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37 Packing Hacks: The Best Travel Hacks For Packing

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Packing hacks are the best way to take your travel game to the next level. We have rounded up the top travel packing hacks designed to save you space, time and money – so you can focus your energy on enjoying your trip. Clever and inventive, packing hacks for traveling will enhance your packing skills and overall travel savviness.

37 Best Travel Packing Hacks

I used to be terrible at packing for trips; first I was an over-packer, then an under-packer. Now, as a full-time world traveler, I rely on packing hacks for travel to keep me organized and efficient on travel days. Some hacks for packing have become so ingrained in our travel routine that packing without them is unimaginable.

Our Travel Hacks For Packing

Our list of packing hacks ranges from absolute game changers to creative tricks. Some are tried-and-true traveling hacks for packing, while others are insider tips we gleaned from expert travelers. These packing hacks will work for all travelers – so whether you are seeking backpack hacks or cruise packing hacks, you will surely find a few gems on our list.

We have categorized our list into three sections: Hacks for Packing Clothes, Toiletry Hacks, Carry On Hacks and a few miscellaneous tips, too. This is a mega list of the best packing life hacks – so grab your coffee and settle in.

Get started now with your FREE Packing Checklist !

Clothing Packing Hacks

Because clothing is the main component to packing, we are kicking off our list with hacks for packing clothes.

#1 Packing Cubes Hacks

Of all luggage packing hacks, packing with Packing Cubes ranks most supreme. Providing organization and structure to your suitcase or backpack, Packing Cubes are space-saving superstars. The cubes come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials – all of which need to be considered in order to attain your ultimate packing goal.

Pro Tip : We discuss the different kinds of cubes – and the best packing cube hacks – in detail in our post: Ways Packing Cubes make Travel Easier . 

#2 Cheap Packing Travel Hacks

While Packing Cubes are – hands down – one of the best packing hacks that we use, Packing Cubes are pricey! Personally, we think they are worth every single cent. However, if you are not ready to take the plunge and buy some, rather than packing using Packing Cubes, try Ziplock Bags. This is one of the top travel organization hacks that will save space in your suitcase. 

Gallon-size bags are ideal for organization and compression; however, unlike the quality Packing Cubes we use, Ziplocks have an incredibly short lifespan.

Pro Tip : I used to pack using Ziplocks (before I learned how incredible actual Packing Cubes are!). I would pack one complete outfit in each gallon bag and label it so I could easily find the outfit I was looking for. On the way home from vacation, I used the zip-top bags for my dirty laundry, too!

#3 Clothes-Rolling, Space-Saving Packing Hacks

Rolling clothes – rather than folding them – has long been one of the best suitcase packing hacks for saving space. Travelers can either roll each item individually – or, take it up a notch, and roll an entire outfit (pants, shirt, socks and underwear) together. By rolling a complete outfit, your suitcase becomes a grab-and-go destination when getting ready for the day’s adventure.

Pro Tip : For a tighter roll that stays together, use a ‘military roll’ or hair ties to secure the rolled clothing. If you use hair ties, you will also have backups if you lose or break one on your trip. (Plain rubber bands can be used, too, if you don’t use hair elastics.)

Roll vs Fold Debate

While many travelers rave about the benefits of rolling, it is not one of the packing luggage hacks that we use for our shirts and pants. We find that rolling is time consuming – and although many travelers claim that it can save even more space to pack rolled clothes in Packing Cubes, we have not found that to be true.

That said, the one item of clothing I do roll is my bikini underwear . I start by folding the underwear into thirds – folding each side in to the width of my small Packing Cube. Then, starting at the bottom, I roll up to the waistline. This is actually one of my airport hacks, as much as it is a packing hack, because this way, if my undergarment Packing Cube gets tagged for inspection, the agent rifling through my clothes will be less likely to touch the part of the panties that goes against my skin.

Pro Tip : Another clothes packing hack for underwear is to pack quick drying underwear that will be easy to wash in the sink and dry fast – if need be. A brand that fellow travelers love is Ex-Officio , but I prefer inexpensive and functional Fruit of the Loom . We talk more about clothing materials in a minute!

#4 Folding Hacks for Packing

If you are like us and decide to fold your clothes (instead of roll), then it is key to fold all of your clothing to the exact same size. After spending 10 years working in retail, I am fairly skilled at folding random sized clothing into neat stacks. However, for travelers who find it challenging, one of the packing folding hacks is to use a Folding Board , which will ensure you get a perfect fold on every piece of clothing.

Pro Tip: One of the great business travel packing hacks is to fold your delicate work clothes in dry cleaning bags as it will help eliminate wrinkles on arrival!

#5 Packing Hacks: Travel Clothing

One of the top packing clothes hacks for traveling is to only pack clothing that travels well. There are numerous clothing lines that are designed specifically for traveling, but most travelers don’t need to get that technical – and many items you already own might fit the bill.

The features of clothing that are most important when it comes to packing are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, odor-eliminating, wrinkle-resistant and washable clothing items.

That said, if you do pack clothing that wrinkles, bring travel-size Wrinkle Release Spray  to avoid having to iron on vacation.

Pro Tip : While the right clothing material is essential for travelers, it is equally important to pack clothing that you like and are comfortable wearing…because if it is not comfortable, it will likely stay folded in your suitcase. I share more tips about my packing experience for full-time travel in My Long-Term Travel Packing List: What I Pack To Travel the World .

#6 Pack Multi-Functional Clothing

There are no better packing hacks for traveling light than packing versatile and multi-functional clothing. One of the most useful items I have in my backpack is my wrap – and it has about a million uses.

I have used it as a scarf, a beach cover up, a bath towel, a picnic blanket, a pillow cover, a bedsheet, a head cover, an ear cover, an eye cover, a curtain and a bus seat cover…just to name a few. As long as the wrap is lightweight, dark and washable, the possibilities are endless.

Convertible clothing – like this dress/skirt combo – are awesome packing hacks to save space. Other clothing that can be multi-function are yoga pants (which can double as sleepwear), leggings (which can be layered in cool weather), a casual dress (which can be a beach cover up) and bikini tops (which can be worn as a bra).

Pro Tip : A pillowcase is another good item to pack that is multi-functional. Use it to cover the pillow you sleep on in your accommodations, then fill it with dirty clothes for the trip home.

#7 Capsule Clothing Packing Travel Hacks

Packing a capsule wardrobe is one of the smart packing hacks used by travelers. 

To assemble a capsule wardrobe, first, choose a color scheme of similar shades – like black, dark blue and shades of purple – and only pack clothing that falls into the color palette. Each item – tops and bottoms – need to be able to be mixed, matched and layered with all other items. Outfits can be accessorized with colorful scarves and jewelry.

By using this trip hack, you can pack minimal pieces of clothing that can be combined to make numerous different outfits. Done right, it is one of the space saving packing hacks that allows travelers to pack carry-on luggage only. 

In addition to coordinating my entire wardrobe, one item that I always like to pack is a black skirt . It is something that is comfortable and casual for sightseeing, but can be dressed up with a nicer shirt and a scarf for going out in the evening.

Pro Tip : A life hack for packing clothes for a vacation is to use the Countdown Rule. For example, if you are taking a 5-day trip, pack 5 shirts, 4 pants (or shorts/skirts), 3 dresses, 2 pairs of shoes and 1 colorful scarf (or bold piece of jewelry). Additionally, pack one pair of underwear for every day of the trip, but only one set of pajamas.

#8 Clothes Packing Hacks for Vacation

One of the simple traveling packing hacks that is often overlooked is Destination Research. What I mean by this is that, before you start packing and choosing clothes for your trip, first check the weather forecast for your destination. Also, gain some insight to the destination’s clothing culture and have a basic understanding of what apparel is acceptable at tourist destinations, religious sites, restaurants and clubs.

Pro Tip : Use your itinerary to help decide what clothes to bring. How the Packing Hacks Travel Itinerary works is that, based on your planned activities that you select in advance of your trip, you determine which outfit to wear for each day of your trip. (To book your activities in advance, we use Viator !)

#9 Clever Packing Hacks for Clothing

One of the life hacks for packing that we have long used – and is commonly used by fellow travelers – is to pack clothing items for a trip that you no longer want to keep. After you wear them on your trip, you can donate the clothing at your destination (or, if there is really no life left in the item, just toss it!). This is an especially good tip for families traveling with growing kids.

Pro Tip : One of the truly Travel Light hacks is to reverse this idea slightly. When you leave for vacation, only pack personal items – like undergarments and toiletries. On arrival at your destination, make your first stop a thrift shop and buy new-to-me clothes for the entire trip. On the last day of the vacation, return to the thrift shop and donate all of the clothing back to the store. We have never personally used this hack – but heard about it from a fellow traveler and love the concept!

#10 Travel Hacks for Packing Shoes

To save suitcase space, on any trip, for any length of time, only ever pack three pairs of shoes – I even follow this rule as a full-time traveler! All shoes should be comfortable to wear for long days of sightseeing and, more importantly, they need to go with all the outfits that you are packing. (This idea goes back to the capsule wardrobe method!)

For more travel shoe tips, read our blog post, The Best Shoes for Traveling .

Pro Tip : A good way to keep grimy shoes from dirtying up the inside of your luggage and one of the little genius packing hacks is to fit disposable shower caps (the kind that are free at many hotels) over the sole of the shoe before you put them in your bag. The empty space inside your shoes can also be used to store items – like deodorant and shaving cream, just put it in a resealable bag first.

Resealable bags are one of our essentials for packing. They come in handy for everything from an open bag of snacks to your wet bathing suit on a travel day. Find out more tips in our blog post, Everyday Items for Traveling . 

#11 Clothing Airport Hacks

One of the ingenious suitcase packing hacks to save space is to actually wear your bulkiest items, especially on long travel days . In fact, this is one of the top Carry On Only travel hacks. Rather than using valuable luggage space to pack your coat and boots, wear them on the plane! Tie a sweatshirt around your waist or wear layers that can easily be removed once seated on the plane.

Pro Tip : Another one of the travel packing hacks that can save space inside your luggage is tying your shoes or flip flops to the outside of your carry on bag. This also applies if you carry a water bottle…simply clip it to the exterior of your bag if possible…or better yet, travel with a collapsible water bottle .

#12 Hacks for Packing a Suitcase…Without Over-Packing

Over-packing is a downfall for many travelers – it certainly was for me when I was a novice traveler. But I have learned what an absolute drag over-packing can be. It can weigh you down (literally) when lugging your suitcase through an airport, down a cobblestone street and up the stairs of a boutique hotel.

