Vicky Gudino

Tips for Packing your Car for the Holidays

Knowing what you are going to put into your suitcase is only half of the battle when it comes to effectively packing your car for the holidays. While you want to be selective of what goes into the suitcases and the number of them, there is likely to be plenty more than you will have to concern yourself with. The size of your vehicle is going to realistically determine what you can take and what will have to be left behind.

It is important to place heavier items on the bottom so they won’t crush larger items. You never know where things will end up after several sharp curves or having to slam on your breaks because someone else isn’t paying close attention on the road. If you have breakable items you will need to make sure they are packed very securely. For those of you traveling with Christmas presents, do your best to hide them in the trunk area. Even if you lock your vehicle when you stop someone may decide they want to break a window to take what you have.

You might want to consider using plastic crates or plastic storage containers with tight lids. This will allow you to fill them up and then stack them in your vehicle. It can offer you more room. If you are traveling for the Christmas holiday make sure you have plenty of room in your vehicle that your family will receive while you are visiting your family.

It is vital that you pack your car for holiday travel in a manner that allows you to be able to see out of all the windows. Blocking your view of the road is simply something you don’t want to get involved with. This can lead to a ticket from law enforcement or to you being involved in an accident.

If you simply don’t have enough room in your vehicle then you need to buy or rent a storage compartment that goes on the top of your vehicle. These aren’t very expensive and you will find they are very handy for more than just holiday travel. You can use them when you go on a vacation, fishing, or camping.

Another option is to rent a larger vehicle or a van for your holiday travel. Not only will you have more room to pack everything you need, but you will be able to not worry about breaking down or anything. Should the vehicle be damaged in an accident or breakdown the rental company will get you another one and you can continue on your way.

You will likely need several items to be accessible so think about that before you pack. You don’t want to have to unload your entire vehicle when you stop for the night or to get to something important. If you have a hotel reserved for the half way point of your trip pack one suitcase with clothing for everyone to change into the next day. This way you eliminate having to carry in several suitcases and having to repack your car the next morning.

Pockets and pouches for your car are a great idea when you are traveling for the holidays. Most of them strap to the back of the seat. You can easily store your map and other navigational tools there. Children can also use them for their activities as you don’t want them unbuckling their seatbelt to get to them while the vehicle is in motion.

Many people pack their purse into their travel gear but you want to place it where you can easily reach it. This way you can get to your identification if you are pulled over and you have access to money if you need to buy something. Since you never know if children or adults will get ill on the trip make sure you pack some basic items including aspirin, chewable medicine for children, and chewable medicine for upset stomachs. This will make the entire trip for holiday travel much easier.

About the Author

Get more great Travel
Tips. Visit Product Reviews and Recommendations before you buy any products online.

Amy’s review of new seatbelt bag

JASON LOPER BUMPY RIDE BAG PURSE – HAND CRAFTED WITH GM SEATBELT $9.90

SEATBELT TYPE CROSS BODY BAG PRETTY HSNDBAG PURSE messenger bag $24.99

SEATBELT TOTE BAG STYLE PRETTY HSNDBAG PURSE MULTI COLOR $39.99

SEATBELT TOTE BAG UNIQUE STYLE&handbag purse $39.99

SEATBELT STYLE TOTE BAG UNIQUE PRETTY HSNDBAG PURSE $39.99

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS TEAL BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG WITH HANDLE ADJUSTABLE $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS TAN BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG WITH HANDLE ADJUSTABLE $78.95

New Maggie Bags Purple & Yellow Recycled Seat Belt Purse Small Duffel Totebag $58.00

New Maggie Bags Recycled Seat Belt Purse Totebag $58.00

MAGGIE BAGS SMALL ORANGE MESSENGER CROSS BODY RECYCLED SEATBELT PURSE LONG STRAP $86.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BLACK BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG 2 HANDLE ADJUSTABLE $78.95

