After dh's and my recent discussion, I thought it a good time to rewrite this post from the end of 2007 when our family spent it's first Christmas in Aruba. Each year when we travel, we pack our gifts, along with wrapping paper, scissors, gift tags and the much need scotch tape in order to wrap our gifts upon arrival at our destination. It is a pain in the neck, but the United States government in the form of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) likes it that way. It is a small price to pay to get our presents to Aruba. Just remember to pack the scissors in the suitcase and not the carry on.
Needless to say valuable gifts, as long as they are not liquids see my post from December 10, go into a carry on. We travel with TSA approved locks on our luggage, but still do not want to take the risk.
My parents are the ones who always wrap gifts prior to leaving home and just pack them into their checked luggage. My parents do not use locks and their gifts are never stolen, nor are they unwrapped. "Good for them" I always think. If it were us, of course, "if" our gifts were NOT stolen, then TSA would of course have unwrapped each and every one of them!
Again, round we go around this time of year about whether or not to take the chance. "Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage."
So once again, Jerry and I will be hurriedly wrapping gifts upon arrival in Aruba. Better than the alternative of staying home. And wrapping with an ice cold Balashi and a view of the ocean? Who cares?
Whether you are traveling to Aruba, or somewhere else for the holidays, then maybe you will also find this helpful: TSA's Holiday Checklist