One of the best life hacks for traveling and packing – or rather not over-packing – is to simply commit to packing in a carry on size suitcase. By limiting the amount of room you have, you will be less tempted to over pack, which is much more sensible! We discuss more specific carry on packing hacks later in the post!

Pro Tip: If you are checking luggage, invest in an affordable luggage scale to ensure you don’t go over the weight limit. You don’t want to be surprised at the beginning of your trip with an extra charge!

Everything we pack for world travel fits in a Carry On size backpack! Find out what we pack: The Ultimate Packing List .

#13 Packing Suitcase Hacks

We pack in backpacks, but one of the best suitcase hacks I ever heard was to shift your perspective of your suitcase. Rather than packing stacks of clothing horizontally into the suitcase, pack vertically, from the wheels up.

Another one of the best Packing a Suitcase hacks is to take this idea one step further. Pack vertically, but pack complete outfits and stack them in the order that you plan to wear them (according to your itinerary!). This way, when you get ready each day, all you need to do is grab the outfit from the top!

Pro Tip : Don’t let any space go unused! One of the long time travel hacks packing tips is to take advantage of small crevices in your suitcase to slip in things like a comb or other small miscellaneous items.

#14 Luggage Hacks

Day packs and purses can take up a lot of room in luggage. Minimize how many items you carry by selecting one purse that will work for all occasions. It is even better if you pack a purse or bag that can double as a day pack.

One of our favorite packing for travel hacks is to pack a lightweight  foldable shopping bag , which unfolds to a bigger bag for going to the beach or shopping during your trip.

Pro Tip : Read more about day bags in our blog post, The Best Day Packs for Traveling .

#15 Packing a Suitcase: Hacks for Fresh Clothing

One way to keep your clothes smelling fresh during your trip is to layer each clothing item with a dryer sheet. This is one of the double-dip packing travel hacks because later, if you need to do laundry while on your trip, you will have dryer sheets to use!

Pro Tip : Another way to keep clothes fresh is with Fabreeze. Pack a travel-size Fabreeze with your toiletries! And, don’t worry, we are getting to our toiletry packing hacks in a minute!

#16 Holiday Packing Hacks for Souvenirs

If you anticipate collecting breakable souvenirs during your trip, a good suitcase hack is to use bubble wrap in between your clothes or outfits. Then, use the bubble wrap to protect souvenirs that you are bringing home.

Other travel hacks for packing souvenirs (and some of the creative ways to better ensure breakables make the trip home undamaged) is to pack them inside Pringles cans or even use the free hotel slippers as cushioning. On the other hand, if you are  buying wine, actual wine protectors are the best.

Pro Tip : In many cases, the best and safest way to transport fragile souvenirs is to ship them home…rather than trying to jam them into your suitcase. 

#17 Packing hacks for Traveling: Laundry

One of the best space-saving travel hacks is simply to plan on doing laundry during your trip. By planning to do laundry while you travel, you will only need to pack one week’s worth of clothing – or less! – even if you are on a 2-week – or longer! – trip.

We recommend booking accommodations with a washer and (maybe) a dryer ( Airbnb is our go-to resource for finding the best places to stay). It is a good idea to pack a few individual packages of liquid laundry detergent , just in case they do not provide any. 

Pro Tip : If your accommodation does not have a washer, there is likely a nearby laundromat – or even laundry service. Just remember to bring a packable laundry bag so that you have something to carry your dirty clothes in.

#18 Sink Laundry: Packing Tips and Hacks

Learning how to efficiently do sink laundry is one of the packing hacks for long trips, when you will inevitably need to wash at least a few undergarments. Sink laundry is as simple as it sounds: It’s when you hand wash your clothes in the sink, bathtub or shower.

The most important thing to keep in mind when washing items in the sink is allowing enough time for clothes to dry (and, again, why it is so important to pack quick-dry clothing).

Many travelers wash clothes at night, before going to bed, to ensure they will dry. We like to take advantage of the sunshine (if possible) and wash them in the morning (but never the morning of a travel day!).

Sometimes we just use a bar of soap to clean our clothes, but Sink Laundry detergent is probably better. A sink stopper will help for scrubbing and rinsing in the sink – and a travel clothesline is ideal to hang up wet clothes. That said, draping socks over a heater or in front of a fan can help speed drying times…and a hair dryer works, too.

Pro Tip : A Scrubba Wash Bag is often touted by fellow travelers as one of the top packing hacks for backpacking, but we have yet to use one personally!

Packing Hacks For Toiletries

Our list of packing toiletries hacks is full of ideas that will help you pack better for your next trip! These travel hacks for packing toiletries will hopefully help you avoid spills in your luggage…and save you some space in your bag, too.

#19 Travel Toiletry Hacks for Shampoo and Conditioner

One way to avoid any liquid shampoo and conditioner luggage incidents is to simply not pack it! Many hotels and Airbnb apartments provide shampoo and conditioner. And, if they don’t, you can always buy some at a local store when you get there.

That said, did you know that shampoo and condition come in bars just like soap? Well, you are now in on the secret! Using shampoo and conditioner bars – rather than packing bottled liquids – is an excellent travel packing hack that will ensure you don’t have spilled shampoo in your bag on arrival at your destination.

Pro Tip : Shampoo and conditioner are just one of the solid toiletries you can use on your trip. Other packings hacks for traveling without liquids are using toothpaste tabs and solid perfumes !

#20 All-in-One Toiletry Travel and Packing Hacks

What better way to save space than to use products with multiple uses? The all-in-one Dr. Bronner’s soaps are organic and certified Fair Trade products that are designed for multiple purposes. The soap can be used on body, face, hair and teeth…and also to clean dishes, clothes, floors, windows – and even the toilet – making it one of the best travel packing hacks of all!

Pro Tip : The Castille soap collection comes in a variety of scents and is available in liquid or bars .

#21 Liquids: The Best Packing Hacks for Travel

While eliminating liquids from your luggage is one of the top packing hacks for travel, if you are bringing liquids in your bag, we have a few travel hacks and tips on how to keep liquids from spilling inside your bag.

The best travel hacks for liquids is a 3-part process that includes plastic wrap, tape and a resealable bag. First, unscrew the top off the bottle and place a piece of plastic wrap over the top, then screw the top back on (over the top of the plastic wrap). Next, take a piece of tape and tape the flip lid shut. Finally, secure the bottles in resealable bags. By using the three-step method, suitcase spillage is highly unlikely!

Pro Tip : The bottles you pack in can make all of the difference! Liquid travel containers is not where you want to skimp on quality. Therefore, one of the best travel hacks for toiletries is to use refillable GoToob bottles that are specifically engineered for travel – and promise a spill-proof journey!

#22 Save Space in your Toiletry Bag when A Little Dab Will Do

One of the phenomenal travel hacks to save space in your toiletries case is to only bring as much product as you will actually use on your trip. Rather than packing larger bottles of face creams and foundation, pour a small amount into a contact lens case. Use more than one case if you need to…but just remember to use a contact case with screw top lids.

Pro Tip : Small 10ml bottles also work great for liquids that you will only need a little dab of during your vacation. They are inexpensive and reusable, too, making them one of the best travel hacks!

#23 Travel Size Items

When it comes to transporting liquids, one of the travel packing life hacks is to use refillable travel-size bottles. In fact, we think travel-size toiletries are the way to go in general when it comes to packing and carry-on hacks.

It is amazing how many products are made in a smaller, space-saving size. Some favorites are a travel-size hairbrush , travel-size toothpaste , travel-size deodorant and travel-size shaving cream . Products we don’t use – but that other travelers do – are mini-magnifying mirrors , travel-size hair straighteners and travel towels .

Pro Tip : Want one of our top travel hacks that saves money in the long run? When your travel-size toothpaste runs out, don’t throw it away! The tube can actually be refilled from a regular-size toothpaste tube. Just securely hold the openings together and squeeze from the larger tube into the travel sized tube!

#24 Travel Tips for Shaving Cream Alternatives

Using a travel-size shaving cream is not the only way to save space in your suitcase. One of the best travel packing tips and hacks is to not bring shaving cream at all! Instead, just lather up soap or use hair conditioner in place of shaving cream.

Pro Tip : The Schick Intuition razor is another travel gem – in that the shaving cream is right on the razor!

#25 Minimal Hair Products

While we love the innovative travel-size products that are available to travelers, the fewer you bring, the lighter your luggage. It can be tempting to pack a hair dryer, curling iron and straightener, but we don’t recommend it…even if they are all travel size!

First, check to see if your accommodations provide a hair dryer. Second, choose one low-maintenance hairstyle. This way, you can limit the number of hair tools and products you bring on your trip!

Pro Tip : In the case that your accommodations don’t have a blow dryer, rather than succumbing to packing a hairdryer, one of the travel life hacks is to pack a microfiber towel that can be used to help dry your hair more quickly. 

#26 Makeup: Packing for Vacation Hacks

Many minimalist travelers recommend leaving all makeup at home when taking a trip. While I have never been a heavy makeup wearer, I still travel with makeup – but I limit it to essentials only.

I pack one powder, two small brushes, a travel eyelash curler and mascara…and that is it. At the very least, limit your makeup bag to only one eyeliner, one eyeshadow, one mascara and one lipstick (and make sure they go with your capsule wardrobe color scheme!).

Pro Tip : Using makeup samples is one of the great traveling life hacks for trips! If you have collected any sample-size makeup in the months prior to your trip, select a few to use on your vacation!

#27 The Almighty Pill Box as a First Aid Kit

While a Weekly Pill Box is excellent for its intended purpose, it is also a great space-saving travel organizer! Instead of packing bottles of Just-in-Case medications, store each of the assorted meds in a different day of the week. For example, store pain reliever in Sunday, vitamins in Monday, cold meds in Tuesday and belly meds in Wednesday. Pill boxes are also one of the fantastic travel pack hacks for storing and organizing jewelry for your trip!

Pro Tip : For something a little more flexible than a pill box, use individual travel jars  and small 2×3-inch plastic resealable baggies to pack medications…and jewelry, too! Read more about what we pack in our first aid travel kit in our post, Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling .

#28 Toiletry Life Hacks for Packing a Suitcase

One way to make packing toiletries so much easier is to invest in a Travel Toiletry Case that stays packed all the time! With a pre-packed toiletry case, all you need to do when it comes time to pack is grab the bag and go! Just starting out with traveling? This packaged toiletry case is great for beginners!

Pro Tip : Just remember to refill any used items when you return from each trip!

Carry On Hacks

On travel days, we seldom check bags – we each have carry-on-size travel backpacks and a day pack. To stay organized and efficient in airports, carry on luggage hacks are essential!

