The holiday season is here, and if you're planning on traveling, you'll need to pack smart. At this time of year, airports are crowded, flights can get delayed, and a streamlined suitcase is an absolute essential. Don't let the stress of packing dampen your holiday spirits! Follow these helpful packing tips to make the most of your holiday travels.
Stick To A Carry-On
To make your travels smoother, avoid checked bags and stick to carry-on luggage. You won't have to worry about waiting at the baggage carousel or the potential nightmare of lost luggage. Not sure what to pack? Don't sweat it! We've got some practical tips to help you out.
Related: The Ultimate Vacation Packing List
Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 Rule
Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 rule to keep overpacking under control. For a week-long trip, pack up to five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes, and one hat (or toque!). Try sticking to a single color palette so you can mix and match items.
Avoid Bulky Items
If you're heading to a cooler climate, you may be tempted to squeeze all your winter wear into your luggage. Instead, pack layers so you can bundle up when you arrive at your destination. For oversized items like boots and your winter coat, consider wearing them to the airport to avoid taking up space in your suitcase.
Ship Gifts Ahead of Time, Or Pack Them in Your Carry-On
One of the best ways to leave room in your luggage is to ship gifts to your destination ahead of time. This saves space in your suitcase and the hassle of carrying bulky presents. Alternatively, opt for small, lightweight parcels that can easily fit in your carry-on.
Leave Gifts Unwrapped
If you're packing gifts in your carry-on, it's best to leave them unwrapped. TSA advises waiting until you arrive to wrap your gifts, as they may need to unwrap a present to inspect it. You don't want all your time and effort to go to waste!
Remember The 3-1-1- Rule
Be prepared for airport security by following TSA's 3-1-1 rule:
- 3: All liquids must be in a container that's 3.4 liters or smaller
- 1: All containers must be in a 1-quart clear bag
- 1: Each passenger is permitted one liquids bag
Make Room To Bring Gifts Home
Remember, you're going to need room in your suitcase to bring gifts home. If your bag is already packed to the brim, consider shipping your gifts before you return home or (depending on the number of gifts) packing them in a second piece of luggage to check before you travel.
Pack a Portable Charger
It's always a good idea to bring a portable charger when you travel. Not all airports have easily accessible outlets and charging stations, and you don't want to run out of battery while you're in transit. A portable charger enables you to charge your device from anywhere.
Add an eSIM To Your Travel List
If you're traveling for the holidays, you'll want to stay connected. And the easiest way to do it is with an eSIM. An eSIM is an embedded SIM that's built into your phone during manufacturing (you can check if your device supports eSIMs here). It does all the same things as a SIM card but works 100% digitally.
You can purchase an eSIM plan for your destination, install it on your device, and connect to a local network when you arrive. There's no need to find a SIM vendor when you land, fumble with physical SIM cards, or struggle with spotty Wi-Fi.
Instead, you can get online instantly. That gives you plenty of time to contact your loved ones, book a ride to your next stop, and kickstart your holiday.
Sounds good, right? Find an eSIM for your holiday travels in the Airalo marketplace.
