Essential Tips — What to Pack for Thanksgiving Travel Sam Cohen October 22, 2019 Air Travel, Holiday Travel, Travel Tips This post was updated on October 22, 2023. Traveling for Thanksgiving is a rite of passage for millions of Americans. Whether heading back to the hometown or heading off to meet family, traveling during the holidays is something of a quintessential experience. And it can be a stressful one! Thankfully, there are a number of travel tips to help reduce the amount of anxiety during the holidays. The most effective advice involves advance preparation and packing. From the type of luggage you use to the clothing you want to wear, even the snacks you eat, knowing what you should pack ahead of time is key. Here are some essential Thanksgiving travel tips for when you’re packing! Pack Light but Smart Streamlining your luggage for Thanksgiving doesn’t mean compromising on essentials. With the help of packing cubes, you can efficiently organize your belongings, grouping similar items together for easy accessibility and maintaining suitcase order during transit. Additionally, rather than filling your bag with full-sized toiletries, opt for travel-sized versions or refillable mini bottles. This approach conserves both space and weight, allowing you to carry more of what truly matters. If you’re planning to bring gifts, consider lightweight, compact options, or even better, order them online and ship directly to the recipient, eliminating the need for extra luggage space. Reuse and Recycle Your Clothes The key to packing clothes for holiday travel is to pack items you can reuse multiple times throughout your trip. Choose the pieces that are easy to layer and even easier to mix and match to help create several different outfits. By recycling the same basic options, you’ll save added space in your suitcase, and not have to worry about which outfit to wear to which gathering. Remember: The key is to select items you’re comfortable wearing more than once. Standard options such as sweaters, button down shirts, jeans, dresses, and skirts are best as you can mix and match them with ease. Wear one pair of shoes while you’re traveling and pack one pair into your luggage so you can swap them out accordingly. The same thing goes for your jackets — wear a dressy, cold-weather one over your clothes while traveling and pack a more comfortable option in with your luggage. Oh, and a pro-tip: Roll your clothes instead of folding them to prevent your items from wrinkling and to save even more space in your suitcase. Don’t Forget the Food! It’s a fact: You’re going to get hungry as you head home for the holidays. So, before you go, pack yourself some snacks and sandwiches. Be sure to select hearty items that keep you full for longer as this prevents you from binging on fast food while you’re traveling from point A to point B. It’s smart to pack a small thermal bag filled with small snacks into your suitcase – but remember to make sure you don’t pack any food that’s mostly liquid, like soup — or it’ll have to be in container under 3.5 ounces. It’s also a good idea to bring some clean, empty containers with you to your Thanksgiving feast. Almost everyone cooks more than what’s needed and bringing your own containers ensures that you’ll be able to bring home leftovers of that sweet potato pie you love so much. Not only does it prevent waste, but it’ll keep you going for a few days once you get home. Embrace the Digital World In today’s technologically-driven age, lighten your load during Thanksgiving travels by tapping into digital conveniences. Swap out physical books and magazines for e-books, movies, and music on your smartphone or tablet, giving you a diverse range of entertainment during transit. Additionally, eliminate the bulk of paper clutter by opting for digital versions of your itinerary. Instead of juggling multiple printouts like tickets, hotel bookings, and other essential documents, utilize apps like TripIt to centralize and streamline your travel plans. Not only does this method save precious space in your baggage, but it also offers the ease of having all crucial information right at your fingertips, accessible with a simple tap. Tech and Charging On a related note, consider carrying a portable power bank. These compact devices can be lifesavers, ensuring your devices are always powered up, be it for navigation, communication, or entertainment. Equally important is having the right charging cables for all your devices; consider investing in a multi-port cable to minimize clutter. For those traveling internationally or to areas with different power outlets, a universal adapter is indispensable. It accommodates various plug configurations, ensuring your devices can be charged wherever you go. Beware of fake airport charging stations, sometimes dubbed “juice jacking” stations. These malicious setups are designed to appear like legitimate charging points, but when unsuspecting travelers plug in their devices, cybercriminals can access and steal their data or install malware. Always use your own charging cable and adapter, and consider investing in a USB data blocker when charging in public areas to keep your information secure. You May Also Like: Secrets to Scoring Last-Minute Thanksgiving Travel Deals Health and Safety First While you’re rushing around on your Thanksgiving travels, remember to prioritize health and safety. Equip yourself with hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, and a few face masks. This proactive approach reduces risks and ensures a healthier interaction with loved ones. If you’re on medications, always remember to pack them in your carry-on, ensuring they’re in their original containers for easy identification and to avoid any confusion when flying. Also, remember that in the colder November weather, skin tends to get dry. Make sure you pack some moisturizer and lip balm to keep your skin hydrated. FAQs: Q: How early should I start packing for my Thanksgiving trip? A: Start packing at least a week in advance. This provides ample time for adjustments and prevents last-minute oversights. Q: What kind of snacks are ideal for travel? A: Bring non-perishable, protein-rich snacks like nuts, granola bars, or jerky to keep you satiated longer. Q: Any suggestions for minimizing liquids for air travel? A: Consider solid toiletries like shampoo bars and lotion bars. They’re TSA-friendly and can save space. Q: Are there any restrictions on carrying cooked Thanksgiving food on a plane? A: Yes, some items may be restricted depending on consistency. Solid foods generally are allowed, but gel-like foods (cranberry sauce anyone?) might be subject to the 3.5-ounce rule in carry-ons. Q: How do I manage jet lag if I’m crossing time zones during Thanksgiving travel? A: Adjust your sleep schedule a few days before departure, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Upon arrival, try to adopt the local time schedule immediately. Q: What can I do if I forget essential items at home? A: Most airports have stores with basic necessities. Alternatively, consider local stores or online same-day delivery services at your destination. Have your own essential Thanksgiving travel tips for packing? Share them bellow in the comments!