#29 Carry On Travel Hacks: Airport Security

No one likes a traveler who holds up the line at security, but there are a few packing hacks for carry on luggage that will get you through checkpoints in a flash.

First, if you are carrying liquids onto the plane, make sure they are in 3.4-ounce bottles (100ml) or smaller…and that they all fit into one quart-size resealable plastic bag. Next – and a key to being quick at security – when you pack your bag, place the bag of liquids in an easy to reach spot.

Electronics – especially laptops, but sometimes larger cameras and phones, which sometimes have to be removed when going through security – should also be placed in an easy-to-access part of your carry on luggage.

Pro Tip : Shoes often need to be removed, which is why I like to wear Slip On shoes or flip flops on travel days. However, if you are bringing boots on your trip, you will need to decide whether it is better to wear them to save space in your suitcase or pack them for a swifter pass through security.

#30 Packing Hacks: Carry On Entertainment

The best way to pass time on an airplane is with on-board entertainment, which is why planning your entertainment in advance is one of the best packing hacks for flying. Headphones and portable chargers are a must! 

Once I get settled in my seat, the first thing I do is create a list of movies to watch in-flight. Headphones , however, are essential to enjoying the flicks…so I always bring two pairs (just in case one fails me or gets lost).

On flights where there is no seat-back entertainment, be sure to bring your own entertainment. Make sure your phone is fully charged…and make a few song playlists or download apps in advance. Bring your charging cord (most seats now have USB ports) and a Portable Charger . 

If you like to read on planes (or trains or buses) a Kindle can be a real space-saver and one of the top vacation packing hacks. However, if you are like me and prefer the feel of paper books, then pick up one or two at a used bookstore or free community library…and then pass them along when you’re finished.

Pro Tip : Find out more of the specifics of what should be in your carry on luggage and our other in-flight tips in our blog post, Long Haul Flight Essentials .

#31 Only Hand Luggage Hacks

If you are trying to squeeze all of your items for your entire trip into a carry on, then one way to make a bit more room is to wear a fanny pack onto the plane. What makes it one of the best carry on packing hacks is that your fanny pack shouldn’t count as an extra bag – plus it keeps you hands-free! Besides that, it is a great place to store valuable items (like your passport and wallet), as well as items you want easy access to during the flight (like an lip balm , sleep mask and earplugs).

Pro Tip : Using a backpack instead of a suitcase will also keep you hands-free on travel days! Read more of the pros and cons of each style of luggage in our blog post, Backpack vs Suitcase . 

#32 Organizational Hand Luggage Packing Hacks

There is nothing more frustrating than when the plane is ready for take off…and you realize that your headphones and kindle are stowed in the overhead compartment (which now cannot be accessed until the captain has turned off the seatbelt sign).

To avoid the inconvenience, prepare ahead and pack a small on-board tote that contains your flight essentials, which can fit under the seat in front of you. Items I make sure to have close at hand are sanitizer , wet wipes , water, snacks, phone, headphones, sleep mask, earplugs and compression socks .

Pro Tip : One of the top carry on luggage packing hacks to use if you are checking luggage is to travel on board with a complete change of clothes…just in case your luggage (and clothing) gets lost en route to your destination . I also like to pack a fresh pair of underwear (that I can change into in the airport bathroom to start my trip off feeling fresh!) – as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste to use to freshen up after a long flight.

Miscellaneous Packing Hacks

Our final travel packing tips and hacks are some tricks that we have picked up over the years that make packing so much easier!

#33 Electronic Device Cable Organization

One of our suitcase life hacks is keeping our cables organized. Some of the essential electronics that we travel with are a mini extension cord (because the outlets are not always in convenient places!), a multi-port adapter (because there are multiple things to be charged!) and a portable charger that we carry with us while we are out exploring.

A good way to keep all these cords and electronics organized is with a Grid It board that keeps everything in place and easy to find! 

Pro Tip : For travelers who make frequent trips, an even easier way to stay organized is to purchase duplicate chargers and cables for all of your devices. Secure them on the Grid It – and always keep them packed so they are ready to go when you are ready to go!

#34 Cooking on Vacation

One of the reasons we love staying in Airbnb apartments is that we have access to our own kitchen where we can cook simple meals. That said, not all kitchens come fully equipped. If you plan on cooking during your trip, consider investing in a collapsible colander , a flexible cutting board and an multi-functional knife (but only if you are checking luggage). 

Pro Tip : In our travels, we have found that it is best to pack the spices that we love! To easily pack our spices, we use small resealable bags (the 2×3-inch baggies are the best!) rather than carrying bottles.

#35 Packing Hacks for Traveling as a Couple or with Friends

One thing that we have learned as a traveling couple is to communicate about our packing list. All of the items that can be shared – from lotion to a travel umbrella to a portable Wifi device – are divvied up evenly between us so that we are not carrying duplicates. Whether traveling as couples, friends or families, find out what items might be unnecessary and determine who will carry what.

Pro Tip : Packing Lists are gold! Keep a list of all the items you pack for a trip. When you return, take a few minutes to jot down notes on what you used and what you didn’t and adjust accordingly to make packing easier for future trips!

#36 Packing Hacks for International Travel

As we spend most of our time overseas, we have quite a few international travel hacks for packing. These tips aren’t necessarily travel hacks for packing light, but rather what to pack to make international travel a little bit easier. 

First, make sure you pack your passport and other travel documents in a safe place. We use a Passport Organizer that fits inside a zippered pocket inside our under-the-seat carry on luggage. 

We also think it is important to invest in a Mobile WiFi Hotspot so that you will have an internet connection from the moment you land. We use the GlocalMe device – which can be fitted with a SIM card or you can purchase data online ahead of your trip (the better way to go in our opinion!). 

Next, make sure that you have the right travel apps. Google Translate, Uber (or whatever ride hailing app is popular in the country you are visiting), Booking.com and Google Maps are the basic essentials. 

Bring (and use) a credit card that does not charge international transaction fees (we prefer the Chase Sapphire credit card). 

Pro Tip: We share heaps of tips for traveling from the United States to Europe in this article, How To Plan a Trip To Europe . 

#37 Best Packing Hack for Travel – Make a List! 

We have already touched on making a list as one of the top packing hacks for travel – but it is truly one of the easiest and most often overlooked hacks for organizing your suitcase. 

Start by making a list of what to pack for your next trip. Then, after the trip, reanalyze the list, eliminating the things you didn’t use – and then make a Master Packing List. For future travels, use your Master Packing List as a base for all of your trips. 

However, as each trip is unique with different climates and activities, it is best to take your list one step further and make an Itinerary of Outfits. On this list, note what outfit (or outfits) you will wear on each day of your trip based on your outlined trip itinerary. This way, you can be certain that you only pack clothes you intend to actually wear – saving you from over packing! 

Pro Tip : Our T rip Planning Printables Kit includes itinerary templates and everything you need to organize your trip! 

More Travel Tips and Hacks

Above, we featured our top travel tips for creative and easy packing hacks – but we have so many more travel hacks to save money! 

Cheap Flights

We use a combination of tricks to find the best fares on flights – and we share them all in our article How To Find Cheap Flights .

Best Hotels

Want to find the best hotels at the best prices? Don’t we all! Get there by using our travel hacks for Booking Cheap Hotels . 

Free Packing Checklist 

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30 Genius travel packing hacks for 2023 you haven’t thought of

Packing for a trip can be an absolute nightmare. Even with plenty of travel experience, we still somehow can’t fit everything in our suitcase, forget things at home, or completely overpack and get a huge surprise at the airport when our luggage hits the scale. 

If you’re familiar with this struggle, we have asked our community of women who travel solo to share their best travel packing hacks and compiled this list of genius packing tricks for travel that will make life so much easier the next time you travel.

With just a few small changes in your usual packing method, you can change the frantic and anxiety-provoking experience to a calm, chill and even fun activity.

Yes, we said fun! It’s possible, we promise you!

• 1 Pack your heaviest items at the bottom
• 2 Pack Marie Kondo style
• 3 Get a fold up toiletry bag
• 4 Pack structured jackets in coat hangers
• 5 Swap liquid toiletries with dry solid ones
• 6 Roll your clothes
• 7 Compression bags
• 8 Shoes in cotton bags
• 9 Pack by outfit and color
• 10 Pack cords neatly
• 11 Stack bras and knickers
• 12 Wrap your toiletries in cling-wrap
• 13 Weigh your baggage at home
• 14 Pack a hat in its shape
• 15 Get a hat clip
• 16 Have a ziplock bag handy
• 17 The beauty of packing cubes
• 18 Place a cotton pad inside powder makeup
• 19 Stuff your shoes
• 20 Wear your bulkiest and heaviest items
• 21 Pack wine bottles inside socks, a jacket or jumper sleeves
• 22 Bring an foldable tote bag
• 23 Carry a portable washing machine
• 24 Put a herb sachet inside your suitcase
• 25 Bring non-wrinkle travel clothes
• 26 Get versatile travel clothes
• 27 Keep you necklaces from tangling
• 28 Make your own jewelry roll
• 29 Bring breast tape
• 30 Reuse airline amenity kits
• 31 Follow a system
• 32 Consider weather & activities
• 33 Tours for women by women

Pack your heaviest items at the bottom

I used to have a terrible carry-on fur-wheeled suitcase from a reputable brand that just never stood straight no matter what.

I never understood how it could have been designed in such an impractical way, but it reminded me of this travel packing hack: always pack your heaviest items at the bottom of the suitcase. 

When your suitcase is open and standing, see where the bottom is and place the heaviest items (shoes, toiletry bag, etc.) there. This will not only help stabilize the suitcase but also reduce the risk of more delicate items being crushed and reduce the effort needed to pull the suitcase.

Bottom heavy bags are also easier to roll through the airport, and you can hang your handbag or backpack on the handle without worrying that it will topple over. 

Pack Marie Kondo style

You know what she says, if it does not spark joy…

But that is not what this is travel packing tip is about, because I have never watched her content, but I did get inspired by her to pack the way I have been doing for the last few years when on the road leading our women-only tours .

What I mean by Marie Kondo style is that I stack clothes vertically rather than flat, so I can see everything I have by just looking at the suitcase.

I hated returning home with unworn clothes I forgot I had packed, so packing this way means that I can see everything. When I take something off, I fold it put it back in the same spot, so I can keep a degree of tidiness in the suitcase.

Pro tip : You can combine this packing hack with packing cubes by putting everything in the cube following the same vertical stacking technique so when you open it you immediately see what’s in it.

Needless to say, this works for both check in luggage and carry-on, but in my case, I travel carry on as much as I can because I don’t like waiting for the bag or taking the risk of it being lost or stolen.

