The Ultimate Checklist of Holiday Essentials for Your USA Christmas Getaway

Got a holiday trip coming up this year? The idea of a travel getaway definitely sounds like a lot of fun, but the packing part may be a major downer for some. There’s a challenge in having to fit everything in your suitcase. The worse part is you might forget a few holiday essentials that should have been packed in your luggage.  

However, one thing you should remember is that packing your travel bag shouldn’t be a burden at all. As long as you prepare ahead of time and keep a complete checklist as you go through it, then you’re off to a joyful holiday getaway without worries. From your beauty kits to outfits, to toiletries, consider this ultimate travel essentials list as your best friend, providing guidance in your packing routine.  

The Complete List: 23 Holiday Essentials for Your Getaway

THE BASIC ESSENTIALS FOR ANY HOLIDAY TRAVEL

1. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

The last thing you’d want is to start hitting the road only to realize you’ve forgotten to include the necessary travel documents in your hand luggage. Especially if you’re planning on travelling overseas, these are the items that should never go missing on your essentials. Here is a quick rundown of all the documents you might need. 

LIST OF THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO TAKE ON YOUR CHRISTMAS GETAWAY

• Passport
• Visa
• Driving licence 
• Code for hire car (if applicable)
• Plane ticket 
• The boarding pass or itinerary
• Travelcard or Oyster card (if you have any)
• Insurance documents
• Other valid IDs
• Emergency contact details

Tip: Email yourself a scanned version of the documents in case you lose or misplace the hard copy. 

2. VALUABLES 

You probably don’t want to go on your holiday trip with an empty pocket. Make sure to bring all your financial items, including your wallet, keys, cash, credit and debit cards. 

Double-check the expiration date of these cards and inform your bank before leaving. For destinations abroad, give a list of countries you’ll visit and the schedule of your travel to guarantee that your cards are free from being flagged as a fraud risk.  

3. GADGETS AND TECH

Long flights and road trips can be boring. Having your gadgets by your side will not only ensure that you keep yourself entertained, but it will also allow you to document your travel activities for keepsakes. Moreover, you will be needing your mobile phone for.

GADGETS TO INCLUDE ON YOUR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

• Mobile phone 
• Earphones or headphones
• Plug adaptors
• Music player
• Laptop or tablet (if necessary)
• Camera 
• Batteries
• Electronic chargers

4. READING AND WRITING MATERIALS

Bookworms especially love to carry these wherever they go. Aside from your gadgets, you might also want to leave room for other mediums of entertainment such as magazines, pens and books, or a travel guide or phrasebook of the place you’re visiting. To add more fun, consider taking playing cards with you. 

5. CLOTHES 

Pack enough pieces of clothes to last throughout your holiday stay. However, you have to avoid overpacking as well. Ask your hotel if they allow laundering so you can wash and reuse some items in case you run out of clothes to wear. Don’t forget to bring your underwear, socks, jackets, and pyjamas. 

Note: Remember to dress accordingly to the weather conditions. 

6. TOILETRIES 

Of course, who would forget their bathroom basics? These items should automatically be part of your travel must-haves for grooming and sanitation. 

ESSENTIAL TOILETRIES FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TRIP 

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Deodorant
• Tissues or wet wipes
• Hand gel              
• Lotion  
• Sun Block (if heading to warm destinations)                             

Tip: For easy packing, opt for small and portable containers instead of buying regular-sized toiletries. Put them in a sealable plastic bag or travel cubes. 

7. GLOVES AND SCARVES

If you’re off to a temperate zone this Christmas, part of your travel must-haves are gloves, scarves, and hats to help you combat the shivers.  

8. SHOES 

Another must-have travel essential is a pair of comfortable shoes. It’s the not-so-secret weapon to help you survive the walking game of holiday travels. It doesn’t have to be fashionable, as long as you’re fine wearing them several days in a row. However, if dining out and special events are part of your plans, add a stylish pair as well. 

Also, don’t forget to pack slippers or sandals, especially if you’re planning on a beach or watersport holidays. 

Tip: Wear heavier shoes at the airport so they won’t take up a lot of room in your luggage. Consider using travel shoe trees to prevent your shoes from being squashed in your bag. 

9. SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Always leave room for your skincare kit travel essentials as your skin might be prone to drying up, dirt buildup, and other weather-related skin problems. So ready your treasured face wash, moisturiser, face oils, eye cream and the like. You can’t rely on finding the same products overseas.

10. MAKE-UP KIT

Not having your beauty essentials within arms reach is already a burden in itself. Ladies know exactly how difficult it is to not be able to conceal blemishes. Or even to just moisturise chapped lips. When travelling, it is never a bad idea to flaunt your best and picture-perfect looks. So sort out your make-up kit and zip it in your luggage. 

11. SHAVING SUPPLIES

Bring your razor and shaving gel to steer clear of any undesirable hair.    

12. HAIR CARE ESSENTIALS 

The last thing you’d probably want is to end up looking stressed and haggard on your holiday pictures. Tame the frizz with your essential hair care products and appliances. 

HAIR APPLIANCES AND PRODUCTS TO TAKE THIS HOLIDAY TRIP

• Hairbrush or comb
• Hairbands and clips
• Hair curler or straightener
• Hair spray or gel

13. FEMININE HYGIENE

Don’t let your monthly period ruin a supposedly joyful Christmas getaway. Store stocks of tampons and napkins in your luggage so you’re always prepared for ‘those days’.  

