Holidays are meant to be joyful, but prepping for them can be overwhelming. If you’re heading out of town on a family trip, packing well can reduce stress and keep you and your loved ones in good spirits from beginning to end.
Make a Packing List
When it comes to packing holiday luggage, checklists are key. One of the biggest worries when traveling is that you might forget something. Make a travel packing checklist to help alleviate that worry.
Start your packing list with the basic essentials for any trip – clothing, technology, toiletries, and other daily needs. Next, add your holiday-specific items–like your favorite festive outfit, gifts, and seasonal items. Last, list “nice to have” items– things you can leave behind if you don't have room in your luggage.
Choosing the Right Luggage for the Holidays
The right luggage reduces the stress of traveling. Use this guide to pack for success.
Personal Item – Along with your must haves, like medication and electronics, pack delicate or valuable gifts in your personal item. The Travelpro® x Travel + Leisure® Women's Convertible Tote is a versatile bag that is perfect for travel and elegant enough for daily use at your destination.
Carry-On – You can also pack gifts in your carry-on if they meet the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. Traveling to a different climate? Pack a change of clothing that will keep you comfortable.. Choose a carry-on bag that gives you easy access to what you need.
Checked Luggage – Bulky holiday sweaters, cold weather essentials, and larger gifts take up a lot of space. Put them in your checked luggage. Hardsided luggage, like the Maxlite® Air Large Check-In Hardside Spinner can keep things protected during transit.
Packing Holiday Outfits Smartly
You don’t have to sacrifice looking good for packing well. Think strategically when planning what you’ll wear while away.
Add a layer – Reinvent a new look with the same outfit by adding a sweater, blazer, or light jacket on top.
Keep it versatile – Choose bottoms that will coordinate with several tops, so you can create several outfits with fewer items.
Step lightly – Footwear takes up a lot of space. Pack only shoes and boots that you will use often and, if you’re flying, wear the bulkiest pair while traveling.
Pro Tip: Our guide to Packing for a Snowy Trip offers great advice on how to minimize bulk when traveling to colder destinations.
How to Pack Gifts
No holiday packing list would be complete without the gifts! Here are a few tips on how to arrive with gifts intact:
- Pack Carefully – A hard-sided suitcase offers better protection for the gifts inside.
- Gift Bags – Avoid wrapping paper getting crumpled or torn by using gift bags instead.
- TSA Rules Apply – Even gifts have to follow the guidelines of what’s allowed.
- Order and Ship – Consider ordering from home for delivery to your destination.
Thoughtful packing leads to a more joyful holiday trip. Make your list and check it twice, then pack what you need in the right luggage, and slide into your vacation with only fun and festivity on your mind.