Above is a picture of my suitcase and packing for Iceland, winter clothing required, to illustrate what I mean. In the summertime, when clothing is less bulky, this is even more useful because I can fit several dresses, tops and bottoms and see them all.

Pro tip : You need to keep repacking and putting all your clothing back in the suitcase the same way during your trip so you always see what you have, rather than take it all out, making a mess and then repacking only when you return, this is a packing hack that stays with you throughout.

Get a fold up toiletry bag

I have been using a fold up toiletry bag (the exact one above is my current one) for over 10 years. When I get home I don’t unpack it, I just hang it up in my bathroom and continue using it as my normal toiletry storage, so I am always ready to go.

Why I use a fold up toiletry bag:

• It keeps everything tidy and easy to find.
• If you are staying in a hostel, it’ll save you from placing the bag on what may be a dirty or wet surface (nobody likes that).
• In bathrooms with minimal shelf space, I don’t need any to hang the bag.

This kind of bag can also double up as a first aid kit (thanks to the many compartments it has) and because every item has its own dedicated compartment, I always know what needs to be replenished. 

My recommendation

The fold-up toiletry bag I have is not available anymore, but I like this super cute one that packs rectangular and will be getting it when mine is out of order.

Pack structured jackets in coat hangers

When I was a consultant I used to travel every week for work and had to travel with and pack structured pants suits.

My trusty Tumi Alpha 3 which I have been using for almost 10 years without fault (and I take on more than 50 flights every year), came with its own insert accessory to carry suits, as many carry-on bags designed for business travel do, but it was pretty heavy so I decided to mimic the same functionality with a coat hanger and that was enough. 

Fold the sleeves towards the inside, fold the bottom half way towards the shoulder pads and slide the coat hanger down until the hook is inside the collar, then place the jacket at the top after you have packed everything else to make sure it stays in place.

The coat hanger will prevent the jacket from crumbling and losing shape and when you get to your hotel, you can simply take it out and hang straightaway, so even if the hotel room doesn’t have enough hangers, you brought your own.

Pro tip : Make sure that the coat hanger you use is one of the light plastic ones and not a wooden (and heavier) one to save on weight.

Swap liquid toiletries with dry solid ones

Switching to dry solid toiletries is a packing tip for those who like to save space, avoid spillages and contribute to a greener environment free from single use plastic.

Because of the more ethical approach of brands that focus on dry toiletries, you’ll find that these products are also chemical-free, vegan and generally more natural and organic.

There are several brands that I love and can recommend:

• Naturalist and especially their coconut solid shampoo bar .
• HiBAR shampoo and conditioner bars come in more ergonomic shapes that are easier to hold and use. Try their sampler product with one of each of their three kinds.
• Ethique makes not only shampoo and conditioner but also body wash, face soap and even dry deodorant . 

Roll your clothes

If you don’t like my Marie Kondo style of packing, the next best thing is rolling up your clothes instead of folding them, a genius packing hack that has two advantages.

• First of all, it’s an absolute space saver. Neatly rolling your clothing, especially those made with lightweight materials like nylon, cotton and wool, is a compact way to pack. Larger items like jackets, might be a bit more difficult to roll up, so you can just fold these bulkier items neatly and place them on top.
• Secondly, rolling can greatly reduce creases in your clothing, if rolled tight enough. 

This is probably not news to you since this is the most famous packing tip everyone talks about, but it is still useful and smart, especially if you have clothes that get easily creased.

Compression bags

Vacuum pack bags are an amazing packing hack, you won’t believe how tightly they can pack even the bulkiest of items!

If you are traveling when it’s colder and need to take bulkier jackets, this is the best way to save space. I was left speechless the first time I tried them and wondered why I hadn’t tried them sooner.

“The part about compression is especially useful for winter, you don’t even need a vacuum machine, they make manual ones that work quite well, I’ve used them before”, shared a group member.

A genius, yet basic, packing hack!

Pro tip : When we say compression bags don’t image one of those that come with the vacuum component to suck the air out, there are manual ones where you just squeeze the air out with your hands that work equally as well.

Check out these manual vacuum sealed bags:

Shoes in cotton bags

Forget about using plastic shower caps to pack your shoes so the soles do not soil the rest of your clothes (a common packing hack I’ve seen recommended), I put shoes inside the cotton bags that come with the shoes when you buy them. After-all, that’s what they were made for!

The only downside with this vs a shower cap is that the bag won’t be protecting the rest of your luggage from muddy or wet shoes (but who would pack a pair of muddy dirty shoes anyway?!).

It’s best to dry or wash off your shoes, if they are very dirty, before packing them, in which case you just want to keep your shoes from directly touching the rest of your clothes because they touch the floor and are full of dirt.

What’s more, no single plastic is used and you can re-use them over again, even to put your laundry in. When you are back home, you can wash them with your usual laundry.

Pack by outfit and color

I always pack considering what I will be wearing by laying it all out in outfits on my bed and then packing to maximise the mix and match of the pieces.

This way I don’t pack clothing pieces that don’t go with anything and I make sure that tops and bottoms can be interchanged as much as possible, so that I multiply my outfits and can reuse some.

For example, a bottom can be used with more than one top and a top can be used with more than one bottom.

If all my tops and bottoms go with all the rest I then pack by type; bottoms on the left of my suitcase vertically stacked, and tops on the right half of the suitcase. If they don’t all go together, I pack by outfit, stacking top and bottom together.

You don’t have to pack your entire suitcase in one color, I actually like to wear colorful clothing, especially in the summer, but if you maximise the amount of cross matching between clothing items, you magically have more outfits. A basic packing hack, but a useful one nonetheless.

Pack cords neatly

I travel with a lot of electronics, A LOT, and they are always tricky to pack in a way that they are not entangled or even broken in the process.

For that, I use a cable organizer which also helps me remember what I may have missed because there would be an empty space, trust me, you don’t want to realize you forgot your phone charger when you’ve run out of battery.

If you don’t have a lot of cables or don’t have the space to carry a cable organizer, a simple travel packing hack would be to roll cables and then secure them with hair bands to make sure they don’t tangle, and that they occupy the least amount of space.

For extra care, you can then place them inside a sunglasses or pencil case. You can also use paper or hair clips to keep cables untangled. 

There are many different kinds of cable organizers. If you have many, one of the larger ones is better because it has more compartments, vs. the smaller, flatter ones which are probably more suitable for those who travel for leisure rather than work.

Stack bras and knickers

I always stack bras and underwear inside the side compartment of the suitcase, one inside the other so they occupy the least amount of space and I make sure to pack the exact amount I need.

If you don’t have a side compartment to place them in, put them in the top curved edges of the suitcase where they will be easy to find and where they will fill a space.

I hate going through my whole suitcase trying to find clean underwear, so knowing exactly where I packed it makes it all much easier.

Wrap your toiletries in cling-wrap

Cling-wrap is light, compact and extremely versatile. You can use it to line your bag or packing cubes, to wrap snacks and food, etc. but the smartest packing hack I can share is to use of cling-wrap is to stop any spillages or leakages from toiletries or food. 

All you have to do is unscrew the bottle cap of any toiletry or liquid bottle, place the cling-wrap over the hole, and then screw the lid back on. You can do the same thing with a Tupperware. Just pop the top off, place the cling-wrap over the top and click the lid back on. 

This neat little trick will prevent any of the liquid from escaping, especially if you have some kind of liquid you’re traveling with. No liquid spillage means dry luggage and a happy traveler. 

Weigh your baggage at home

This one is an old packing trick, but a goodie.

Every airline has their own baggage and weight allowances and you must always make sure that you stick to the limits.

Some airlines do offer cheaper rates if you book your overweight items ahead of time, or if you purchase check in luggage, so it pays to know if you are within the weight limits or not as soon as possible, be it to purchase extra weight or to leave some items behind.

I recently flew with carry on only (which I had paid for to have with me in the cabin) and then got given so many gifts that I had to pay to check in my bag on the way back! The free gifts suddenly cost me 80 EUR.

The old method to find out how much your bag weighs consists of weighing yourself on your home scale with and without your suitcase.

An easier and more accurate way to weigh your luggage is to purchase an electronic hand luggage scale which you clip onto the handle of your bag and simply pull upward to reveal the weight.

This is also a better option when actually traveling, as the hotel may not have a scale, or it may not be that accurate. 

Pack a hat in its shape

I used to just carry my hats with me to the cabin instead of packing them because I was afraid they would lose their shape in transit, until I realized that the best way to pack a hat is by simply stuffing it and putting it inside the suitcase.

Place the hat in the middle of your suitcase, then stuff it with rolled clothes such as t-shirts, socks and under garments, and pack the rest of the clothes around it so that it does not move. Make sure the hat flaps are flat.

Pro tip : I like to put the hat over a layer of clothing and right in the middle so that it is at the top of the suitcase.

Get a hat clip

If you don’t like packing your hats or want to keep all the suitcase space for your clothes, get a hat clip to clip it to your bag or suitcase and carry it that way. The clip can also be used to hang a hat on your chair when you sit down for lunch or get on the train.

Have a ziplock bag handy

There’s no worse feeling than being caught in the middle of a tropical thunderstorm with no shelter and all of your electronics at risk of permanent damage.

Carry an extra zip-lock bag wherever you go which you can quickly use to put them inside. You can even reuse the one you used for your toiletries to go through airport security checks with or just have a neatly folded one inside your wallet, they pack super small and occupy no space. 

The beauty of packing cubes

Packing cubes are life changing.

When packing for a trip, you might be rolling everything up, sorting items by type and having a neatly packed suitcase. But we all know that once you’ve hit the road, that beautifully pristine packing turns into a tornado of used clothes.

The best way to combat your luggage turning into a garbage heap is to use packing cubes.

These nifty little squares with zippers allow you to separate your clothing by type, so that you know which panties are clean and which ones need a wash.

You can also separate by weather type, mood or color – whatever way suits you. They also fit into your bag really well, like a fun game of Tetris. 

Beyond clothing, you can also use packing cubes to separate wires and cords, or in-flight supplies from those you put in your checked luggage. You can even use packing cubes in your carry on or backpack, so you don’t have to frantically search for your gum mid-flight. 

Pro tip : Packing cubes are one of the most popularly recommended packing hacks, everyone and their mother will praise their “amazingness”, but they are not for everyone and require a level of organization that may not be your thing. I recommend you borrow a set from a friend for your next trip and try them out before splurging.

If you are a fan, you can’t beat these packing cubes from Veken which still have a 5-star rating with over 10,000 reviews.

Place a cotton pad inside powder makeup

Makeup can easily crack when traveling, especially pressed powder, and that results in a mess of powder everywhere.

