8 Holiday Packing Mistakes You Should Never Make
After some recent trips hopping on a plane everywhere from Paris and Rome to London and New York, I’ve put my packing skills to the test. Some of my suitcases have been major fails—like when I headed across over to Europe with far too few outfits I could wear for a winter holiday. But equally bad was a vacation later in the year when I overpacked and ended up with luggage full of wrinkled clothes.
So, if you’re heading on a holiday and want to employ only the most astute packing habits, which rules should you follow? Well, through some personal trial and error, I’ve discovered some holiday packing mistakes I’ll never make again, as well as some guidelines I’ll always follow. Ahead, I’m breaking down my travel packing rules and mistakes I avoid, as well as my packing list for holiday travel with the pieces that always land in my suitcase.
DON'T SKIP A CHECKED BAG
Over the holidays, you’re packing bulky winter clothes, so a checked bag is key. But make sure to bring a carry-on as well for your essentials.
DON'T PACK VALUABLES IN A CHECKED BAG
I’ve had several friends who have had designer bags and electronics stolen from checked luggage, so now I always make sure that I pack valuable items in my carry-on bag.
Don’t Go Overboard on Beauty Products
Beauty products are heavy and take up room in your bag, so keep it to the essentials. This three-step kit contains three SK-II bestsellers, including Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, the iconic Facial Treatment Essence, and R.N.A.POWER Cream, so you have all the essentials in one set.
DON'T SKIP ESSENTIALS IN A CARRY-ON
Other pieces that always go in my carry-on bag? An extra set of clothes and toiletry necessities in case anything happens to my checked luggage.
DON'T PACK A SMALL PERSONAL BAG
With carry-on bag sizes shrinking on airlines, it's often difficult to fit everything you need inside. My solution is to bring a personal bag that’s big enough to fit some extra pieces in.
DON'T PACK COSMETICS UNLESS THEY'RE TSA-APPROVED
There is nothing worse than having to part with cosmetics that don't meet TSA requirements. Now I only travel with liquids that are less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml), per the TSA regulations.
DON'T SKIP PACKING CUBES
Packing cubes have been one of the most game-changing techniques I’ve used for travel. I recently tried this set from Away for myself. What’s great is that they allow you to keep your pieces separated into categories like pajamas or T-shirts, so you can find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase.
DON'T PACK ITEMS UNLESS THEY WORK TOGETHER
Lastly, I always pack pieces that I can mix and match. My holiday wardrobe always includes lots of layers and bulkier pieces that take up valuable room in my suitcase, so I want to make sure each item will work for multiple outfits.
Next: See nine ways to boost your Instagram selfie likes.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
The 34 Revolve Items in My Cart Ahead of Holiday Party Season
I have every event on my cal covered.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding
-
The Best Party Shoes From Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Revolve (Yes, Flats Included)
For every event on your calendar.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's End
And the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Holiday Season Is Coming—29 Chic Party Dresses Under $300
Satin, velvet, and embellishments ahead.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
Romantic Lace! '80s Leather! H&M Studio's Holiday Drop Has 2025's Most Anticipated Trends
See Amelia Gray's handpicked edit.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
From Vintage Bags to Velvet Dresses—50 Elegant Holiday Party Pieces That Will Elevate Your Festive Look
Chic buys for the season.
By Judith Jones