The holidays are certainly a fun and festive time of the year, and can have their own levels of stress and uncertainly, too. If you’re traveling for the holidays and have gifts to go with you, rather than getting bogged down with the logistics, read through these simple tips to keep your holidays merry and bright.

© Igor Mojzes | Dreamstime
Wrap It Up — Or Don’t
If you’re flying to your holiday destination and are taking your gifts with you, there are two options to consider. If you’re carrying-on, it’s a good idea to not wrap your gifts before packing and plan on wrapping them once you arrive. Though it’ll take some time to pretty them up on the other side of your trip, keeping your gifts unwrapped beforehand should make going through TSA screenings easier and faster. Be sure to keep the three-ounce rule in mind, too.
However, if you’re flying and checking your bags with gifts inside, go ahead and wrap them up. Simply check your bag and unpack your gifts that are ready to give when you arrive. Another thing to keep in mind is Southwest Airlines’ generous two bags checked free, which means more room for more gifts, right?
Of course, if you’re driving or taking the train to your holiday destination, do what works best for you! Wrap ‘em up before you hit the road, or take gift wrap, bags, ribbons and bows with you to create wrapped masterpieces upon arrival.

© Calvin Leake | Dreamstime
Ship Direct
Another option is to ship your gifts ahead of time so they’ll arrive the same time you do. Just unbox the gifts and they’re ready to give. Or, if you’re shopping online as so many of us do, ship directly to your destination and wrap to your heart’s content before giving to your friends and loved ones.
Gift giving should be thoughtful and fun, so plan ahead to take the worry out of traveling with gifts on the go.
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