We have all seen those people with tons of luggage arriving at the airport or traveling on the highway with their car crammed so full of items that they passengers have very little room to breath. There are ways to pack light for the holidays but to also ensure you have everything you need. This will definitely make your holiday travel plans much more enjoyable.
To help ensure you don’t forget anything important, make yourself a list of items you can’t leave behind. Keep the list handy so you can add to it as you think of something else. Make sure you check the weather forecast in the days right before you pack. This way you can be sure to have outfits and shoes that are going to work well for both the occasions and the weather. You don’t want to be stuck in the snow with nothing but high heels to wear for the evening.
Avoid packing clothing for holiday travel that can get ruined or stained if something gets spilled. You don’t want to be self conscious about the drink you spilled on it. If you are attending parties then it is very possible someone else can bump into you. Be prepared for such accidents to take place and try not to let them ruin your fun when you travel for the holidays.
If you will be staying in a hotel, chances are they will have plenty of items you need that you can eliminate from your luggage. Contact the hotel directly or check out their website to be sure. Common items found that you can leave behind include soap, shampoo, conditioner, location, a blow dryer, and an iron.
If you do have to pack liquid items, try to use trail sizes or to buy small containers to fill from larger bottles. Make sure these items are placed in a make up bag or a freezer bag. This way if they happen to leak they won’t get on your clothing.
Take a close look at the makeup and perfume you use. It is very possible that you can get by with packing only one kind of perfume and make up colors that offer you plenty of selection. This is more effective than packing your entire make up collection and then deciding what you will use once you arrive. You also want to leave expensive jewelry behind because you don’t want it to get lost or stolen. If you aren’t able to wear it when you travel then it is best not to take it at all.
You will be amazed at how much room is lost in a suitcase due to not taking the time to fold up items properly. You have to get creative if you want to maximize the amount of space you have. It is easy to place socks and underwear into your shoes so they won’t take up any space at all.
Take the time to fold pants and shirts neatly into the suitcase so you can fit more of them in. You don’t want to have your bags so full you have to sit on them to close them. This damages the zippers and it will result in you having to replace your luggage sooner than you should. If your luggage is chosen for inspection during your holiday travel it won’t be such a chore for the inspectors if you have taken your time to pack wisely.
Related Articles
Holiday Travel by Train
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel Tips
More and more people are turning to Amtrak as a reliable way to travel for the holidays. After the terrorist attacks of 09/11/01, airport security has become increasingly difficult to get through. As a result most airports have long lines and delays taking place around the holidays because they don’t want to become lax even when it is busy.
Ways to Make Holiday Travel Easier for the Elderly
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel Tips
The elderly may find it more stressful to travel over the holidays because they aren’t used to all the traffic or all the crowds. There are ways to make it is much easier trip though if you plan ahead. Many elderly people take daily medications so make sure you have plenty of it. Put it in a safe place where it isn’t likely to get lost. If you have extra pills you will want to pack them separately. If you have some in your purse and some in your luggage you are fine if one of them gets lost.
Cheap International Travel Secrets
By: pardeep batra | 02/03/2008 | Travel Tips
What is the real secret to cheap international travel? It is the same as the secret to doing anything for less. Learn to be an opportunist. Opportunistic travelers get to travel more, see more and do more. Of course, you can ignore this advice if you have unlimited funds.
Eurail Travel - a Way to Extend a Holiday to Europe
By: Robin Kumar Khumukcham | 12/03/2008 | Travel Tips
You can effectively extend a touring holiday of Europe by several days and perhaps save money. With a Eurail Pass you can go from city center to city center in Europe in great comfort at a reasonable price. You will not find much differential in prices between the companies but you will find a wealth of information on sites such as this and work out the most economical pass for your particular trip.