Harvey’s Seatbelt Bag Large Tote Bag Purse, Red NWT $118.00

HARVEYS SEATBELT BAG MINNIE WRISTLET & COIN PURSE PLATINUM NWT ORIGINAL PKG. $24.62

Navy Blue seat belt purse $12.49

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BACKPACK LIGHT GRAY SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS CHOCOLATE BROWN HOBO BAG RECYCLED SEAT BELT CLUTCH PURSE BAG $97.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BACKPACK BRIGHT FUSHIA PINK SEATBELT PURSE BACK PACK BOOK BAG $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS CAMPUS TOTE RECYCLED BAG SEATBELT PURSE $78.99

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BLACK BACKPACK BACK PACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BOOK BAG $78.95

HARVEYS SEATBELT BAG PURSE HANDBAG TRAIL MIX LIMITED EDITION NEW NWT #200 $61.00

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BLACK/GRAY BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG HANDLE & STRAPS $78.95

MAGGIE BAGS SEATBELT PURSE BLACK &GRAY SMALL SHOPPER TOTE BAG RECYCLED $70.00

MAGGIE BAGS’ BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS DARK GREEN MEDIUM TOTE BAG RECYCLED SEATBELT PURSE $74.00

NEW MAGGIE BAGS SEATBELT HOBO BAG RECYCLED SEAT BELT PURSE $97.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS TAN SEAT BELT PURSE MESSENGER BAG LONG ADJUSTABLE STRAP RECYCLED $79.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BLACK BACKPACK REAL SEATBELT SEAT BELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BROWN SEAT BELT SEATBELT CLUTCH WALLET RECYCLED BAG PURSE $49.98

NEW MAGGIE BAGS HOBO BAG RECYCLED BEIGE REAL SEAT BELT SEATBELT PURSE HANDBAG $97.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS SILVER/GRAY BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG HANDLE STRAPS $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS LIME GREEN BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG WITH HANDLE $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS HOBO BAG PINK & BROWN RECYCLED SEATBELT SEAT BELT PURSE HANDBAG $97.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BACKPACK BRIGHT PINK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG HANDLE & STRAPS $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS CAMPUS TOTE RECYCLED BAG SEATBELT PURSE $78.99

NEW MAGGIE BAGS DURABLE TRAVEL COSMETIC BAG SEATBELT PURSE BRIGHT MULTI-COLOR $34.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS MEDIUM BROWN TOTE BAG RECYCLED SEATBELT SEAT BELT PURSE $74.00

*NEW MAGGIE BAGS BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG* $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS HOT PINK FUCHSIA HOBO BAG RECYCLED SEAT BELT HANDBAG PURSE $97.95

NEW MAGGIE BAG LIME GREEN SEATBELT PURSE MESSENGER BAG CROSS THE BODY LONG STRAP $79.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS TAN BACK PACK SEAT BELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG WITH HANDLE & STRAPS $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS SEAT BELT PURSE USA TOTE BAG RED WHITE BLUE PATRIOTIC RECYCLED $62.00

NEW! MAGGIE BAGS BLACK BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG HANDLE & STRAPS $78.95

NEW! MAGGIE BAGS GRAY BACK PACK SEAT BELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS SMALL ZIPPER POUCH COSMETIC BAG SEATBELT PURSE WALLET COLORFUL $29.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS BRIGHT PINK BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG HANDLE &STRAPS $78.95

NEW MAGGIE BAGS GREY 2 TONE BACKPACK SEATBELT PURSE RECYCLED BAG HANDLE $78.95

HARVEyS SEATBELT pink/burgundy limited edition handbag purse $122.50

Lighted Willow Branch 60-Lights Small-Bulb $19.95 Be Creative, enhance and brighten any home! These lights are flexible and can be shaped and reshaped over and over to easily fit into any vase or simply add them to your existing silk or dried floral arrangements. The beauty lights will give you years of enjoyment. UL and CUL approved….

