Ten Tips for Packing This Holiday Season

Are you staring at your closet, unsure of how to start packing for your holiday getaway? With baggage fees being a common issue, traveling with just a carry-on has its advantages—especially during the holiday rush. Not only will it save you money, but you’ll also avoid the chaos of baggage claim and the risk of losing your belongings. While we can’t choose your festive attire for you, we can help you optimize your luggage space, whether you’re heading home or off on an adventure. Here are some tips that have helped us pack like pros this season.

1. Invest in the right gear.

To start, we highly recommend getting a high-quality, lightweight carry-on that glides effortlessly through security. But do your research before making a purchase. What fits as carry-on size for one airline might be too big for some budget carriers, and you don’t want to face hefty fees for checking a bag at the airport. Measure your bag before heading out with our augmented reality bag measurement tool in the Dinogo app, and you’ll be all set.

2. Maximize every inch of space.

Have you ever come back from a trip only to discover that you barely wore half of what you packed? The secret to effective packing is to avoid cramming your entire wardrobe into your suitcase and instead focus on mixing and matching outfits. Choose staple pieces in neutral colors that can be easily dressed up or down.

Once you’ve decided which items are making the journey, the best way to save space is by tightly rolling your clothes. Concerned about wrinkles? Use tissue paper to help prevent creases when you roll them up. Additionally, utilize every nook and cranny. Stuff your shoes with socks, fill that oddly shaped pouch in your suitcase, and maximize underutilized spaces. Put socks and underwear inside your shoes, jewelry in the built-in pouches, and wrap electronics in sweaters. Get creative and discover ways to fit more without taking up extra room.

3. Avoid wrapping gifts.

If you’re heading to see family or friends, consider shipping gifts instead of packing them. This saves valuable suitcase space and eliminates hassle, particularly with larger items. If you’re shopping online for holiday gifts, you can have them sent directly to your destination at no additional cost. But if you must take gifts with you, keep them unwrapped. You’ll likely be ‘randomly selected’ for a search, and all that beautiful wrapping will be in shambles by the time you arrive.

4. Be mindful when packing food.

The holidays are filled with delicious treats, but if you're flying, keep in mind that all rules still apply, even to Grandma’s homemade jam. If it's liquid or gel-like (think jams, puddings, eggnog), it must fit in a quart-sized zip-top bag to carry on. However, solid foods like pies, cakes, and cookies are allowed on board. Just be prepared for additional screening, and remember that international travel may come with extra food restrictions.

5. Oversized or oddly shaped items might hit your wallet hard.

Anyone who's tried to wrap a bicycle knows that oddly shaped items can be tricky, and flying is no different. Airlines have various rules and fees for larger items (like skis, snowboards, surfboards, and bikes). It's wise to research fees before booking, as checking a pair of skis could cost significantly different on various airlines. Planning to enjoy some ice skating? TSA allows properly packed ice skates on board. Skiers, snowboarders, and golfers are in luck too; many major airlines permit ski/snowboard gear and golf clubs on board without extra fees, apart from standard checked baggage costs. Just make sure your equipment meets the size requirements, and always check the fine print before heading to the airport.

6. Remember that episode where Joey wears all his pants?

Channel your inner Joey by wearing your heaviest layers to the airport: jacket, sweatshirt, boots, and pants. They can weigh your bag, but they can’t weigh you. Once you get through TSA, feel free to switch into something more comfortable. And don’t forget, you can always tie or fasten an extra layer around your suitcase handle.

7. Celebrate, but don’t overdo it.

If you're meeting the 3oz rule, feel free to stash a few mini bottles in your liquids bag (though many airlines prohibit drinking your own alcohol on board). If your airline offers drinks, try to pace yourself with the in-flight cocktails. A little buzz at 30,000 feet can be fun, but crossing into drunkenness jeopardizes your flight experience and your fellow passengers' comfort. Also, if you're flying on New Year’s Day, consider booking a later flight and pack some Alka Seltzer—hitting the skies with a hangover is a tough combo.

8. Skip packing easily available items.

Leave your toiletries behind; you'll find what you need wherever you're going. If you're thinking, “But packing my own shampoo is more cost-effective,” you’ve clearly never experienced an exploded travel-sized conditioner all over your iPad—twice. Additionally, if you have the address of your destination, you can always have essentials shipped there, just remember to leave space for souvenirs on the return trip.

9. Kids need less than you might think.

Every parent knows the last-minute chaos of packing enough toys, books, and entertainment for their child. Should we bring Binkie Bear? What if we encounter some – gasp – downtime at our destination? The reality is that kids don’t require a ton of stuff. A few toys will do. Your little one who can have a blast with wrapping paper isn’t suddenly going to need constant stimulation on the plane. However, if you're flying with a low-cost airline lacking seatback entertainment, a tablet loaded with their favorite shows is a smart, space-saving option.

10. Refine your packing list.

Start by packing everything you think you might need. Then, go to bed. Upon waking, unpack and repack only what you truly need. One party outfit is plenty, and jeans can be worn multiple days in a row. The odds of needing a tank top in December in Chicago are about 0 out of 10. Creating a packing list (like the ski essentials detailed here) and sticking to it can be incredibly helpful. Whether your journey involves visiting family or exploring new destinations, our Roam for the holidays guide provides the resources you need to prepare. From destination suggestions to packing checklists, we have tips and information to make your holiday travel stress-free, so you can concentrate on being merry and bright.

This blog was first published on December 18, 2018, and updated on October 26, 2022.