Ten Items Not to Pack when Traveling for the Holidays

Getting ready to take a plane or a train for the holiday? Driving across the country or taking a bus? Whether you'll be skiing or flying in a zeppelin this holiday, here are a few things that will cause more harm than good if you take them on the road (or in the air).

1. Dainty Food Dishes

If you're traveling with food, it should probably be chips or an ugly-looking great-tasting casserole. I have some pretty bad memories of running through a Paris airport with delicate pastries in a cardboard container. By the time I got on the plane, all I had was smashed chocolate and a wasted $25.

2. Big Bottles of Liquid Beauty Products

In my experience, it's easier just to buy or borrow these items when you get to your destination. Airports now have bans on the size of liquid items that can be carried on. If you're planning on traveling in a large group, on a bus, or in any situation where your bags could get thrown around, it is extremely possible that the bottles will open or break. I've had it happen to me before, and when I got to my destination, I spent more money on doing wet laundry than I would have if I'd just planned on getting the items when I got there.

3. Smelly food, lotions, gum, etc.

Everybody can't stand that guy. You know the one I mean. He sits next to you on the bus with his foul smelling beef jerky. His overpowering cologne worsens your travel sickness on your nonstop to D.C. And her lip gloss smells like the cherry cough syrup that made you throw up when you were a kid. A good rule is smell it before you pack it. If there's any possible way it could possibly make someone else sick or uncomfortable leave it at home. It's not just a comfort thing. You never know who is a vegetarian who can't stand the smell of meat or who is allergic to scented lotions.

4. DVD and CD cases