Put a cotton pad inside the box and then close it to soften the blow in case it gets tossed around inside your makeup bag.

Stuff your shoes

In order to fit as many things inside your suitcase as possible, consider stuffing every single empty space starting with your shoes.

Stuff socks or even underwear inside, any small item that may otherwise get lost inside your suitcase or which is delicate and which in turn, helps your shoes keep their shape.

Pro tip: If your shoes are old or smelly, consider putting the items inside a ziplock bag to avoid transferring the smell.

Wear your bulkiest and heaviest items

Probably the most ubiquitous advice for travel packing is to wear your heaviest, biggest clothing and shoes on the plane.

You hear this all the time, and it is common sense; it not only saves space in your suitcase but also saves on weight allowance. 

We have all arrived at check in only to be told we are 1-2kg over our allowance and then decided to wear everything we can to avoid that. Plan ahead and avoid the mess at the airport.

When I travel to Iceland for our women only Wellness & Wilderness trip , I always wear my winter boots and my jacket, which I take off in the plane, and then carry my scarf, hat and gloves in my handbag so that I have them handy when I land and the freezing air hits me in the face while walking towards the airport bus.

This easily saves me 5kg / 10 pounds of luggage weigh since just the boots are extremely heavy and bulky, and I am ready to go when I land.

Pro tip : Make sure your laces are easy to undo so that you don’t have to spend ten minutes trying to detangle them every time you need to take them off to go through security checks or in the plane. 

Pack wine bottles inside socks, a jacket or jumper sleeves

If you forgot to bring your bubble wrap wine sleeves on your wine trip, or you’ve gone a bit crazy in duty free, follow this packing procedure:

• Wrap the bottles in a plastic bag to make sure no spillage transfers to the rest of your luggage
• Place the bottles inside your socks
• Place them inside your jacket or jumper sleeves to create cushion
• Then place them in the middle of your suitcase

Better yet, if you plan to shop for wine (I have gone on wine tourism trips before) buy Wine Skins , they come in bottle shape and are padded with bubble wrap.

These can be sealed, but the glue will eventually wear off so you might want to bring some duct tape. I got mine in Spain and have been packing them with me on every trip because I like to buy the typical local liquor or spirit as a souvenir.

There are several brands that sell bubble wrap, bottle-shaped sleeves. I have personally used Wine Skins .

Bring an foldable tote bag

On our last women only trips to Tuscany , many of our guests were so excited about shopping that they needed an extra suitcase to put all their souvenirs!

For this purpose, I bring my foldable “Just in case” Tumi tote bag with me when I feel like there may shopping opportunities I don’t want to miss (while still traveling carry-on).

This one folds super small and comes with its travel pouch so it occupies no space and no weight, but if I feel like buying something that does not fit in my regular handbag, I will unfold it and ta-da! I have a proper shopping bag to stuff everything in.

Many brands make such bags, including Samsonite , though the most of famous of all and perhaps the one which started the trend is Longchamp .

Carry a portable washing machine

One sure way to reduce your luggage size and packing needs is to wash your clothes so you only carry 2 or 3 pairs of each clothing item and then wash every other day.

This is a travel packing hack that requires a bit of effort but can help you go from check in luggage to carry-on only, if that is what makes you happy. It is also the only way to travel light long term.

You can wash your clothes in a regular washing basin, or you can get one of the portable washing machines, though I use the term loosely.

The Scrubba stealth bag is a versatile bag that can be used for several purposes; you can use it as a dry bag, a compression bag for packing and even a portable camping shower, in addition to being a hand washing device.

Basically, how it works is that you fill the dry bag with water and detergent and then place your clothes inside. Shake it and shake it and then drain the water and voila, your clothes as washed.

Don’t forget to bring a portable clothes line with pegs and detergent dry sheets.

Put a herb sachet inside your suitcase

You know those sachets with lavender or similar herbs that are sometimes given away by luxury hotels or brands as gifts? What better way to keep your suitcase smelling nice than by placing one inside.

Pro tip : If you are traveling a lot for work and may struggle to be away so much, bring the same one you place in your closet with you so you smell the familiar, home scent wherever you are.

If you don’t have any, it’s very easy to make your own by simply drying herbs like lavender or rosemary then picking the leaves and flowers and stuffing them inside small pouches.

I also keep the drying sachets that often come with foods or tea bags to absorb the moisture, and throw them inside the suitcase, my trusted Tumi carry on bag even came with some, just to keep moisture at bay, especially if traveling through tropical countries.

Bring non-wrinkle travel clothes

This is a no brainer packing suggestion but one that cannot be emphasised enough.

All of us want to look fresh and comfy while we travel, but often find wrinkled chaos when we unpack our suitcases at our first destination.

I don’t like to spend time ironing or steaming during my trips (I don’t even do that at home), so my favorite and easiest travel packing hack is to bring non-wrinkle clothing that doesn’t arrive all creased. 

There are many options of wrinkle-free clothes out there. Besides the obvious clothing labeled as non-wrinkle, you can find travel clothes made from high quality fabrics that are naturally non-wrinkle or which wrinkle less. 

Consider these fabrics the next time you are shopping or packing for a trip: polyester, denim, wool, knits, spandex and lyocell.

Avoid 100% linen or linen-cotton blends which are more wrinkle-prone, unless you plan to iron during your trip.

This is one of the most useful packing hacks for clothes!

Get versatile travel clothes

Packing light is possible if that is what you want, the secret is versatility.

I have a dress I bought long time ago that can be worn in 20 different. If I could buy it again, I would, but they don’t make them anymore.

However, there are brands which specialise in this like Noble Sands in the picture above. You don’t have to pack a dress, a skirt and a scarf, instead pack one multi-functional garment that covers all of them.

Other ways in which you can save space by packing multi-functional items:

• Tops that have in-built bras like the ones you wear to work out, I always wear them when I travel so I don’t get poked on my back by my bra inflight. You also save on packing bras if you just wear those. Mine are the Airsim from Uniqlo .
• A scarf that you can smartly use as a beach pareo or a top.
• A kimono top that you can wear as a beach accessory, as a cover up for the evening, as protection from the sun, etc.
• The popular Wolford Fatal Dress which was made famous by Kim Kardashian and which can be worn as a top, a long skirt, a mini skirt, a mini dress and a long tube dress.

Convertible clothing is great for travel and it means more room in your bag. Although some versatile clothes can come with a high price tag, we believe it’s worth spending a few extra bucks keeping in mind that you will get many outfits using the same item.

Keep you necklaces from tangling

If you love packing jewelry to accessorize your outfits, you have surely come across a mess of tangled necklaces.

Next time, follow this great and simple travel packing trick to avoid worrying about damaged or tangled jewelry abroad.

Thread your necklaces or bracelets through a straw (can be paper one, doesn’t need to be plastic). All you need to do is insert one end of the necklace or bracelet through the straw and then fasten the clasp. This way, you’ll have your individually packaged necklaces handy when you unpack. 

Pro tip : Use see through straws so you can see which is which.

Make your own jewelry roll

An alternative to the travel packing hack above is to make your own jewelry roll with a scarf, t-shirt or washcloth. When you get to your destination, you can unroll it and hang it all, plus wear the t-shirt you rolled them in.

First, lay your necklaces and bracelets separately and roll the fabric lengthwise. Then add some rubber bands or clips to each end to keep your jewelry from sliding out. You can easily pack your roll in between clothes, it won’t take up much space. 

Bring breast tape

Breast tape (also referred to as athletic tape or sport tape) is a total game changer. This versatile product can have many uses while traveling and several of our group members highly recommend adding what they casually call boob tape to your packing list.

Its main function is to replace a bra when you can’t really wear one, while still providing you with comfortable support. With breast tape you can wear all kinds of cleavage. Or you can choose to bring no bra at all and use breast tape the way it fits you best.

Breast tape can also be useful for other things beyond supporting your girls, such as:

• Blister prevention/treatment
• Taping toes to reduce foot pain
• Covering nipples under sheer or braless outfits
• An extra layer to keep bandaids in place
• Protecting a hydrocolloid bandaid over a sliver

Breast tape is hypoallergenic and skin safe. It’s also very easy to apply and remove (without pain!).

Get it in beige color or in black , or both, to use with all outfits and settings.

Pro tip: Make sure to buy a tape that can be easily torn with your hands, like the ones linked to above, so you don’t need scissors, which you can’t pack in your carry on.

Reuse airline amenity kits

For years, I traveled long haul for work every week. That means 2 amenity kits a week or 100+ per year. I accumulated so many of them that I had an entire closet full.

After a few months, I decided to give them all away to a women’s shelter where they were put to good use.

Fun fact : Rather than donating them to charity, many people sell them on eBay. If you’d like to get your hands on one, they are on sale for between $30-$50 depending on the airline and the brand that made the skincare products included.

Nowadays, I don’t really take them because I just never really use what’s inside, I prefer to carry what I need for air travel with me, and I don’t like the waste involved in so much one time use items.

But onto our travel packing hack; If you also have an amenity kit you don’t know what to do with, consider reusing it as a first aid kit bag or a make up travel bag.

Why? Not only they tend to be quite nice bags but they also always come with handy compartments where you can classify all your first aid kit items easily and neatly.

I am currently traveling with my first aid kit stuffed inside an Emirates amenity bag, and my make up is stored inside an amenity bag from Lufthansa.

Environmentally friendly, classy and practical, the triad I like the most when trying to pack smartly!

Follow a system

As I mentioned, I used to travel for work every single week for over 10 years, packing on Sunday evening, barely unpacking on Friday. Rinse and repeat the following week.

To make it all go smoothly every week, I had a packing system / process that I still keep to today, 17 years later.

What I mean by a system is that I always packed items in the same place.

• Shoes at the bottom right
• Wash bag bottom middle
• Ziplock bag with liquids next to wash bag
• First aid kit bag right next to the ziplock
• Underwear, bras, socks, bikinis if traveling in the summer, pyjamas, smaller one off items such as gloves or hats, pareos, etc. and accessories such as jewelry, in the top part of the suitcase which is zipped. Flip flops facing down on top of everything else
• Clothes in the main compartment

I still travel twice or three times a month, usually for a week or longer, and most of the non-clothing items are left in my carry on bag week after week.

Everything has its place and every space has it’s item. I can’t forget something, because it would leave an empty space, and I always know where to find everything in the suitcase.

Everyone has their own system, but whatever that may be, stick to it.

Consider weather & activities

Remember to check the weather of your destination or multiple destinations on your trip. Also, it’s important to consider the activities you will be doing during your travels, so you can make an adequate packing list for your trip.

We’ve made specific packing lists for Barcelona , Tanzania , Tuscany , Iceland , Amalfi , Greece , Croatia & Montenegro , Morocco and Sudan .

