Packing: some people love it and some people hate it, but all of us have to do it every now and again. No matter how often you pack, it can still feel like every time is a gamble that you’re choosing the right things to take along — especially during the holidays.
This holiday season, save yourself the travel day stress by following Valley International Airport’s (VIA) guide to winter packing. Your Harlingen airport can get you where you need to go, safely and comfortably.
Packing Tips for the Holidays
1.Don’t Overpack
For most of us, packing for a trip usually revolves around being prepared for anything: four extra pairs of socks and underwear, three pairs of shoes, the kitchen sink, etc.
The truth is that overpacking is one of the largest pitfalls when it comes to traveling for the holidays.
There are a few different techniques that you can use to make sure that your luggage only includes what you’ll need. First, lay out all of your clothes in one spot so that you have a clear idea of what you’re including. Then, to counteract those overpacking habits, try to reduce your packed items by a third.
2.Go Travel-Sized
This one is a bit of a no-brainer: when going on a trip, you should always try to use travel-sized toiletries rather than full-sized bottles. This is especially true for those traveling by plane, of course.
You might not think about the wasted space taken up by things like deodorant and lotion, but reducing the size of your cosmetics can make a big difference in both the amount of space you have to pack and the security of your luggage. After all, spilling a travel-sized bottle of shampoo into a ziplock bag is far less troublesome than having a full bottle burst in your suitcase.
3.Save Room for Presents
Another big mistake that many holiday travelers make is failing to plan for transporting any presents they receive back home. In general, packing your luggage so that none of the items can shift or spread out is the best way to go. But bringing a jam-packed suitcase home for Christmas is setting yourself up for disappointment.
Instead, leave gaps in your packed luggage that you can fill with things like wrapping paper or small clothing items. Then, when you return home, you’ll have space for any souvenirs or presents you might need to transport.
4.Pack Light
Finally, many holiday travelers overlook how important it is to pack light, literally. Overpacking is one issue, but packing a suitcase full of heavy sweaters and boots is another way to end up either paying more or struggling to lug around a massive bag all day.
Instead, try to pack lighter items that won’t weigh down your luggage. For your heavier items like winter coats and boots, try to wear those on the day that you travel to save weight in your luggage.
Make Your Holiday Dreams Come True With a Flight From VIA
It’s the most wonderful time of year once again, but that also means dealing with holiday stress. This winter, avoid the travel-day headaches by choosing a flight from VIA.
There’s nothing better than getting to spend time with your loved ones for the holiday, so don’t let unreliable transportation get in your way. This holiday season, fly with VIA.