The festive season is all about joy, togetherness… and, let’s be honest, sometimes a bit of travel-induced chaos. Whether you’re heading to the Alps for a white Christmas, jetting off for some winter sun, or visiting family across the UK, travelling during the holidays can feel more hectic than ho-ho-ho.
But don’t worry – we’re here to help! These are our top festive travel tips to make your trip go smoothly, so you can focus on making memories (and maybe eating your body weight in mince pies).
1. Wrap your gifts and luggage with care
There’s nothing quite like seeing beautifully wrapped presents tucked into your suitcase, all ready to surprise your loved ones on arrival. But before you channel your inner elf, here’s something to keep in mind: airport security doesn’t share the same appreciation for perfect wrapping.
If your gifts are tightly wrapped, security staff may need to open them during screening – and they won’t be nearly as neat about it. Save yourself the heartbreak (and the wasted wrapping paper) by keeping your presents unwrapped when you travel. Instead, pack a few sheets of festive paper or gift bags in your suitcase, and wrap them when you arrive.
Things to consider when packing gifts
Should you pack your gifts in your checked or hand luggage? Small, non-fragile items can go in your checked bag, wrapped in clothes for extra protection. Valuables or anything fragile? Keep them in your hand luggage – unwrapped – and make sure they meet carry-on rules.
A few holiday classics can be flagged or even confiscated, so it’s best to check before you pack. These include:
- Snow globes, as they contain liquid and are usually over 100ml
- Christmas crackers, even travel versions, are a no-no at many airports
- Liquids over 100ml, even if they’re gifts like perfume or mulled wine
If you’re heading to a busy airport or connecting through multiple destinations, consider a luggage strap or protective cover. Not only does it help keep your case secure, but it also makes it easier to spot on the carousel.
2. Arrive earlier than you think you need to
We all know one person who likes to saunter into the airport just as the gate closes… but festive travel is no time to test your luck.
Airports during the holiday season are like shopping centres on Christmas Eve – crowded and chaotic. Between longer queues and that one storm threatening to delay everything, giving yourself extra time isn’t just smart – it’s essential.
Why getting there early really pays off
There are plenty of good reasons to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, especially during the festive season, when things tend to get a little unpredictable.
- Check-in and bag drop queues are often longer, particularly if you’re travelling with gifts or bulky winter clothing.
- Security lines can move slowly due to the ongoing rollout of new scanners. Some airports are still upgrading, while others have temporarily gone back to older procedures.
- Unexpected delays are more common in December, with weather, staffing shortages, and sheer passenger volume all playing a role.
Always check your departure airport’s website the night before you travel. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect at security, especially when it comes to liquid restrictions and electronic devices.
3. Travel light (if you can!)
We get it – you want to bring the perfect outfit for every festive occasion, plus gifts, extra shoes, snacks for the journey, and that novelty jumper you wear once a year. But when it comes to Christmas travel, less really can be more.
Packing light doesn’t just save on luggage fees. It makes navigating busy airports, public transport, and snowy footpaths a whole lot easier.
Be savvy and save space
Travelling light helps you stay nimble and ready for anything, whether it’s dashing through a train station or squeezing your bag into an overhead locker. Plus, it means you’ll have less to unpack when you get back (arguably the best gift of all).
- Layer up. Instead of packing your bulkiest jumpers, go for light layers you can mix and match. A couple of base layers, a mid-layer, and one warm outer layer will see you through most climates – and it’s a great excuse to wear your cosiest coat on the plane.
- Roll, don’t fold. Rolling your clothes saves space and helps reduce wrinkles. And it leaves more room for those cheeky airport Toblerones or souvenirs from the Christmas market.
- Decant toiletries. Rather than bringing full-sized bottles, pack only what you’ll use. Use reusable travel-size containers for your essentials and save space and weight.
- Be shoe-savvy. Stick to one comfortable pair for day-to-day use and one dressier option if needed. Shoes are bulky and heavy – so be ruthless!
If you’re bringing gifts or planning to pick up a few festive treats while you’re away, leave some space in your bag on the way out. An expandable suitcase can help, or pack a foldable tote bag for extras on the return leg (just check your airline’s hand luggage policy first).
4. Keep everything handy
Between bustling terminals and security checks, the last thing you want is to be rifling through your bag trying to find your passport. Organisation is your best friend when you travel – especially at Christmas. Keeping your essentials close and easy to access can make the whole journey feel far less stressful.
What to keep within easy reach
Whether you’re flying solo or wrangling a family of five, keep these items handy in your hand luggage or personal bag:
- Passports and travel documents
- Boarding passes (printed and/or digital)
- Travel insurance details
- Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
- Snacks and a water bottle
- Phone, charger and headphones
- Hand sanitiser and face masks (still useful in crowded spaces)
- Entertainment for kids – books, colouring pads, small toys, or tablets
It’s always a good idea to keep digital copies of your most important documents stored securely on your phone. Think passport, insurance policy, itinerary, and hotel bookings. Upload them to a secure cloud service, and consider emailing them to yourself as well.
But don’t rely on tech alone – battery life can be fickle. Keep paper backups of your travel insurance, booking confirmations, and emergency contact numbers, just in case.
5. Make sure you’ve got travel insurance
It might not be the most festive thing on your to‑do list, but making sure you’re properly covered before you head off is one of the smartest ways to protect your Christmas plans. From lost luggage to unexpected medical issues, things can go wrong when you least expect them. During the busy holiday season, even small hiccups can have a big impact on your trip.
Travel insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on festive fun, not what‑ifs.
Why travel insurance matters at Christmas
December is a wonderful time to travel, but it also comes with a few extra risks:
- Weather disruptions are more common, which can lead to delays, cancellations, or missed connections.
- Baggage handling gets a little more chaotic with higher passenger volumes, increasing the chances of lost or delayed bags.
- Higher travel demand can make rebooking expensive if plans change unexpectedly.
- Festive activities like skiing, ice skating, or winter hikes often need specific cover.
A comprehensive policy can help you manage these challenges without the stress.
Wishing you stress-free travels this festive season
Wherever you’re heading this Christmas, a little planning can go a long way. From wrapping your gifts wisely to checking your travel insurance, these simple steps can help keep things calm.
So, pack smart, travel safe, and enjoy every moment of your festive getaway.