SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 31: A Qantas A380 taxis at Sydney Airport priot to the 100 Year Gala Event on October 31, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Traveling around the holidays can be hectic and stressful. With all the things to worry about, packing shouldn't be an added stressor. Here are some tips to make packing easier for holiday travel.
Don't pack presents.
Why risk losing presents at the airport? And why pay extra for additional baggage? If you do bring a present, consider small items like gift cards or money. If you absolutely have to buy presents, consider having then wrapped and mailed right to the location where you will be spending the holidays.
Wear heavy stuff on the plane
One part about traveling around the holidays that is hard is packing for cold weather. That means dealing with bigger bags, bulkier items, and having more things to carry. Consider wearing some of the heavier items like jackets or heavy boots on the plane. That will eliminate having to pack them. She Knows adds that big, warm items like jackets and scarves can either easily be put under a seat or used at a blanket on the plane.
Roll your clothes
If you want to save room in your suitcase, rolling clothes is the way to go. It's neat and uses less room. Packing cubes are another way to save space on a bag or suitcase. Von Malegowski has a great how-to instructional video on rolling clothes tightly. Check it out below.
Prepare for cold and flu season
Unfortunately, the holidays and getting sick sometimes go hand-in-hand. Be prepared. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends bringing along items that you will want if you or a loved one is sick. Useful items include tissue, cold medicine, extra water, hand sanitizer, and a small first aid kit.
Skip the airport altogether
Sometimes, you have to fly to get to where you need to go. But if there is a chance that you can avoid the pain of an airport, do it. The Active Times suggests traveling by train, bus, or even driving (if the weather near you allows it). It takes longer, but it is cheaper and it is less of a pain. It could also be a great way to make new holiday memories.
