Ten Items Not to Pack when Traveling for the Holidays

Getting ready to take a plane or a train for the holiday? Driving across the country or taking a bus? Whether you'll be skiing or flying in a zeppelin this holiday, here are a few things that will cause more harm than good if you take them on the road (or in the air).

1. Dainty Food Dishes

If you're traveling with food, it should probably be chips or an ugly-looking great-tasting casserole. I have some pretty bad memories of running through a Paris airport with delicate pastries in a cardboard container. By the time I got on the plane, all I had was smashed chocolate and a wasted $25.

2. Big Bottles of Liquid Beauty Products

In my experience, it's easier just to buy or borrow these items when you get to your destination. Airports now have bans on the size of liquid items that can be carried on. If you're planning on traveling in a large group, on a bus, or in any situation where your bags could get thrown around, it is extremely possible that the bottles will open or break. I've had it happen to me before, and when I got to my destination, I spent more money on doing wet laundry than I would have if I'd just planned on getting the items when I got there.

3. Smelly food, lotions, gum, etc.

Everybody can't stand that guy. You know the one I mean. He sits next to you on the bus with his foul smelling beef jerky. His overpowering cologne worsens your travel sickness on your nonstop to D.C. And her lip gloss smells like the cherry cough syrup that made you throw up when you were a kid. A good rule is smell it before you pack it. If there's any possible way it could possibly make someone else sick or uncomfortable leave it at home. It's not just a comfort thing. You never know who is a vegetarian who can't stand the smell of meat or who is allergic to scented lotions.

4. DVD and CD cases

People argue about the best thing since sliced bread, but I definitely think the CD and DVD zip-able carriers have to be up there. CDs and DVDs are probably going to be something you want to take with you, especially if they're not loaded on your Ipod, but by bringing their cases you loose room, and have a greater risk of loosing your music and movies. Zipping up a few CDs and DVDs in a carrying case is an easier, safer method of transporting them. But be wary about taking your whole collection, though. The more you take, the more likely you are to loose it.

5. Library Books

I know people that take them, but I've found that it's usually best not to do it. It's too easy to loose, damage, leave, or dirty them. Unlike loosing or damaging your own books, libraries charge a binding and coding fee, and usually it's not small.
6. Unnecessary Electronic Devices and Chargers

This is especially true when traveling to other countries with different wattages and electrical outlets than in the United States. Of course, there are some devices that you'll need to take, but if its for pleasure rather than necessity, give it a second thought. I've blown many an outlet in European hotels, and when I realized the voltage was too low for my laptop or phone charger I didn't use it for the rest of the trip anyway. Cell phones and Ipods can keep pretty high charges as long as you put them on battery save mode or hold. As for computers, internet cafes are everywhere now. You don't have to travel with them, but you can always check your e-mail from a public computer or your phone.

6. Things that will be provided at your final destination.

Many hotels provide complimentary amenities. If you're staying with friends and family over the holidays, chances are they'll have the essentials. There's something to be said about not relying on others, but you don't want to bring absolutely everything you'll be using. For instance, you'll probably be using a table or toilet sometime on your trip, but you don't need to bring them. This works for smaller things, too. Like hairdryers, dryer sheets, detergent, etc. If you're going to use things like this plan on buying them when you get there, borrowing others', or calling your hotels to see if they're provided. It's not fun to lug around a thousand pound suitcase, some airlines charge you if they're too heavy, and if you're traveling in a group, the two guys recruited to be the loaders and unloaders won't like you very much.

7. Nail Polish And Nail Polish Remover

There's nothing that's harder to get out of your clothes. And nothing that ruins them more quickly. Just don't bring it. There are nail salons on every corner; and a manicure's only about $15. If you need to paint your nails, take advantage of that option. Plus, it's fun!

8. Large Amounts of Cash.

Most places take plastic. It doesn't have to be a credit card. Most places now take debit cards, and most banks offer these cards for free. It's just not a good idea to carry a lot of cash. Not only is it easy to be lost or stolen, but also it's much easier to budget, keep track of your money, and control your spending when you use plastic. So, that way, you'll think about the ramifications of those $30 you spent on Ben and Jerry's during the seven hour layover.

9. Pets

I know, it's tough to live Fido, Puss, and Iggy the Iguana at home, but if you take them, it'll ten times as tough on you. There are great pet sitting services out there now. Take advantage of them!
10. Only One Bag

You should always carry at least one more bag than you will need. Make sure it is a bag that zips and can be checked if you're flying on an airplane. Materialism, sucks, right? But you still might need to bring back more than you took. Maybe it's cool rock from Arizona, Christmas presents from grandma, or old photographs your aunt wanted you to have. Also, you could run into some crazy airline rule on the way home. I did this in London. Suddenly, one personal item and one carryon bag translated into one bag, period. I saved my stuff by packing and checking that extra bag.