14. MICROFIBER TOWEL 

In general, towels can be bulky. Props to microfiber towels, you can now go on your Christmas trip without having to worry about the luggage space. These materials are ideal for travels since they are much lighter and can dry up faster. 

15. VITAMINS 

It’s important to protect your immune system, especially if you’re off to a country with a different time zone. Plus, holiday trips can undeniably be tiring. Keeping vitamin supplies in your luggage will do your body some favour. 

16. MEDICINES

If you need to take prescribed medicines on a regular basis, include these tablets in your essentials. Also, never neglect to bring remedies for headaches, fever and allergies such as paracetamol, antihistamines, pain relievers, and more. It’s better to be ready for any health issue that may arise. 

Note: Don’t forget to check the laws about medicine prescription and prohibitions in the places you wish to travel.    

17. FIRST AID KIT 

Being extra prepared, even for untoward circumstances, is the key to making the most out of your holiday getaway. You don’t have to bring your entire first aid kit. Just have the plasters, bandages, insect repellants, and sufficient antiseptic or wipes ready in case of emergencies. 

18. SLEEP KITS

Hours of travel mean plenty of time for a nap. Make it a habit to bring an eye mask, travel pillow and earplugs for a sound sleep during your trip. Not only will it keep the eyebags away, but it will also help you maintain a bright mood throughout. 

19. WATER BOTTLE 

Stay hydrated and carry a light refillable bottle wherever you go. Metal water containers are more advisable since they are cleaner and can last much longer as compared to plastic materials. 

We Recommend:

TRAVEL MUG HAPPY FACE 470ML

S’WELL STEEL VACUUM INSULATED WATER BOTTLES

20. UMBRELLA 

An umbrella can come in handy, be it on a sunny or rainy day. Go for light-sized umbrellas that you can easily insert on the side pockets of your backpack. 

21. SMALL HANDBAG

For short strolls outside, a small bag for your valuables is your friend. Never carry your wallet and gadgets in your bare hands when wandering outdoors. 

22. LAUNDRY BAG 

Ready spare plastic bags for your dirty laundry. You don’t want the dirt and odour to mix with your fresh, unused clothes. 

23. SEWING KIT

Whether you’ve indulged too much in pigging out this holidays, or you simply undermined your actual body size, fabric runs and rips have ways to ruin a good day. You’ll never know when you’ll need it so just keep a sewing kit in your holiday essentials to prevent any wardrobe malfunction no matter how mild it is. 

HOLIDAY CAMPING EXTRA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

If you’re up to spend the holidays outdoors where nature and fresh air await, then a holiday camping is for you! To complete your packing checklist, add these to the mentioned holiday essentials for your camping getaway. 

• Thick jacket
• Tent 
• Hiking boots
• Sleeping mat
• Blanket
• Hiking backpack 
• Trainers
• Map or compass
• Match 
• Torch 
• Pillow
• Jumper
• Eating utensils 
• Hot water flasks 
• Paper towels 
• Insect repellent
• Flashlight 
• Food cooler
• Garbage bags
• Rain gear
• Entertainment (such as speakers, iPod, and forms of games)
• Small snacks

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL MUST-HAVES FOR A BEACH HOLIDAY TRIP

Planning to hit the beach this holiday season? The idea is undoubtedly fun in itself. However, you need to note that this type of getaway requires a few extras on your basic travel essentials list.

Here is a quick rundown of the things that you should add in your luggage. 

• Sunglasses
• Swimming Outfit 
• Cover-up dress
• Sun hat 
• Goggles
• Beach Bag 
• Lightweight Scarf
• Towel 
• Wetsuit
• Insect repellent
• Sun cream
• Underwater camera

TRAVEL BEAUTY ESSENTIALS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS

COOLA TRAVEL SPF30 SUNSCREEN SPRAY PINA COLADA 100ML

Cover your body with sheer, water- and sweat-resistant organic formula that packs antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients with no greasy feel or any slippery residue.

UKA TRAVEL! NIGHTY NIGHT HAIRCARE SET

This set includes a shampoo and treatment that are naturally formulated to detoxify the scalp and keep it clean. It helps repair damages to leave hair shiny, glossy, strong, and manageable. 

OMOROVICZA THE GREAT ESCAPE KIT

Whatever your travel plan is, get all your essentials ready with this kit. Includes a cleansing form, mist, emulsion, vitamin C, and peel.

SUSANNE KAUFMANN BODY TRAVEL KIT

Grab this beautifully packaged kit that’s perfect for air travel. This travel kit includes shampoo, hand and body lotion, oil bath, and leg and vein spray.

KAHINA GIVING BEAUTY TRAVEL BASICS

Keep your skincare regimen in shape with the Kahina Travel Basics. Available in handy travel size 30ml containers, the kit contains Kahina Facial Cleanser, Argan Oil, and Facial Lotion.

GROWN ALCHEMIST TRAVEL KIT

Say goodbye to your beauty worries while travelling with this kit from Grown Alchemist. Comes complete with facial and body cleanser, body cream, shampoo and conditioner, hand cream, facial exfoliant, and hydra repair day cream.

INDIE LEE 

A travel-ready collection formulated to wash away impurities, CoQ-10 Toner to hydrate, rebalance and protect against environmental stressors and Active Oil Free Moisturizer to hydrate, calm and rebalance your skin. Contains: 30mL Purifying Face Wash, 30mL CoQ-10 Toner and 10mL Active Oil-Free Moisturizer

The Christmas season gives you the excuse to plan a holiday with your loved ones. Don’t forget your holiday essentials to ensure a hassle-free and unforgettable Christmas getaway!

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