Easing Your Holiday Stress

’Tis the season…to get stressed with shopping for gifts and preparing for family holidays. To alleviate a little anxiety, here are practical tips on how to travel with presents this holiday season:

Updated December 19, 2019

1. Be Smart About What You Pack

Knowing that you have limited space and weight limited with your luggage, be practical about what you are bringing. Perhaps this isn’t the year to gift the biggest present if you are traveling. And don’t bring toys that look like weapons – security will likely confiscate that. Also, remember that all liquids over 3 ounces are never going to pass in your carry-on bags – that even means snow globes.

2. Consider Online Shopping & Mailing the Items to Your Destination

If you are traveling domestically, consider online shopping and mailing the gifts to your destination. Hotels can receive your packages if they arrive within a day or two of your arrival. Ask and notify the hotel’s reservations department ahead of time.

3. Give the Gift of Gift Cards

On one hand, gift cards may be impersonal. On another hand, gift cards are practical and thoughtful if you specialize where they come from for your gift receiver. For instance, if they love eating out, give a restaurant gift card; if they love traveling, give an airline or hotel gift card. Read more about the Best Gift Cards as the Best Gifts to/from Travelers.

4. Know International Customs Restrictions

When traveling internationally this season, research the country’s customs restrictions. Many countries do not allow and will confiscate your meat, vegetables, plants, multiple bottles of alcohol, and whatever else. The same goes for when you fly back home with your own country’s customs restrictions.

5. Pack the Gift Wrap & Wrap Presents at Your Destination

Reason #1: TSA and security have been known to unwrap presents they deem as suspicious. Reason #2: Wrapped items can get crumpled or torn in transit.

Solution: Neatly fold your wrapping paper or bring tissue paper and gift bags for your presents. Place them in a folder to prevent wrinkles. Once you are settled into your destination, you can ask the hotel for tape and scissors to wrap your presents.

6. Use Your Clothes as Padding

If your presents are breakable, use your clothes for padding and protection. For example, roll your pants around a wine bottle. Also, make sure breakable items go in your hard-case luggage and not a soft duffel bag.

7. Carry-on Valuables

Whether it is your own or a gift, carry on valuable items, like jewelry. To be extra cautious, place it in your carry-on which can be stored under the seat in front of you rather than the overhead bin.

8. Bring an Extra Duffel

If you are traveling and planning to exchange presents, pack a foldable duffel bag that can be used for the gifts you receive. Alternatively, pack your clothes and toiletries in the duffel and use your hard-case luggage for your presents.

9. Handwritten Cards

The best gifts are from the heart. And the best travel gifts don’t take up space. In lieu of presents, consider writing your loved ones a heartfelt handwritten card expressing your gratitude and appreciation. This has been a family tradition started by my mom for close to 20 years now. Giving and receiving words of affirmation and love are far more meaningful than an object you can buy for yourself any day of the year.

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