There are also some handy travel apps that help you make a customized packing list considering the weather of your destination, trip dates, activities and interests.

For example, do you need a bikini and pareo or a hat and gloves? Do you need to pack sunscreen and mosquito repellent? Do you need waterproof shoes?

Tours for women by women

Now that you’re packed, meet up with us on one of our women-only small group tours!

Have you got any travel packing hacks to share? Add them in the comments!

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Home » Blog » 30 Genius travel packing hacks for 2023 you haven’t thought of

30+ Essential Suitcase Packing Tips & Hacks That You Need to Copy ASAP

Last Updated: October 30, 2023

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On the hunt for suitcase packing tips?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this free smart packing guide on how to pack a suitcase like a pro.

If you’re anything like me, odds are: you’re a hopeless over packer. After all, some of us are just born a little weird… like “ I need to pack this parka just in case ” weird or “ of course I’ll read all 7 Harry Potter books this trip ” weird… but this guide will help you get over that.

As someone who has been travelling and living in Europe for the past five years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what packing tips and hacks actually work and what weirdo ones are a total waste of time.

Save these suitcase packing tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

From the basic ‘no duhs’ to some unconventional gems of genius, today, I’d like to share all of my best tips for packing with you!

Especially if you’re headed to Europe.

While I’m still the world master of ‘panic packing’ (aka throwing all my stuff in a suitcase while sobbing), having these tips in mind often helps me hold things together.

So, without further ado, here are my golden essential tips for smart bag packing.

VIDEO: Watch These Travel Packing Hacks and Tips in Video Form

More of a video person? Click here for a video featuring all these tips instead!

Below, you’ll find my full written guide for luggage packing like a pro.

Must-Know Suitcase Packing Tips

Let’s start with some basic luggage packing tips! After five years of travelling professionally, from Indonesia to Germany , these are my best tips to show you how to pack your suitcase like a consummate professional.

1. Always start with a packing list

Packing luggage should always begin with a solid list of what to pack.

I know, this is such a ‘mom’ tip, but there’s a reason why moms are always right. Plus the human brain adores lists.

Especially in the period before a trip when you’re stressed about all the things to do before traveling abroad , it’s all too easy to forget items you need.

That’s why I always make a packing list to keep myself organized!

Feeling lazy? You can steal a comprehensive printable checklist from me below.

Or… if you’re a serial stationary hoarder like me,  this stack of printed packing lists is practical, fun, and will last you a long time.

2. … and always end by reviewing your packing list

It’s silly how often people forget this step.

There’s a reason you made that list!

Make sure you go through all the items the night before you leave (or the morning of) to make sure you haven’t forgotten a single thing, especially the small stuff.

For extra paranoid parrots like me, I always write a “HARDCORE ESSENTIALS” note on my phone that I review the morning of my flight.

Things like passport, money, hair straightener (sorry, I’m vain), and sunglasses (the #1 thing I manage to always forget). This way I know I have everything I absolutely need.

Again, if you buy a packing list pad like this , you can just leave it on top of your bag the night before so you don’t forget to double check it!

3. Know your airline’s baggage fee policy

Every packing guide will give you this tip, but I’m here to underline it and circle it in a bright red pen, especially if you are visiting Europe.

Because seriously, the inconsistency among airlines (especially the budget variety like RyanAir or Wizz Air ) is pretty infuriating.

SO, avoid surprises at the airport by knowing what you’re working with right from the start. A quick Google before you pack can help save you loads of stress (and potential overweight fees!)

You can also invest in a cheap handheld luggage scale  like this one  for less than 10 bucks off Amazon which you can use for years and it’s great for ease of mind.

If you don’t have one already, I also highly recommend buying a compact looking carry-on suitcase like this one.

A lot of the time, attendants don’t care to weigh luggage (when you’re travelling carry-on only) and all they do is take one quick look at the size, so if you have a nice suitcase that doesn’t  look  huge, you’ll be much less likely to get stopped.

Which would I recommend? Well,  this one is near-identical to the Samsonite I travel with, and I’ve never once been stopped for bag inspection! I love the ease of mind it gives me and it can hold a surprising amount of stuff. I travel with it on pretty much every trip!

4. Bring the right bag

One of the most underrated luggage packing tips is to firstly choose the right luggage.

The topic of “best bag for traveling” is highly subjective of course, but I really can’t stress enough how important it is for you to choose the right bag for your travel style and destination.

Bringing the right bag is the difference between breezing through your travel days without crying vs. sobbing in a frustrated puddle on your hotel floor.

Okay – that’s dramatic, but having the right bag is  important. 

For me personally, I’ve outgrown the backpacking stage of my life and tend to do a lot of city breaks, stay in mid-range hotels, and  travel light  because I’m so often on the go.

That’s why I travel with a very compact carry-on hard shell suitcase (almost identical to  this one ).

I think one of these is perfect for European travel because they’re quite handy, easy to carry, fit nicely on trains and overhead bins and still look pretty smart so you don’t feel terribly out of place in fashionable cities like Paris or  Milan .

Of course, if you’re travelling with a family, you’ll need bigger bags, or if you’re backpacking, you’ll need a good backpack.

What’s important regardless of the type of bag you choose is you pick something that…

• A) you LOVE, because you’ll have it ALL the time
• B) something that you’ve tested before
• C) something that you can easily carry because Europe has so many stairs, cobblestones, etc.

5. Roll your clothes

Game. Changer.  

If you’re wondering how to pack clothes for travel, one of my best suitcase packing tips is for you to simply roll your clothes! Seriously, if you’re not currently rolling your clothes instead of folding them, do it!

It saves lots of space, especially when coupled with magical compression bags like these ones (no vacuum needed!) packing cubes (which I’ll discuss later).

The jury is still out on whether it actually saves space or actually minimizes wrinkles but I love it because it makes it way easier to see at a glance what you’ve packed and what items you can choose from.

If you’re feeling especially crafty you can master the art of something called the  Ranger Roll  which apparently is used a lot in the military – it basically rolls your garments into fun little burritos.

This helps compress things but I’m a bit lazy so I just roll like normal and it’s fine.

6. Pick out what you think you need, and cut it in half

The first time I read this tip for packing light , I thought it was absolute insanity.

Then, one time I actually tried it, and you know what? I didn’t regret it at all!

While this may initially feel like a slow painful form of packrat torture, doing this will cut you down to the exact essentials you’ll actually need.

I honestly think that overpacking is hardwired in us, which is why doing this exercise is so helpful.

7. Make use of packing cubes (or in a pinch, Ziplock bags)

If you are wondering how to pack luggage and save space, the answer is packing cubes.

I am obsessed with packing cubes. The amount I own is honestly frightening.

They not only help you stay organized, but also save loads of space in your suitcase/backpack. These are my #1 travel game changers, and if you buy a good quality set, they’ll last a super long time.

I personally use my packing cubes to organize tops, bottoms, etc. but I’ve also heard of people with a different packing cube strategy which involves getting small cubes and separating them into different outfits for each day.

If you want to know which packing cubes to buy, check out my full guide to packing cubes  or watch my video showdown  here.

8. Invest In Protective Covers /Wraps

Now, this tip is more geared towards people like me travelling with any kind of fragile gear like cameras, gimbals, etc.

But really if you travel with anything mildly fragile like perfume bottles or intend to buy anything fragile like mugs… (I love a good a mug) then it’s really handy to have some of these protective wraps with you.

I have two,  this one  from Domke which is a great brand, but also an  Amazon brand one  that does the exact same thing for way cheaper.

They’re basically these padded Velcro wraps that you can use to protect anything. I use them for my camera and gimbal, so I effectively turn any bag of mine into a camera bag and can just wrap any item up really easily and toss it in my backpack.

Of course, you can also use a fluffy scarf or something for the same purpose, but I just think the wraps are a little bit smarter and easier to handle, plus they’re not very expensive so they’re a good purchase if you travel often.

9. Plan Your Outfits

A tough piece of packing advice people hate hearing is that they shouldn’t ever bring things just in case.

This goes for everything, from the random gadgets you think you might need to the extra ballgown you want to bring in case you get invited to a ball.

But really, one underrated packing tip is to plan your outfits in advance – no ‘just in case’s.

Planning your outfits in advance can really help you streamline your vacation wardrobe and ensure you’re only bringing things you’ll actually wear. Plus, it will also help you look better during your trip.

Click here  to check out my minimalist travel packing lists for both Summer and Europe travel.

10. Always pack your absolute essentials and one outfit change in your carry on

Smartly packing for travel means preparing for the worst, so be sure to keep this luggage packing tip in mind!

While only 1% of bags tend to get lost , it will happen to even the best of us at some point… whether the bag is lost,, goes missing or uh, is accidentally taken by someone else in Paris (true story). That’s why it’s so important to have some essentials in your carry-on bag.

Having your essentials and extra clothes on you will bring precious peace of mind, so you’re never that angsty person waiting in fetal position at baggage claim.

11. Keep Some Extra Clothes In Your Travel Buddy’s Suitcase

Another little contingency plan in case your suitcase goes missing is to (if you’re travelling with someone else) make sure to pack some extra outfits in your travel buddy’s bag and vice versa.

This way, if either of you loses your bag, you’ll at least have some backup items. In the crazy off chance that BOTH your bags go missing, well my friends, I’m sorry!

12. Bring a few extra bags (e.g. totes, ziplocks, etc.)

You never know when you’ll need them, especially for things like dirty clothes, which are always an afterthought.

They weigh nothing and come in SO handy, so don’t forget a few!

And if you (like me) are working at reducing plastic usage while travelling , I recently discovered these re-usable silicon Ziploc bags (and mesh produce bags) that would definitely come in super handy for travel as well! Check out reviews and prices here.

 13. Bring A Bag For Dirty Laundry

On that note, even if you don’t bring a bunch of totes or extra bags, make sure at the very least to bring a closable bag for dirty laundry because you definitely want to keep that stuff separated.

… And a bag that zips up or seals is ideal because….. well, I’m sure you’ve smelled dirty laundry before.

14. Keep your liquids in a bag and separate them from your other goods

Many of you probably know this already, but just as a reminder, if you’re bringing any liquids in your carry-on bag, you’ll need to present them separately at airport security so they can be scanned.

One of my favourite carry-on packing tips is to get your own reusable toiletries bag instead of using the bags at the airport.

Since I almost always fly carry-on only, I’ve invested in  this awesome reusable clear toiletries bag  that’s TSA approved so I can easily store all my toiletries in it and just pop it out during security checks.

This is just way more durable and I don’t need to use those dinky plastic bags they provide. 

