Holiday Travel Tips & Essentials

Cardigan / Jewelry Case / Eyemask / Passport Holder / Suitcase / Hair Care Kit / Loafers

It’s one of the busiest times to travel during the entire year, so today I’m sharing some of my travel tips and essentials with you … starting with what experts say are the worst days to be traveling over the next few weeks.

 


 

According to Condé Nast Traveler, December 23rd and 30th are the busiest travel days of the holiday season, so hang on to your neck pillows! Airports are going to be more crowded than normal and security lines will probably feel like they’re moving excruciatingly slow. Here are a few tips that I employ to survive a cross-country flight back home.

Leave an hour earlier than you normally would. This one’s a given, considering how much more traffic there will be on the way to the airport, waiting to checkin and going through security. I’m notorious for waiting last minute to leave for the airport. True story: I once missed my flight because I thought it would be a good idea to squeeze in a manicure. My nails looked amazing while I waited at the airport for another eight hours for the next flight.

Identify your essentials and make them the first things you pack! For me, my must haves include my favorite hair products (in travel size form), a portable steamer (it’s seriously the best) and a small wash cloth (I’m weird about what towels I use for my face). These are my little comforts of home that I bring everywhere for me. Since they’re a little more difficult to replace while traveling, they’re the first things I pack so I don’t forget.

Pack only as much as you can fit on your carry-on suitcase. Unless I’m traveling abroad, I try to avoid checking in a bag at all costs. It’s an instant timesaver, cutting the time you have to wait checking in your bag and then waiting for baggage claim. Plus, it forces to you to pack smart. I plan out all of my outfits ahead of time (and take photos of them for reference) so that I don’t overpack.

Download your entertainment beforehand. You know what’s the worst? Sitting in the middle seat, stuck in between two people who hog both arm rests or – even worse – are actually together, but would prefer to take the window and aisle seats over sitting next to each other. This has happened to me TWICE and both times, there was a lot of reaching across and talking over me. By now, these shenanigans don’t even phase me as long as I have my headphones and a good book to read (currently reading Crazy Rich Asians).

Wear your coziest outfit. Sometimes I see women trying to get through security in stilettos and I wonder if they’re trying to bag a husband at the airport bar. Get it girl. Me on the hand? I’m the one in loafers, leggings and an oversized sweater. And I ain’t mad about it.

I hope you guys have safe travels this holiday season! I would love to hear where you’re going and how you’re celebrating this year! xo

Leave a Comment

7 Comments

  1. mcr wrote:

    Thanks for these great tips! I follow most of these myself… I like to lay everything out including accessories, undergarments, etc and then pack together in cubes so I have entire outfits ready to go and don’t have to rifle through my entire bag to find what I need. That jewelry organizer is really practical!

    http://www.districthilo.com

    Love, Mary

    Posted 12.18.15 Reply
  2. What a great jewelry case!

    xx Kathryn
    http://www.chicandshimmer.com

    Posted 12.18.15 Reply
  3. asallows wrote:

    I love that little jewellery case! What a great idea!

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

    Posted 12.18.15 Reply
  4. Meagan wrote:

    Oh the middle seat without any arms rests… just the thought gives me anxiety!
    -Meg
    http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

    Posted 12.18.15 Reply
  5. Alyssa wrote:

    That little jewelry case is genius, and you can’t go wrong with a good eye mask!

    Alyssa | Glitter and Grey

    Posted 12.18.15 Reply
  6. Joules wrote:

    Great travel tips! I pretty much follow all of them obsesively when I travel!

    Lifestyle by Joules

    Posted 12.18.15 Reply
  7. Elle wrote:

    Great travel inspiration. Love the cardi, jewel case, and passport cover! Always flats for the plane! Great tips!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/blog

    Posted 12.18.15 Reply