For millions of Americans, the holidays mean it’s time to travel. Some people will go out of town to see family while others will vacation to get away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Whatever the purpose of the voyage might be, you’re going to need to bring along some provisions.
Packing for a trip can be stressful if you aren’t sure about what to bring. Fear not brave traveler, we’re here to help. Before you leave for brighter (and hopefully warmer) pastures, here are eight things you shouldn’t leave home without.
#1 Hand Sanitizer
You will likely come across something unsanitary in your travels. And given the state of the world, cleanliness is paramount. To that end, you’ll be very thankful that you packed some hand sanitizer after using a gas station bathroom without a working sink. A tiny bottle can last for days and is extremely portable.
#2 Portable Charger
The last thing you want is to be stuck in an unfamiliar area without a way to get in contact with anyone. A power bank for your phone can ensure that, no matter where you are, your phone isn’t going to die.
#3 Sunscreen
Believe it or not, you can get a sunburn in the middle of winter! Snow is devilishly effective at reflecting light and can cause severe burns. Especially if you’re hitting the slopes as part of your getaway, packing some face sunblock is extremely important. While rosy cheeks are appropriate for the time of the year, skin health should be a top priority.
#4 Cooler
No holiday season is complete without the delicious food and drink to boot. Bring a soft cooler in your luggage so you can keep any leftovers at the right temperature. You can also fill it with snacks and beverages to stave off hunger and thirst while you travel.
#5 Portable Speaker
The holiday season isn’t complete without tunes, so make sure to pack a speaker to keep the music going. Whatever you celebrate, there are tons of great songs to sing along to. Just don’t blame us if you end up losing your voice!
#6 Umbrella
Rain is a thousand times worse in cold weather. Keep dry with a wind-resistant umbrella. It’s also great for preventing snow from falling on you. Snow is beautiful to look at while you’re inside drinking a hot tea, but it’s a lot less fun to be soaking wet in a blizzard.
#7 Book
A book is the perfect travel companion. Your vacation is the perfect time to relax and get some reading done that you might not get to otherwise. Even the busiest trips have a few moments of downtime that can be spent with a good book. Audiobooks are also perfect for long drives or flights.
#8 Gifts
If you’re traveling during the actual holiday you celebrate, bring presents with you! Exchanging gifts is one of the most important parts of celebrating the season. There’s nothing quite like witnessing joy flash across someone’s face as they receive a great gift. Make sure you see that wonderful expression in person by packing your presents. And hey, maybe you’ll get something in return as well!
Put a Bow on It
Along with the obvious (like toiletries and clothes), put all of these things in your luggage and you’ll be good to go! Your holiday weekend getaway will surely be a wonderful time full of merriment. Now all that’s left to do is to pack up the sleigh and tell the reindeer that it’s time to go! Oh, and happy New Years!
