In 2017, over 100 million Americans traveled during the Holiday season.
In 2018, it will likely be even more. That’s a lot of people wandering the airports, stuffing their carry-ons into the overhead compartments, and milling around the luggage carousel. With crowds like these, it’s important to be travel-savvy. You have to pack light and pack smart. This December, SWISSGEAR is offering this helpful guide for getting through Holiday travel traffic unscathed.
The secret to Holiday travel is planning ahead.
You wouldn’t leave your shopping to December 24th. Nor should you procrastinate on travel organization. Planning starts when you book your airfare. Use these tips to cover all your bases.
Ship Your Gifts
Aside from the crowds, the biggest difference between traveling during the Holidays and traveling during the rest of the year is gift transportation. Ship your gifts ahead of time to avoid extra baggage fees.
Purchase travel insurance
Travel insurance is more than medical insurance for out-of-country health expenses. It covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, and lost or damaged personal items—everything you need for safe travels.
Book early morning or evening flights
Airports aren’t as busy early in the morning or later in the evening. Your flight might be full but the lines at security, customs, and baggage claim will be much faster.
Know your limits
Before you even begin to pack, verify your luggage weight limits with the airport. It’s also a good idea to double-check which items you cannot travel with. Different countries have different rules, so be sure to check with every country on your itinerary.
Weigh your luggage
The 3-piece hardside set from the SWISSGEAR Protector Collection is durable but light-weight, so it won’t contribute much to the overall weight of your luggage. Still, it’s a good idea to weigh your suitcases before you leave the house to avoid sacrificing any personal items at check-in.
SWISSGEAR PROTECTOR 3-PIECE SET
Travel well for many years to come with this sleek and durable SWISSGEAR Protector Collection Hardside Luggage 3 Piece Set
Packing Pro-Tips
When it comes to packing for Holiday travel, every inch and every pound count. Here are our tips for making the most of your precious luggage space.
Choose the best luggage for your trip
There are different benefits of hardside and softside luggage. Hardside is great for packing fragile valuables. Softside will allow you some flexibility when stowing your luggage in irregular compartments. Whatever suitcase you choose, make sure it’s lightweight to avoid extra fees.
Make a list
To avoid forgetting the essentials (or little luxuries), make a list and check it twice. The SWISSGEAR 0432 Toiletry Kit is perfect for keeping your grooming accessories together so nothing gets left behind.
SWISSGEAR 0432 TOILETRY KIT
Made of durable Polytex™ dobby fabric, this stylish SWISSGEAR 0432 Toiletry Kit features a roomy zippered main compartment with interior mesh pocket, a front zippered pocket, and a sturdy grab handle.
Plan what to wear
When making your list, plan complete outfits to avoid packing unnecessary clothing. Choose practical outfits that take you from day to night. But do leave yourself some room for that New Year’s Party suit or dress.
Roll – Don’t fold
It’s simple. Rolling your clothing saves space and avoids creases and wrinkles. If you’re packing an extra pair of shoes, stuff your balled-up socks inside to save space.
Wear your heaviest items
The sneakiest pack hack: wear your heaviest items so as not to contribute extra weight. Also, put on your heavy jewelry to keep it safe in case the airport loses your luggage. Never check fine jewelry!
Fly Through the Airport
With so many tunnels, lines, and shuttle buses to maneuver, airports can feel like a completely different world. With the right travel accessories and a few of our airport tips, you’ll get to the gate without any hiccups.
Check in before your flight
Take advantage of new airport technology and check in on your smartphone before you leave the house. This will knock off at least one of the lines you’ll need to go through.
Sign-up for email or text alerts
Your time is important, so don’t waste it standing in the wrong line or waiting for a flight that’s been delayed. Download your airport or airline’s app for up-to-the-minute information on your flight status.
Prep your papers
Fumbling with papers at the gate is a terrible feeling. Keep your passport, ticket, and boarding pass handy in the SWISSGEAR 66914 Leather Passport Holder. It even has slots for three credit cards, so you’ll have all the essentials at hand.
SWISSGEAR 66914 LEATHER RFID PASSPORT HOLDER
This sleek SWISSGEAR 66914 Leather RFID Passport Holder features an RFID shield to help protect against identity theft.
Travel Beyond the Airport
Don’t forget to factor travel to and from the airport into your itinerary. Use our tips to complete your transportation time as quickly as possible so that you can start the festivities.
Shuttle buses or vans
Shuttles are a fast, cost-effective, and easy way to get from the airport to the city center. Before you leave for your trip, check the shuttle options on your airport’s website.
Public transportation
If you’ve packed light and you feel confident with public transportation in your destination city, consider taking a bus or subway instead of a cab. During rush hour (which is all the time during the holidays), public transportation is a much faster option than sitting on an on-ramp for 20 minutes. A SWISSGEAR Legacy Watch will help you keep track of subway schedules without having to fumble for your phone.
SWISSGEAR LEGACY WATCHES
Known for its quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail, the SWISSGEAR Legacy Watch delivers.
Follow business travelers
These lone travelers know airports like many commuters know their subway systems. Follow them to find the fastest routes. To optimize your speed, use the SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart TSA Laptop Backpack. Its lay-flat technology presents your electronics to security personnel with ease.
SWISSGEAR 1900 SCANSMART TSA LAPTOP BACKPACK
Pack all your gear with space to spare in this extra-roomy, fully-equipped SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart TSA Laptop Backpack.
Car rentals
If you are traveling with family or friends for an extended period of time, rent a car to get from the airport to your final destination. You can split the cost with a small group, fit all your luggage in the trunk, and choose the music.
Uber/Lyft
Whether it be the remoteness of your destination or the amount of luggage you are carrying, there are many reasons to take a car. Apps like Uber and Lyft allow you to track your route and pay without having to take out your wallet. This is especially helpful if you are in a city that you don’t know very well.
Taxis
Taxis are more expensive than other options, but they are readily available. There are often lineups at the taxi stand, but they move quickly.
Choose the line next to First/Business class
The First Class or Business Class lineups are called “express lanes” for a reason. People in these lines are often seasoned travelers and can be processed quickly. Stand in the line closest. Agents will often call on economy class passengers when there’s no one in their line.
Whether you’re heading home for the Holidays or taking a Christmas vacay, don’t sweat the travel. When you plan ahead and travel smart, the transportation can be efficient and even enjoyable. Wherever you are going, we wish you safe travels and happy Holidays.
