Traveling with Holiday Gifts Can Be a Nightmare!

If you're opting to make your holiday count with a personal delivery instead of standing at the post office, then you're probably one of the millions who will end up at an over-crowded airport, fighting to get through security.

Here are some excellent tips that helped me out on surviving the horrors of jumping from terminal to terminal. They are ordered by importance and not necessarily the order you should do them. Read carefully!

Rule #1 - Timing is of the Essence

Arrive at least two hours prior to your flight departure. This is an absolute must! Free your schedule so you can make that trip and be there early enough to get through security. While flights are notorious for being delayed with snowstorms and weather conditions at this time of year, you can't count on that to arrive at your terminal in time to board the flight. Most airlines require you to complete your check-in, security and be ready at the terminal 20 minutes ahead of the flight.

Rule #2 - Packing Light

Pack accordingly. If you're going on a trip to visit a relative or a friend, it's likely that you'll be staying with them. Let's face it, you won't be packing light. Follow the basic guidelines that the airports set as far as liquids and items go. Spread them out on a small bag and set them at the very top so that the security check will go faster. Also, remember that most airlines have a luggage weight limit(typically set at less than 60lbs) and anything over the limit will have you slapping down extra cash for the trip.

Rule #3 - For Carry-Ons

If you're traveling with a carry-on, be sure to load it with ANY items that may be fragile-such as a laptop, video-game systems or toys that may get destroyed on a larger bag that you may have to check in. Fragile items and items of value should not be trusted with the baggage that gets check-in as the journey from you to the flight and back again is hardly what you'll call 'gentle'.

Be warned that the security typically requires you to remove electronic devices such as laptops out of the carry-on and into a tray by itself to be handled. So plan accordingly, follow the number one rule and arrive early to get past the checkpoint.

You also need to make sure that the carry-on can be securely placed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If you chose the front isle seats, you'll luck out as most planes do not have a space to store your carry-on in front of you. You will have to somehow put it in the overhead bin.

Don't carry your items in easily accessible and open gift bags or totes. If you can reach into it, it's likely that others can as well. If you're carrying a pre-wrapped gift, be sure to not let it out of your sight. Just know that if you leave it, they will surely steal it-it's easy to make off with an expensive iPod when you didn't have to pay for it and re-gifting is the option these days-so watch your belongings and secure them with a lock and key if necessary.

Rule #4 - Pick the type of Gifts Suitable for Travel

If you're going by Plane, Train or going on a road-trip to your destination, be sure to pick your gifts! The last thing you need is to be pulled over the road and get put behind bars for having a collectible sword! Pointy objects not withstanding, any items that pose a danger, be they a toy or the real deal, should be shipped through a postal service. Not on your carry-on or your trunk!

This rule may sound obvious, but you'll be surprised how many think that a toy gun for cowboys and Indians this Christmas is an OK travel item. Unfortunately, with the security level in the nation at an all time high, any suspicious activity on your part will get you in handcuffs first with no explanation until later. This is not how you would want your Holiday to work out. Avoid the stress. Be practical.

Rule #5 - Even Flights Need a Second Look

Shop around and find a deal on check-in luggage. Southwestern Airlines is offering free check-in for up to two bags with some weight limitations. That's at least one more than the usual at other airlines. You should shop around and look at the rates. Check out just how much it will cost you to carry the gifts with you instead of shipping it out ahead of your arrival. The best time to do it is as early as possible, instead of waiting until the last minute to book your flight, do your research and have the ticket in your hands.

Rule #6 - Lastly, keep Safe

The holidays bring out the best in people, but they also bring about the worst. Don't fall for sob or pity stories from people you meet in your travels as they often always leave you with a lot less than you came with. I'm a sucker for giving so I often fall for the tale of the lost wallet or the lost ticket. If you're feeling charitable and can part with a few dollars, that's fine. Just don't carry around a wallet full of cash that anyone can see when you're taking out to put a single dollar in the vending machine.

Be careful. Enjoy a safe holiday and enjoy the rewarding smiles from your gift giving!