone in the family by dropping by the food court, near E1, with everything from Tex-Mex at Pappasito’s Cantina, Asian-themed selections at Panda Express, Mediterranean  offerings at La Tapenade, quick healthy alternatives at The Market by Villa or a tasty frozen treat at Yogen Früz. For fun after eating, stop by Mindworks near Gate E9 for some toys and games that will make you think, or replace the charger or headphones you left at home at Headphone Hub or InMotion Entertainment (both just after the security checkpoint), Bluwire (E1) or one of three Best Buy Express Kiosks (E9 and E21) and board that flight confident in knowing entertainment is covered.

If you are leaving in the morning, there’s a variety of places open as early as 5 a.m. to get your coffee fix and warm up to the idea of having some down time. Dunkin’ Donuts near E11 has great coffee and a vast menu of tasty items. You are on vacation after all – splurge. Feel more like a bagel? We’ve got you covered with Einstein Bros. Bagels near E1. If you are in the mood for a “half-caff, double latte,” stop by Starbucks (E2 and E24).

If you plan on hitting the beach, plan on protecting yourself from the sun by visiting the NYS Collection (E9 and E24) or the Sunglass Hut (E10) for some new shades. If it’s further into the great outdoors that you’ve set your sights on, pick up last-minute gear and accessories at Eddie Bauer near Gate E12

If it’s a romantic getaway you have planned, drop by Le Grand Comptoir (E19) and peruse the extensive wine list or enjoy a sparkling pomegranate cocktail. If time permits, sneak over to Dufry Tax & Duty Free (E9 and E24) and pick up something special to surprise your loved one inflight.

No matter which terminal, the wide variety of new shopping and dining choices throughout IAH will make it easy for you to start your vacation early.