Ed Hardy Love Kills Slowly Seat Belt Shoulder Pads 2-pc Set (Pair) $9.99 Licensed Ed Hardy “Love Kills Slowly” seat belt shoulder pads come in a 2-pc set. They are black in color and match the other Ed Hardy Love Kills Slowly accessories. They relieve rubbing and chafing, are easy to slip on and are very versatile as they can be used on seat belts, luggage, golf bags, backpacks, purses and more….

Volkswagen Seatbelt Buckle Key Chain $10.88 Brand new licensed product….

Chevrolet Seatbelt Buckle Belt $21.99 “Chevrolet Seat Belt Buckle Style with Belt, official licensed product, adjustable up to 44″”"…

Harveys Seatbelt Bags Mini Wristlet An adorable wristlet that doubles as an attachable coin purse. Attaches to the interior D ring in most Seatbeltbags….

Harveys Seatbelt Bags Minnie Wristlet & Coin Purse Treecycle $38.00 This Harveys Seatbelt Minnie Wristlet is a great accessory that would go great with any Harveys Seatbelt Bag. This wristlet is made of durable automotive seatbelt and will look great when your carrying it around town. This minnie purse is an adorable wristlet that can be used as a coin purse and is a great accessory that attaches to the interior D ring in most Seatbelt bags. The wristlet is fully …

HARVEYS Large Tote $128.00 Harveys Seatbelt Bags offers a wide variety of trendy, durable handbags and accessories. Each bag is made of 100% Authentic Seatbelt, the same stuff you trust your life with, and is held together by NASA grade Nylon thread!…

Ford Mustang Seat Belt Purse With Black/Silver Webbing Strap Buckle Down Bdfmsbpbs $38.50 Ford Mustang Seat Belt Purse with Black/Silver Webbing Strap Buckle Down BDFMSBPBS…

Maggie Bags Recycled Seatbelt Medium Tote-bag $70.00 Double straps on this medium sized bag fee great on your shoulder. -Super durable recycled seat belt webbing. -Signature purple satin lining with a zippered pocket, cell phone pocket, pen pockets, and key pockets. -Four nickel plated feet on the bottom. -YKK zippers. -Dimensions: 8.5” H x 12.5” W x 5” D….

Harveys Seatbelt Bags Minnie Wristlet & Coin Purse Black $38 This Harveys Seatbelt Minnie Wristlet is a great accessory that would go great with any Harveys Seatbelt Bag. This wristlet is made of durable automotive seatbelt and will look great when your carrying it around town. This minnie purse is an adorable wristlet that can be used as a coin purse and is a great accessory that attaches to the interior D ring in most Seatbelt bags. The wristlet is fully lined with Harveys camo monogram nylon and 11″ chrome chain with a 5.5″ drop. The zipper top ensures that all of your items inside the wristlet are safe and secure.

Harveys Seatbelt Bags Minnie Wristlet & Coin Purse Tough Love $66 When the goin’ gets tough, the tough get tough love from Harveys Seatbelt Bags. This wristlet is a horizontally stitched bag with Rose and Merlot Seatbelts, joined by red leather Heart patch. This minnie purse is an adorable wristlet that can be used as a coin purse and is a great accessory that attaches to the interior D ring in most Seatbelt bags. The wristlet is fully lined with Harveys camo monogram nylon and 11″ chrome chain with a 5.5″ drop. The zipper top ensures that all of your items inside the wristlet are safe and secure.

Fasten Your Financial Seatbelt $11.16 Fasten Your Financial Seatbelt

Purse $49.99 Bernard Purse – Giclee Print

The Purse $5.99 Jennifer Pugh The Purse – Art Print

Seatbelt Styling Pad $5.99 Seatbelt Styling Pad; 1 Pair; Yellow;

Sunflower Purse $12.99 Sunflower Purse

Strawberry Purse $12.99 Includes: Purse

Cleopatra Purse $16.99 Includes purse.