Holiday Travel Packing Tips
As we enter a busy family-travel time of year, many clients may be anticipating the stress of canceled flights and lost luggage. Help them eliminate one of those stressors by sharing these tips for traveling carry-on-only.
Flying or driving for the holidays? Whether trying to avoid lost luggage or make sure there's enough room in the trunk for everyone's bag, traveling with a carry-on is a great strategy. Here's how to do it:
- Don't bring half your wardrobe. With the exception of more extreme destinations, most hotels have laundry facilities available—and if you're staying with family, of course they'll allow you to do laundry.
- Make a list of essential items. Look at weather forecasts and your agenda, then write down exactly what you think you'll need.
- Wear your largest items. If you're flying from Tennessee to Minnesota, wear your boots (you know you'll need them!) instead of trying to fit them into a bag.
- For apparel that takes up a lot of space, such as shoes, purses or jackets, bring one in a neutral color. Brighten up your outfits with scarves or costume jewelry that require less space in your bag.
- Roll, don't fold, your garments. Rolling takes up far less space, and allows you to more easily organize your bag.
- Bringing gifts? Ship them ahead of time!
- Make the most of your carry-on. Avoid checking luggage, even for some longer trips, by using a carry-on that is the maximum size allowable. Check with individual airlines for specifications. You can exit airports much faster if you don't have to wait for baggage claim—plus, the airline can't lose your bag!
Written by Jennifer Reynolds, Groups Today contributing writer who believes in the art of packing light.
