Will you be spending the holidays somewhere new this year? While I love the idea of gifting experiences, sometimes packing and traveling with gifts is inevitable during this time of year. I am here to help, as it’s typically quite a challenge. Whether you are trying to keep them a secret, or are facing logistical issues, here is a list of tips and tricks when traveling with presents in tow.
8 Tips for Traveling with Gifts This Christmas
1. Most people have nesting suitcases. Consider loading one with gifts, and the other with your personal items. Then for your return flight, simply pack your items in a suitcase…IN a suitcase.
2. Invest in bubble wrap. Airports are not known for their gentleness with luggage. Take extra precautions and make sure everything is secured and padded well. Add a layer of bubble wrap or other packing material as a lining in your suitcase for an added layer of protection.
3. Consider shipping your gifts ahead of time. This will keep the element of surprise and will save you the hassle of having to transport everything. Many hotels are happy to receive boxes on your behalf, within reason, just before your arrival. Just let the concierge know ahead of time. If traveling to see or stay with family, ask a family member if they’d mind taking in a few packages and storing them out of sight until you arrive.
4. I highly recommend you NOT wrap your gifts and then pack them if you’ll be flying. While you are allowed to fly with wrapped gifts, there is a good chance they may need to be searched and will be unwrapped. Save time, energy, and hassle – pack your wrapping supplies and do the wrapping at your destination.
5. Who says you have to celebrate on the actual day? Consider having the celebration before or after you leave. Another idea would be to arrive early and do your shopping at your destination versus traveling with the gifts. And don’t worry about your little ones. They will most likely be so caught up in the excitement of travel, they won’t really know it’s only December 23rd.
6. Plan ahead. Seriously. Make sure you consider your space and weight restrictions. Perhaps more smaller gifts rather than a few large ones are in store this year. Another idea: print out images of the full-size gift waiting for them back home. It’s the thought that counts!
7. Feeling creative? Theme your gifts! Heading to Hawaii? Maybe everyone gets new beach sandals and a Hawaiian shirt. You could even go so far as to find gift wrap that matches!
8. Last, but certainly not least, make the trip the gift! The excitement and anticipation of a vacation typically is unmatched. Best of all, the memories made during your vacation will ultimately last a lifetime!
Whether you’re traveling near or far, to see family, or to explore a new destination; the holidays are always extra special. With a little planning and perhaps thinking outside the box (literally and figuratively!), traveling this holiday season will be one for the memory books!