Travel Cambodia – Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat, Sihanoukville
By: Sunita Kaushal | 14/03/2008 | Travel
Cambodia is a land on the mend. From 1977 through 1980, the Khmer Rouge ruled the country, fanatics bent on genocide. Millions were killed and the period was put to film in the movie, “The Killing Fields.” Fortunately, those days are over and the country is becoming a tourist destination
Do Your Homework When Traveling
By: DEV DAAS | 17/03/2008 | Travel
When planning a trip, it is advisable to spend some time doing research even if you are booking through a Travel Agent.
Travel and Scenic Photography 101
By: Talib | 18/03/2008 | Travel
When you're driving through the mountains somewhere, and you notice a car parked half off the road and some guy leaning to the left to avoid a branch with his Rebel 2000 camera in the act of focusing, you've met me. I do this because, to me, a trip isn't fulfilling unless I've preserved that beauty for posterity. I'd like to share some of the techniques that make scenic photography such a wonderful art form - simple, yet elegant.
Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide on Cd-rom
By: Christmas Jones | 07/07/2007 | Travel Tips
Aqua Odysseas is releasing a new line of next-generation travel guides in the form of CD-Rom and their first release... the world's 5th most popular destination- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of the products and ...
By: janki | 14-05-2008
What are the disadvantages of the products and services for the travellers(customers).
Mistakes in Lonely Planet Travel Guides
By: helmet | 14-04-2008
Have you ever used the Lonely Planet travel guides?Have you ever found a mistake in them (I mean a glaring one, not that something costs more than they said it would)?What was the worst mistake you ever found in a travel guide?
I just spend 3 days in Barcelona using one of ...
By: jdavis | 26-03-2008
I just spend 3 days in Barcelona using one of http://www.talkingtrip.com audio guides. Can you recommend an audio guide for Paris?thanks
What does it take to be a travel agent and make good money at it?
By: timbomben | 18-11-2007
My passion is travel! What do I need to do to become a full time travel agent? Could I make good money doing that and travel? I heard travel agents get discounts on travel stuff.
Travel Guide of France
By: iopepito | 11-09-2007
I have to go in France, where can I find a goog online travel guide
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Travel Tips Articles
Great Experiences and Great Holiday Specials in Darwin, Northern Territory
By: Guy Fitter | 01/12/2008
Darwin, Northern Territory, is a vibrant and attractive city with a unique selection of budget and exclusive accommodation with many things to do for the visitor such as attractions and tours
Visiting London From Abroad? the Best Way to See the Sights
By: Keith McGregor | 01/12/2008
If you are visiting the Capital City of England from abroad the most visited site is the River Thames. The Thames in London is a beautiful tidal waterway carving through the heart of the City. Some of the most stunning architecture and most well known buildings in the World are dotted along the banks at various points. Big Ben, the palace of Westminster, Tower of London, Canary Wharf and of course Tower Bridge are all right on the river.
Benefits From San Francisco Shuttle Tours
By: JishnuRaj | 01/12/2008
San Fran shuttle is a smaller but more intimate, very interactive, informative and fun group tour. This group takes us to more tour spots, includes bay cruise to Sausalito and free refreshment. This tour group doesn't use large motor coaches. Instead, they use shuttle bus which has easy on and off access. Only this group gets you very near to Lombard Street so that you can walk down.
Benefits From San Francisco Shuttle Tours
By: JishnuRaj | 01/12/2008
San Fran shuttle is a smaller but more intimate, very interactive, informative and fun group tour. This group takes us to more tour spots, includes bay cruise to Sausalito and free refreshment. This tour group doesn't use large motor coaches. Instead, they use shuttle bus which has easy on and off access. Only this group gets you very near to Lombard Street so that you can walk down.
White Water Rafting
By: SHIRE CHIN TRAVEL STATION | 30/11/2008
Rivers have long been the life blood of the indigenous people of Malaysia. They have served as a means of transport, a source of food and now, a resource for eco-tourism. The native groups of Sabah have been using rafts for centuries but white water rafting has only been a recreational activity since the 1980s.