NOTE: 95% of the time, I’ve had no trouble with this, the only exceptions being random airports here and there mostly in Paris and London I think, but yes if you travel often, a bag like this is a total lifesaver.

If you haven’t yet invested in an excellent travel toiletries bag, I highly recommend you do so. They’re one of the best investments I’ve ever made for travel! You’ll never want to use a dinky single-use Ziplock ever again.

Looking for a durable and affordable toiletries bag for your upcoming travels? Check out my roundup of best toiletry bags you can buy online , or check out this summary table below:

15. Always wear your bulkiest items of clothing on the plane

*Puts on Captain Obvious cape*

Coats and boots are heavy. So, if you plan on bringing them on your trip (when packing for winter in Europe for instance), make sure you’re wearing them so they don’t hog up all the space (and weight) in your luggage.

This is an extreme example (that I do not recommend!!) but check out this hilarious coat that you can stuff all your luggage into.

[Also ideal for smuggling movie theatre snacks]

16. Forget full sized liquids, pack mini versions and buy if you need more

This is one of the top suitcase packing tips for travel I recommend to newbie travellers, and one of my all-time favouite packing hacks.

Seriously, put that full-sized bottle away! There’s zero reason for you to bring it.

There WILL be toiletries to buy where you’re travelling. It’s not worth the unnecessary weight to bring a giant bottle of everything (which I have seen many people do).

17. DIY Your Own Travel Size Toiletries

An additional tip building off the point above is to make your own travel size toiletries instead of buying them.

I still see a lot of people buying mini size toiletries from shops that cost like 1-2 bucks per bottle, but I don’t think this is really practical.

Those mini bottles are a huge waste of plastic and also you’re bound to those specific products, which isn’t great if you use very specific shampoos or cleansers like I do, so I really recommend buying reusable travel bottles like  these affordable silicon ones , which I love.

These are SO handy and SO cheap – definitely travel packing essentials I can’t live without.

With them, you can pack lighter, bring your favourite products with you and it’s a little bit better for the environment.

These leak-proof silicon bottles are perfect for this, and dirt cheap too, but I’ve summarized some other popular options in the table below.

Pssst, if you need a little extra help, read my full roundup of the best travel-size bottles you can buy online.

18. Use Plastic To Avoid Leaks

If you’re packing any liquids, sometimes you might find that they can leak in your bag, which is… obviously not great!

To prevent this from happening, I recommend covering the bottles with something before you cap them.

Now often this tip is given with the assumption that you’ll be using plastic wrap, but this effect can also be achieved if you have a million plastic shopping bags in your cupboard.

Just cut those up and use some little squares to cover instead.

19. Use tissue paper to avoid wrinkles

I haven’t tried this one myself, but many travellers swear by rolling their clothes with sheets of tissue paper, or putting sheets of tissue paper between folded shirts.

This apparently minimizes the friction/pressure, which then reduces wrinkles. Magic!

20. Plan to layer for warmth

Rather than bring chunky sweaters or puffy jackets, think about bringing many layerable items instead.

This is (in my opinion) the most effective way to pack for cold weather, and gives you more outfit choices too!

If you struggle with travelling light, you might also benefit from this guide on how to travel light.

21. Never pack things “just in case”

Let’s be real: more often than not, that case will not come up!

And if by some miracle, you’re in need of a special item, just take that opportunity to indulge in some shopping.

Learn from my mistake: I lugged around a raincoat for 6 weeks in Europe and used it maybe twice… the amount of space it took in my backpack was embarrassing!

And if letting go of the “just in case” mentality sounds impossible, you might benefit from my minimalist packing list/guide .

22. Pack The Heaviest Items On The Bottom Of Your Bag

This is a VERY underrated tip that a lot of people forget about, but when packing your suitcase, make sure to place your heaviest items at the bottom where the wheels are to avoid the suitcase randomly toppling over during your trip. 

Having heavy items on the bottom is the best way to pack a suitcase for stability.

…  The last thing you want is for your suitcase to be imbalanced!

23. Make Sure You Have A Unique Luggage Tag Or Mark Your Suitcase In A Unique Way

Honestly, you’d be shocked at how often people take the wrong stuff at baggage claim.

It happened to me once a few years back. I was travelling with a grey hard top suitcase topped with a cutesy pink tag.

I thought that was already unique, but sure enough, someone took it by accident thinking it was theirs! I only realized when I stood there like a doofus for an hour watching all the bags get taken and the last one left looked suspiciously like mine.

Don’t worry – I eventually got mine after shedding my body weight in tears and whimpering repeatedly.

SO, to avoid this ever happening to you, I suggest you make your suitcase obnoxiously unique… that way it’d be really difficult for someone to think it’s theirs.

Might I suggest this  hilarious sloth cover  urging you to follow your dreams?

24. Bring A Reusable Water Bottle

Most major European cities will have fountains all over where you can get delicious tap water for free and most major airlines are happy to serve you water in your own bottle as well, so that’s why it’s a great idea to take advantage of a reusable water bottle on your travels.

Sure, it may not be the most space-efficient thing to bring but it’s really handy to have, and better for the environment too : )

If you’re worried about bringing a water bottle that’s too bulky, there are a lot of great collapsible water bottles out there with amazing reviews  like this one.

25. Last but not least, don’t forget to leave a little extra space

A list of suitcase packing tips for travel wouldn’t be complete without this important (but often forgotten) gem of wisdom.

Here’s the thing: you’re human… You will inevitably buy something.

The worst feeling is falling in love with an item abroad and having zero space in your suitcase to bring it home.

Pro tip: I have some friends that bring an extra duffle that folds up small so that they have an extra bag for the way home (to hold all the shopping!)

And by ‘friends’, I mean my brother, who once came home from Japan with a suitcase full of Pikachu dolls. Still, a pretty cool packing hack!

More Travel Packing Hacks

Packing for vacation shouldn’t be stressful… and the more packing tips you know, the more prepared you’ll be.

So now let’s move onto some cool travel HACKS, AKA ingenious little tricks that you can use to make packing a little easier and more fun.

26. Pack A Pillow Case

We’ll start with a weird packing hack – pack a pillow case on your next trip!

Why? Well, they weigh nothing and are really multipurpose.

You can, for example, stuff one with clothes or a puffy jacket for a DIY travel pillow, or if you’re staying in a hostel it might be nice for hygiene reasons.

Honestly if you have no other use for it, consider it a dirty clothes bag.

27. Pack A Clothespin Or A Money Clip

Even if you don’t plan to do laundry or um… clip money on your trip, these are great for making a DIY toothbrush stand so you can make sure your toothbrush doesn’t touch the counter or anything gross.

All you need to do is clip it onto the middle of the toothbrush to create a nice little perch for your toothbrush.

28. Use A Tic Tac Case To Store Your Bobby Pins

Bobby pins… you buy them in the hundreds and yet somehow lose them all.

Does this sound like you?

Honestly, bobby pins things go missing ALL the time so it’s really handy to keep them all in one spot, and a Tic Tac case is the perfect size for this purpose.

29. Use A Carabiner For Your Hair Ties

In a similar way, you can use a carabiner to keep tabs on all your hair ties, which means no more digging around in the darkest depths of your bag for one, or keeping one on your wrist at all times. Yay!

30. Store Q-Tips In Old Pill Bottles

If you have any old pill bottles lying around, they’re actually the perfect size for storing Q-Tips, so if you’re big into keeping your ears clean while abroad, be sure to start hoarding those pill bottles ; )

31. String Necklaces Through A Straw To Keep Them From Tangling

This is a really easy thing to do if your necklaces get tangled often – mine personally hold up fine usually so I just keep them in a pouch but if you want an easy way to make sure they don’t get tangled, thread your necklace through a straw and then hook it around.

This way, your necklaces stay in one untangled bundle.

32. Use A Shower Cap To Store Your Shoes

Obviously this is a shower cap you will not be using, but wrapping a shower cap around your shoes is great for keeping your dirty muddy shoes away from the rest of your belongings.

Alternatively, those big zipper plastic bags that bedsheets come in are also great for the same purpose.

33. Stuff Your Shoe With Small Items To Save Space

Ahh yes, efficient packing tips – my favourite!

If you’re really looking to maximize space in your suitcase, consider stuffing your shoes with small items like socks and underwear. You’ll be shocked at how much you can actually cram in there.

NOTE: Just be sure, especially with underwear, to put them in a protective bag first because putting them in your shoes as-is sounds like infection city.

34. Invest In A Universal Adapter

If there’s one travel tool you need in your arsenal (besides my precious packing cubes of course), it’s a universal adapter, especially one with multiple slots for USB chargers too so you can charge multiple devices without a bulky power bar.

This one is great! 

Why should you get a universal adapter?

Well, you can reuse it on every single one of your trips, and even if you’re JUST visiting Europe, there are certain countries that use a different outlet (e.g. the UK, Ireland and Malta), so better safe than sorry. Trust me, the ease of mind is priceless.

35. Bring An Oven Mitt

This is one of my favorite travel packing tips and tricks because it’s so random.

But it’s also super helpful.

If you travel with any heat appliances like I do (e.g. a hair straightener, curler, etc.) then bringing an oven mitt is a genius way to make sure you always have a heatproof surface to rest it on and also a safe place to store it when you need to pack up quickly in the morning.

I have a terrible habit of just tossing my hair straightener on top of my stuff when I travel, which terrifies my boyfriend because… well, nobody likes fires…. but now that I wrap my stuff in an oven mitt, he can breathe a little easier, and we fight a lot less ; )

36. Pack Dryer Sheets To Avoid “Weird Clothes Smell”

If you’ve travelled any time in your life, I’m sure you’re familiar with that “weird clothes smell” that can quickly permeate your suitcase.

Well, packing a dryer sheet or two in your bag will keep that stench at bay! Not only are they very light, they’ll keep your luggage smelling freshy fresh.

Need a recommendation? These ones smell like lavender and are both vegan and cruelty-free.

37. Bring A Frozen Waterbottle Or Frozen Sponge To Keep Your Snacks Cool

Now I’m sure you know you’re not typically allowed any liquids over 100mL on a plane…

But if you want to bring your own drink on board and avoid the $10 airport waters, or if you just want to keep your snacks nice and cool, consider bringing a frozen water bottle as a DIY ice pack and a refreshing drink after you pass security…

Or if you just want an ice pack, a frozen sponge will do the trick.

BONUS: Don’t forget to pack pens!

And okay, here’s a final bonus tip for you, not exactly a hack but something that’s SUPER important and most people forget… Make sure you have a pen in EVERY BAG.

You never know when you need a pen, especially if you need to fill out any customs paperwork, and honestly the little station they sometimes have is like the Hunger Games of pens.

