The holiday season is about many things, from twinkling lights, magic in the air, finding the perfect gift, and, most importantly – spending time with friends and loved ones. Around one-third of people travel to see their loved ones over the holidays to make those special memories. If you have a trip planned this Christmas and want to make your list and check it twice, keep reading for all the Christmas vacation essentials every woman needs.
An Oversized Tote
Whether you’re traveling by train or plane, an oversized one is a must for travel days. The right size bag can ensure you have plenty of snacks to keep your mood up and all your essentials like a passport, wallet, and devices. Oversized totes also allow you to carry layers that will keep you comfortable during various phases of travel and if the weather is different in your hometown versus your destination. Not to mention, you’ll need space for any gifts you receive this holiday season!
Mini Makeup and Toiletries
Aside from restrictions on airplanes, travel-size toiletries come in handy for their space-saving abilities. You want to look your best for all the holiday photos you’ll take while celebrating, so mini makeup is essential for being camera ready. Makeup stores and big box retailers have entire sections devoted to travel-size hygiene items, or buy them online before your trip to save time.
Cozy Comforts
With Christmas occurring right in the middle of winter, there’s a good chance where you’re headed for the holidays will be cold; you may even get a White Christmas with snow! Even if you’re flying in from California, ensure you have cold-weather essentials to enjoy your time comfortably. Oversized scarves, cute winter hats, and a dressy winter coat are a must.
New Intimates
There’s a good chance you’re spending the holidays with your significant other, so why not give both of you a gift by purchasing some Christmas lingerie you’ll enjoy? Christmas is one of the most popular days to get engaged, so plan to celebrate in style with new intimates that make you feel confident.
Supportive Shoes
Having intimates to feel attractive in, but so are the right shoes to enjoy traditional holiday activities. Whether your family treks out into the woods to chop down your Christmas tree each year or you enjoy long walks in the evening, having the right shoes for different activities is key. A pair of supportive athletic shoes and a pair of all-weather boots should find their way into your holiday suitcase.
Festive Fashion
Even if you’re not known as the family fashionista, you want at least one elevated outfit for your holiday trip. While Christmas and New Year are the perfect time to play with sequins and bold, bright colors, you can keep things subdued if it’s more your style. The important thing is packing an elevated outfit that works for a formal dinner or night out. People take many holiday photos – stay camera ready in some festive fashion.
Hostess Gifts
While most of your packing will be clothing and essentials, one essential you can’t forget this holiday trip are plenty of host and hostess gifts. If you’ve ever hosted out-of-town guests, you know it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Make sure you show your host how much you appreciate their efforts by getting them a present (or two). Tailor the gifts to their personality, like a fine wine, a box of local chocolates from your hometown, or a cozy throw blanket perfect for nights by the fire. These small tokens should be separate from the gift you buy to put under the tree and given soon after you arrive. Even if they’re close family, this is a must-pack.
Traveling home or abroad for the holidays involves a lot of planning and can feel stressful sometimes. No matter what else is on your packing list this year, including the above essentials. Luck favors the prepared, after all; the last thing you want on this trip is unnecessary stress from forgetting something. Don’t forget snacks for the road or flight and your reusable water bottle. Happy Trails and Merry Christmas!
