What To Pack In Your Carry-On During The Christmas Season.

It is the Christmas season and so many people are heading home to be with family.  It is also the time when flights are canceled due to weather and it is possible to end up spending the night somewhere.  Traveling during the Christmas season often brings a unique blend of challenges. Whether you're spending the holidays with family or heading off for a special vacation, packing a well-prepared carry-on can make your journey merrier and more comfortable.  Here are several things you should pack in your carry-on when traveling around Christmas.

First of all, make sure you have all your necessary travel including passports, identification, boarding passes, visas, or travel permits, easily accessible.  Place them in an easy to get to pocket so you don't have to look through every thing. In addition, carry your wallet with any credit cards, local and foreign currency, and any travel insurance details.  Hint, if you carry your wallet in your pants, put them in one of the front pockets as it is harder for someone to lift it.  Finally, keep your phone handy along with the charger.  Make sure the phone has any travel apps updated and your devices have lots of entertainment on them..

Next, think about packing a few pieces of clothing just in case.  Pack pieces that can be layered such as a shirt, a pair or two of underwear, light jacket, some sort of comfortable bottoms such as leggings, socks, a pair of flip flops or sandals, and a scarf, hat, and gloves it its cold where you are headed.  Throw in something you can sleep in. Rather than packing a jacket, wear it or a sweater on board since the main cabin of an airplane is often cool.  

Place travel sized toiletries in a zip lock bag so they are easy to take out at TSA.  You can find travel sized items for facial care, hair, mouthwash, and body lotion or wash -  so invest in a few.  Throw in a small toothpaste and your toothbrush since one often needs to freshen up after a long flight.  In addition, have a bit of hand lotion and lip balm in your things to help combat the dryness of the cabin.  Don't forget to pack your meds or personal care items such as vitamins in your carry-on. It is possible to buy small containers to carry them in. Finally, throw in a bit of hand sanitizer and wipes in case you need to clean up things.

The last things to think about packing include snacks such as nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit incase you need a quick snack between flights or on the flight. Bring an empty water bottle to fill once you are on the other side of TSA so you don't have to buy bottles at the airport. You should also include any portable electronic devices so you can use the entertainment system provided by the airline, do some work, or just entertain yourself. Be sure to pack chargers, extra power banks, headphones and chargers so you stay connected all flight. Finally, throw in a travel pillow so you can stay comfortable, catch a short nap either on the plane or in the waiting area.

Carefully pack all the items in your carry-on bag. Roll up clothing to help it fit better, slide shoes into side pockets, place travel papers, boarding passes, and meds in easily accessible spots.  Place any foods in a zip lock baggy to make it easier to pull out at TSA along with your toiletries.  Tie the travel pillow to the side of your carry-on so you don't lose it.

Finally, always, always, always check with the airline for size of the carry-on, and other regulations so you don't have a problem.  This includes the size of digital devices.  I found out my large iPad Pro was too large to use on one airline and had to switch it out for a smaller one.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.