20 Tips to Make Holiday Travel Easier for Your Family This Christmas

Whether you are traveling near or far for Christmas, there are ways you can make your holiday travel less chaotic and more enjoyable. Read on to discover the 20 things you can do to ensure your travel is bright and merry this Christmas season.

1. When packing, think realistically. As cute as your little girl looks in those frilly holiday dresses, does she really need ten for a two day stay? You will want to bring necessary items for all family members, but try to pack lightly to avoid so much baggage.

If you are visiting family members, you can wash your clothes during your visit if necessary. Doing so will enable you to pack less. Rather than allowing a bag for everyone, only permit one bag for every two people. A bag for you and your spouse and a bag for the children will usually work very well.

2. Pack important items separately so they do not get lost. Whether it is a prescription, passport, marriage license or birth certificate, place each important item in a safe place. If you are driving, you can put these items into a bag in the glove compartment or under the seat. If you are flying, always pack important items in your carry-on bags in case your baggage is delayed or lost upon arrival.

3. What about all of those Christmas presents? If you are driving and you have the extra space to take gifts along, do so. However, if you are traveling by air or do not have room in your car to bring along a lot of gifts, you have some options. You can purchase your gifts when you arrive at your destination or you can ship your presents to your destination. With both options, you have setbacks. For one, you may spend more money and have less selection shopping last minute. Secondly, there is always a chance that your shipment will be broken, late or even lost. Another option is to give gift cards or simply the gift of your presence and togetherness. Take an empty suitcase to bring back gifts that you and your family receive.