The two main rivers for rafting in Sabah are the Padas and Kiulu rivers which are certified as Grade 3 and Grade 2 respectively in the international white water rafting grading system.
Driving a Vehicle Versus Public Transit: Which is Better?
By: Laura Zeimer | 30/11/2008
Statistics and tips on whether you should use public transportation or your own vehicle to reach your destination.
Cambodia Adventure Travel
By: Rom | 30/11/2008
Once you decided on taking this Cambodia adventure travel it is time to make yet another decision: do you mind travelling with other tourists or not? If you don't mind, your best bet is to try a travel agency who will assist you with your booking of the flights and hotels.
The travel agency will also be helpful with choosing the best tourist locations that will be sure to reveal as much of the Cambodian culture as well as Cambodian country sightseeing.
Why Biking to Work Saves Money on Travel and Gym Fees
By: Melanie Click | 30/11/2008
Exercise and savings at the same time!
More from Li Ming Wong
Ways to Save Money for Holiday Travel
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel Tips
Many people want to travel for the holidays but they don’t feel like they can because their budget doesn’t allow for it. Yet there are plenty of ways you can raise money to be able to do so. The sooner you start making a plan and determining how much money you will need the more successful you will be. Come up with as accurate of an amount as you can so you wont’ fall short. If you overestimate the amount of money you need for holiday travel then you can enjoy it later on.
Ways to Make Holiday Travel Easier for the Elderly
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel Tips
The elderly may find it more stressful to travel over the holidays because they aren’t used to all the traffic or all the crowds. There are ways to make it is much easier trip though if you plan ahead. Many elderly people take daily medications so make sure you have plenty of it. Put it in a safe place where it isn’t likely to get lost. If you have extra pills you will want to pack them separately. If you have some in your purse and some in your luggage you are fine if one of them gets lost.
Ways to Keep Children Entertained While Traveling in the Car for the Holidays
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel Tips
Taking your own car to travel for the holidays is a great way to avoid the hassles at the airport. It can also be less expensive as many flights are more expensive during holiday travel times due the demand passengers have. Traveling with children though can be difficult if you aren’t prepared.
Traveling for the Holidays on a Greyhound Bus
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel Tips
Greyhound is a bus line service that takes people all over the United States with more than 2,000 bus terminals. This is a great option for those that want to travel for the holidays and not drive there themselves. You will find the lines at the Greyhound terminal to be less hectic than at the airport and you can simply get into your seat and relax for the trip.
Tips to Make Holiday Travel Easier
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel Tips
The holidays can be quite hectic but they are often a time when people travel to see family and friends or to take a well deserved vacation. Following some basic tips will help ensure you have the best time when you travel during this time of year. Being prepared for things to go wrong is the first step in minimizing the damages and getting on with your holiday travel plans.
Tips for Staying Alert During Holiday Travel
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel Tips
Traveling during the holidays is very exciting and there is plenty going on all around you. However, it is very important that you remain alert so you won’t be involved in an accident or become a victim of theft. There are plenty of criminals that target holiday travelers as they know they are likely to have money on them and they aren’t always paying attention to their surroundings.
Tips for Packing your Car for the Holidays
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel Tips
Knowing what you are going to put into your suitcase is only half of the battle when it comes to effectively packing your car for the holidays. While you want to be selective of what goes into the suitcases and the number of them, there is likely to be plenty more than you will have to concern yourself with. The size of your vehicle is going to realistically determine what you can take and what will have to be left behind.
Save Money With a Timeshare for the Holidays
By: Li Ming Wong | 03/11/2007 | Travel Tips
Anyone that travels over the holidays knows that accommodations are generally more expensive than during other times of the year. They can also sell out fast if you don’t make your reservation very early. One way to save money when you travel for the holidays is to invest in a timeshare. They are available in most locations that people often travel to for a holiday vacation.
Travel 
About the Author:
