Let’s be real—if you’re the type of person who loves packing, has a color-coded vacation spreadsheet, and arrives at the airport three hours early “just to relax,” this isn’t for you. (Honestly, who even are you?)

For the rest of us—the overpackers, the last-minute scramblers, the “why did I bring five sweaters for a beach trip?” crowd—this one’s for you. Because nothing kills holiday cheer faster than:

• Realizing your suitcase won’t close (and you haven’t even added shoes yet).
• The 11th-hour panic (“Do I need this sequin dress? What if there’s a surprise gala?!”).
• The airport sprint (gate-checking your dignity along with your overweight bag).

This year, my team and I made it our mission to crack the code on stress-free holiday travel—whether you’re escaping for a weekend or a full-blown winter getaway. Here’s how to survive (and maybe even enjoy) the journey.

Step 1: The Pre-Pack Purge

The “Would I Wear This at Home?” Test

That sparkly top you’ve never touched in your closet? The “just in case” heels? Nope. If you wouldn’t wear it on a random Tuesday, it doesn’t deserve suitcase space.

The Capsule Wardrobe Shortcut

Pick one color scheme (neutrals + one pop of color) and build around it. Example:

• 3 tops (one fancy, two casual)
• 2 bottoms (jeans + one other)
• 1 dress (holiday dinner-ready)
• 1 versatile jacket
• 2 shoes (boots + dressy flats)

Bonus: Roll clothes instead of folding—you’ll fit twice as much.

Step 2: The Bag Itself Matters

If Flying: The Carry-On Challenge

For trips under a week, one carry-on + a personal item is all you need. Why?
✔ No baggage fees.
✔ No lost-luggage panic.
✔ No dragging a 50-pound monster through cobblestone streets.

Pro Tip: Use packing cubes. They’re like Tetris for your suitcase.

If Road-Tripping: The “Essentials Only” Rule

Limit yourself to one duffel per person. Yes, even the kids. (They’ll survive with three toys instead of 30.)

Step 3: The Sanity-Saving Extras

For Your Suitcase:

• A foldable tote (for souvenirs or laundry).
• A portable charger (because “I’m at 1%” is not a holiday vibe).
• Mini toiletries (no, you don’t need the liter-sized shampoo).

For Your Soul:

• Download playlists/movies offline (airplane mode happens).
• Snacks. So many snacks. (Hunger = the ultimate mood killer.)
• **A *written list* of must-dos (so you’re not googling “best tacos in Austin” at midnight).

Step 4: The Mindset Shift

Repeat after me: You can buy it there.
Forgot toothpaste? Need an extra sweater? The world has stores. You are not being exiled to a desert island.

The Payoff

On our team’s test run, the difference was shocking:
✔ No baggage fees.
✔ No “I have nothing to wear” meltdowns (everything matched!).
✔ More time for actual fun (instead of unpacking a suitcase explosion).

Your Turn!

What’s your biggest packing vice? (I once brought three coats for a weekend. In LA.) Spill your sins—and wins!—below.

(P.S. Need packing cube recs? These changed my life.) ✈️