Many of us might be travelling for Christmas this year. It is equally true however that some of us might be reconsidering our travel plans because of the ongoing Covid-19 situation, especially so in Europe. 

But there are still destinations that are open for travel and with all safety and Covid-19 protocols in place, you should be good to go. We have put together some tips to help you pack like a pro for your festive holiday, and we have also made sure to include some suggestions that you may want to consider given the nature of the pandemic. 

Here’s to happy travels, flights that land on time, and to discovering the many sights and sounds of Christmas across the world. From Christmas markets, mulled wine, tired feet and happy streets – may you safely experience a bit of everything!

A pack of Christmas cards

For all of our Christmas holidays, I have always taken along with me a couple of Christmas cards and I cannot tell you how useful they have proved to be. While every city would definitely have stationery and gift shops, it is incredibly convenient to not have to go looking for, or shopping for things whilst on a holiday, and it also helps avoid the last-minute high street crowds. 

For our holiday to Belgium, we stayed at an Airbnb in Bruges. Our host was very warm, and while it wasn’t planned, we ended up having the Christmas Eve dinner with her and her guests. (This included her daughter and her friends). We cooked a chicken curry for the guests, and once we were done with the cooking prep, I could write down the cards and place them under her Christmas tree. Our host was so thrilled to discover those cards in the morning!

Similarly, last year we found ourselves in Doorus near Kinvara (southwest of County Galway) for our festive break, and though we left before Christmas Day, I had a card to write our greetings in. When the host presented us with a card on the day we were leaving, I had mine ready too! She was so pleasantly surprised and loved the fact that I had come down, with my bags and all, and with a card and a handwritten note in tow. 

Small gifts and delicacies 

You can also pack some small gifts if your luggage allowance permits. Now these could be local delicacies or even a little souvenir from the country you call home. If you are spending Christmas at a hotel, or Airbnb and if you feel that the staff has been really warm and helpful, you can leave a gift along with the card for Christmas. They will really appreciate it, and you won’t feel like you have to go scouting for something at the last minute. 

In terms of local delicacies, look for those that have a longer shelf life - locally made jams or preserves, wildflower honey from your area, and even special cookies and shortbreads.

A Christmas jumper, a statement necklace and a nice top

A lot of travellers like to travel fuss-free, with minimal luggage and items of clothing. Some of us only tend to pack denims, tops, sweaters, and a sturdy pair of walking boots. But when you are travelling for Christmas, most places that you go out to dine at will have groups – family members, work colleagues or friends – all dressed up for their Christmas dinners and get-togethers. At times like that, you would want to wear something bright, festive and celebratory too. I suggest keeping one or two evening/occasion wear tops or Christmas jumpers along with appropriate footwear to go with it. Bonus points if you can pack a nice scarf because it can jazz up whatever you are wearing. Of course, if you are travelling somewhere tropical for Christmas, you can do away with the sweaters and jumpers, and just add a light-weight dress along with a soft shawl or an embroidered stole. 

Once at a restaurant, just close to the build up to Christmas, the staff handed out paper crowns. We all wore them with gusto, it just added to the festive spirit, and I was so glad that I had packed a top with little beads sewn onto it – because most diners were in silks and satins! What else did I wish I had packed? Just one statement necklace. It would have livened up most of my tops, and I would have looked all decked up for Christmas!

The tiniest angel or a piece of tinsel

Sometimes hotel rooms can be impersonal, and you want to do something to bring Christmas in, right to your bedroom. This is where a little piece of tinsel, a small angel or a battery powered candle that you have carried along with you, might help to make your temporary ‘home’ – aka the hotel room feel Christmassy and warm. Imagine being in your hotel room, after a sumptuous dinner, and curling up on your bed with hot chocolate or a nightcap with a tiny bit of festive décor being right there with you. It will not be the entire thing – fairy lights and scented candles, a Christmas tree and fresh flowers, a wreath and the comforting fragrance of pine needles, but even that one little piece of tinsel will certainly make a difference. 

Since we are living in uncertain times

The pandemic has changed the nature of travel, and this packing tip is to ensure that you don’t have to run around trying to locate a pharmacy in a different city or country if you feel that you have caught a cold or something. Please pack some strips of lozenges, over the counter medicine usually taken for flu or common cold, and a thermometer. People across the world are kind and helpful, but the pandemic has made everyone cautious and a little afraid.

We weren’t fearful of a little cold, cough or flu two years or so ago, but now everyone is, and for good reason. I remember, with much gratitude, that in Bruges, and in Istanbul, I was helped by our Airbnb host and the staff at the reception desk when my husband felt unwell. In Bruges, he caught a cold and in Istanbul, a sunstroke and in both these instances, we were taken to a pharmacy (in Istanbul it was at midnight!). But these were pre Covid times. I now always pack a few essential medicines along with me whenever we travel. While no one wants to fall sick when on holiday, these things happen and packing some over the counter cold and flu medicines is just helpful if it should happen.