Are you planning to travel long-distance this upcoming holiday season? If so, you’ve probably already started giving some thoughts to what you need to take with you. Though there are some common things you know to bring with you, when traveling during one of the busiest times of the year, there are a few additional factors to consider. Below are a few tips on packing for a fun, safe, and festive holiday trip.
Passport and Personal Identification
The holidays are the worst time of year to travel away from home and realize you don’t have the necessary identification. If you’re traveling internationally, especially, you could find yourself stranded in a foreign country without your passport for weeks.
Even for domestic travelers, not having your driver’s license could mean you’re unable to secure your tickets, check into your hotel, or gain access to a rental car. Trying to get back home to your identification during one of the busiest traveling seasons of the year can be time-consuming and costly. So, be sure you have the necessary identification for traveling and also make copies to keep in your suitcase just in case your wallet or ID is lost or stolen.
If you’re traveling after January 2020, remember you will need a valid REAL ID or your Passport for domestic travel!
Don’t Forget Your Festive Clothing for Holiday Events
Going to visit friends or family for the holidays? Or perhaps you’re taking a family vacation to a popular destination this time of year (like Disney World or Time’s Square)? Whatever your reason for traveling during the holidays may be, there’s a high possibility that you’re going to be attending holiday events. From family dinners and gatherings to holiday parades and swanky parties, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed the perfect attire to look your best.
If you’re looking to keep it simple but festive guys might fair best by packing an eye-catching selection of men’s button down shirts and a few pairs of slacks to match. Ladies might opt for a nice pair of slacks and a dressy shirt, skinny jeans, and a festive cardigan, or a nice skirt and top. For evening events, parties, or other upscale holiday events you might want to dress things up with a suit and tie for the fellas and an evening gown or cocktail dress for the ladies. Don’t forget about those Ugly Christmas Sweater parties too!
Be Mindful of Taking Valuables
Though one of the most joyous times of the year, traveling during the holiday season can be dangerous. Crime rates go up around this time of year as thieves look for innocent people to steal from. You do not want to make yourself an easy target nor do you want to lose valuables that are near and dear to your heart. So, it is advised that you don’t wear a lot of jewelry or flashy clothing during your travels. You also want to keep the amount of jewelry you travel with to a minimum. This way, if something is stolen, you haven’t lost every item you own.
Don’t Travel with Gifts
If you want to save some space and money this holiday season, don’t travel with your gifts. Whether you’re traveling by car or by plane, the more you have to bring with you the more it is going to cost. If you have presents you want to give friends and family itis best to have them shipped in advance or to purchase a gift online and have it shipped to their home around the holidays.
Leave Room in Your Luggage for Gifts You Might Receive
If you will be spending the holidays with others, you will probably be receiving a few gifts. This is why you need to leave a little bit of room in your luggage for them. You don’t want to have to leave them behind because you didn’t plan accordingly. You don’t have to leave a lot of room, but your luggage should be able to accommodate a few small gifts.
Learn the Rules About Traveling with Food
‘Tis the season for lots of delicious foods. It’s not uncommon for guests to want to bring food to an event as a means of thanking the host and adding to the festivities. That being said, if you are traveling by plane this holiday season, you should educate yourself on the safety rules set forth by TSA. For example, if you plan on taking some banana pudding or eggnog along for the ride it will have to be in a quart-size Ziploc bag in order to be carried onto the plane. If you’re traveling internationally, on the other hand, you’ll want to make sure there are no restrictions on the types of dishes you’re bringing with you.
Traveling during the holidays creates a lot of stress and anxiety. As one of the busiest and sometimes most dangerous times of the year, you want to make sure that you’re properly prepared. By utilizing the above-mentioned tips, you can ensure you have everything you need to have a great time during the holidays without the added stress.