One time I landed at London Stanstead and they didn’t even have ANY pens available, so I had to awkwardly ask a staff person to borrow theirs and it was just… really weird.

#TeamPenForLife

Did I miss any of your favourite suitcase packing tips?

So there you go, years of packing wisdom squished into a single blog post. I hope you found this free packing guide helpful and valuable and if you have any more travel tips for packing you think I should add, Let me know in the comments!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

37 thoughts on “30+ Essential Suitcase Packing Tips & Hacks That You Need to Copy ASAP”

I’m always on the edge about rolling my clothes versus folding them. Right now, I’m still folding them. No matter whatever I hear about the advantages of rolling, I can’t seem to even try to convert!

… and I also have a very, very bad habit of packing things “just in case”, such as extra outfits. Umm… gotta look perfect for my pictures I guess, and have extra changing options. Ha ha.

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

haha why does it worry you? Try it once with packing cubes! Your life will be changed 😉

Great advice! I’m a BIG fan of packing cubes… I can’t believe I had never heard of them until a few years ago. Never have tried the tissue paper method. Will definitely have to, especially on business trips. I also recommend shoe bags as a way to keep organized and clean. Plastic bags are a great alternative but they often leak or get dirty too quickly.

Hey Tam, ahh awesome thanks so much for the link 🙂 <3 And oooh yes shoe bags I love as well! I just got a new packing cube set that came with laundry/shoe bags and I'm in Type A heaven hahah.

Nice Post Christina. I like you tips. Keep blogging

thanks for reading, Julian 🙂

Well I am impressed with these tips always helped a lot

Happy to hear that, Jimmy!

Main thing that i have to add in this list is How do you usually organise all of your electronics, cables, those fiddly bits that take you ages to dig out at security? Stuff them in like the rest of us? Well, if you want to organise your packing then get yourself a stash of ziplock bags. Phone charger, camera charger, adaptors, headphones – take extra plastic bags (the same ones you’d use for hand luggage liquids) and use them to store electrical items, things for the journey home (house keys, parking ticket and car keys), medication and other loose accessories..

well thanks to my packers team a they have did a very well job here

That’s quite an interesting article Christina, and I find it really useful, As a corporate traveler, packing things is literally hectic work, and I am going to follow your tips for my upcoming travels. Hope this parking trick could save some space.

Happy to provide you with any tips to make the experience less stressful! Safe travels, Gloria 🙂

I like how you suggested starting a luggage packing list. I am going on vacation and want to be able to store my luggage properly. Thanks for the tips on suitcase packing tips.

Great article, I believe packing is the most important factor one should keep in mind while traveling, and then comes means of transport which helps to reach your destination on time.

Only buy travel size toiletries once. Refill those small bottles from your large ones at home…or reuse some of those small complimentary ones from the hotel.

Packing is really stressful work. Most of the people are confused about how to the packing. Your blog is very helpful for packing. I also use your tips for packing because your tips are very easy and nice. I like your blog. Thanks!

I have made some packing but after reading this I wondered I havent done anything and so many things to get packed 😀 😀 Thanks for sharing this post <3

Hey, Read your Blog and found these tricks very useful especially that extra bag point because it is very useful and some of us often forgot it.

Rolling clothes is one of my favourite things to do. I find it easier to locate what I need if I’m living out of a suitcase and it stops the clothes creasing too – bonus!

Another article of yours that I have enjoyed. Agree with all of the above & will finally try the dryer sheets next time I’m away. Keep seeing it but have never taken the leap (it might be a boy thing!). Cheers! – Nigel

Really smart ideas and tips especially the Bring dryer sheets to avoid “weird clothes smell” cause everything that we go on a trip my dress has unnecessary odor.

It’s, in reality, a nice and useful piece of information about packing tips.

Great tips, really helpful.

Wow! Amazing tips, really it works & helpful during travel

This is all so true! Thanks for such a wonderful article, it’s quite interesting in reading about the packing tips and hacks.!!

I truly loved reading the blog above; you have explained everything in-depth about relocation. Surely I’ll share the suggestions & guide with clients. Thank you for such a fantastic post, and please keep it up.

Great written and come with approximately all important infos

Love your tips! I have two for having more room for items I purchase. The first is that I place a carry on suitcase inside a larger suitcase for some travel. I live in Europe but travel back to the US and stock up or bring things I already own back to the UK. You need to check with your airline about how many bags you can have though. Nowadays I have to pay a lot for the extra suitcase but it can be worth it. The second is one I did more when I was younger. I would pack a certain amount of times I was willing to part with. Old underwear and socks would go in the bin for the last few days. And I would donate clothes to charity in order to fit souvenirs in.

Very informative blog, thanks for sharing with us

Hey Christina, Nice Post, Thanks for this informative article. I’m a businessman And have to travel so, Its really helpful for me.

Very nice, love it.

I think it would be hilarious if you started a trend where everyone takes your advice, and soon there will be many sloth suitcases showing up at airport baggage claims across the world. I can only hope. I am off to purchase mine right now.

Seriously though, thanks for all of these travel tips. I love the website, and your humor (sorry, I am American so I spell it differently).

I have learned a lot things from your articles, and I am excited for my first-ever trip to Oktoberfest this year. Prost!

You have shared so many awesome tips! I would not have thought about q tips in a little tub or using a straw for necklaces. Genius packing tips

Good tips! I’m definitely a “just in case” packer and need to re-think that. Ireland is one of those countries that insist on ziplock bags only for your liquids. Also, I keep one of those wrapped hotel mini soaps in my suitcase – keeps it smelling nice for a long time – even after you get home and store your bag away.

Awesome! This article is very informative and very good. Thanks for sharing this with us. Keep sharing.

This is a truly helpful and practical piece of information regarding tips for packing.

Very helpful, thanks for the share.

Very helpful, keep sharing the good stuff.

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Best Way to Pack a Suitcase to Maximize Space – 25 Packing Tips

By Author Delilah

Posted on Last updated: November 18, 2022

Let’s face it, packing your suitcase is one of the least exciting things to do when you’re going on holiday. Not to mention how difficult it is to fit everything in, and how easy it is to unpack it all when you’re only grabbing out a t-shirt and shorts.

We’ll try to make it easier for you. We’ve flown thousands of miles and lived out of our bags for months at a time. 

In this extensive guide, we’ll share our best travel packing tips for how to pack a suitcase to maximize space that we always follow. These are tried and true recommendations we can’t live without.

Travel Packing Tips

There’s no single way to pack a suitcase, but following these travel packing tips will enable you to fit way more in your bags, reduce weight and have a more enjoyable trip overall.

1. Fold AND Roll Clothes to Save Space in Luggage

Rolling clothing to save space is the oldest trick in the book. Some still argue that folding takes up less space, but the general consensus is that rolling definitely helps. It might just come down to the fact that rolled clothing can be squeezed into smaller spaces and corners than folded clothes.

How to Roll Clothes for Packing

The best way to roll clothes for packing is to fold the garment into a rectangle first before tightly rolling it into a cylinder the width of your packing cube. This will ensure a snug fit, minimize wrinkles when packing clothes and keep things organized.

2. Use Packing Cubes

We used to think there was no need for packing cubes. We were so wrong! You’ll be surprised at how much you can squeeze into these cubes and you can easily separate out your t-shirts, pants, underwear etc. 

This makes it so much easier to find items rather than rummaging through your suitcase trying to find ‘that’ t-shirt. It also means keeping things organised and tidy.

We’ve travelled for up to 6-months at a time living out of our suitcase using a couple of sets of these affordable Bagail packing cubes from Amazon and they’ve been perfect.  They’ve lasted for years and the quality is top notch, especially for the price you pay.  

We recommend them to all our friends and family – they’re probably the best value packing cubes you can buy right now. Sure there are lighter and more durable options but the cost doesn’t

Buy It On Amazon

The next best alternative would be the Amazon Basics packing cubes which we found to be very similar and well constructed, however, slightly more expensive for what you get.

3. Use a Lightweight Suitcase

It’s easy to forget your suitcase takes up part of your weight allowance. The lighter your suitcase, the heavier the items you bring can be. When packing for air travel on budget airlines, you’ll need to be even more conscious of this due to strict weight limits.

Opt for a lightweight suitcase or even consider a large backpack (although we wouldn’t recommend a duffel bag). This is often preferred if moving from place to place every few days or if you’re travelling to somewhere remote with gravel roads where lugging around a wheely bag may get tricky and damage the wheels.

When choosing a suitcase, we recommend one that has 360 degree wheels and a hard outer case, as well as sticking to the best, most popular brands. American Tourister and Samsonite make the best rolling luggage available, whilst AmazonBasics is a great, lightweight and affordable option.

Best Suitcase: Samsonite Freeform

Best Budget Suitcase: Amazon Basics 21″ (honestly, this is perfect for most people)

Best Hard Luggage Set: Samsonite Winfield 2

Best Travel Pack: Osprey Farpoint 40 and Osprey Fairview 40 for individuals, Osprey Farpoint Trek 75 for couples

4. Create a Travel Packing List

Spend five minutes writing down all the items you need to bring, and this packing tip will save you so much time and stress in the long run. It’s so easy to forget the little things like a phone charger, pen or a hairbrush.

Creating a structured packing process is essential. Write everything down and tick the items off your travel packing checklist once you’ve packed them. You can even prepare multiple packing lists for various types of trips. For example, we have different packing lists for snow trips compared to beach holidays.

5. Pack Travel-Sized Toiletries

Liquids tend to be quite dense and heavy, so only packing what you need will free up both storage space and weight in your bag. It’s a great idea to pack toiletries after transferring the liquids into smaller bottles.

A pack of four bottles is enough to last one month of holidays for two people. We’d fill them with shampoo, body wash, conditioner and body moisturiser.

For trips longer than a month, we’d still carry these around. Many hotels and hostels provide you with a small bottle of shampoo and soap, so we’d save these and fill our bottles when required. 

There are heaps on Amazon to choose from and they’re super affordable and well worth the investment. These ones look awesome and are the perfect size (four 100ml bottles) – we’d buy them if we didn’t already have some!

Just remember the TSA liquid’s rule (many international governments also follow this rule) if you plan to bring them on your carry-on – don’t bring any greater than 100ml.

6. Leave Half the Clothing You’ve Packed at Home

I’ll admit, I’m guilty of overpacking every time, even for full-time travel with 40L of luggage space. One of our favourite travel packing tips is, once you’ve created a packing list, remove half of the clothing items on there. If you pack something as a ‘just in case’, you’re probably not going to use it.

7. Pack Travel-Sized Towels

I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but the Sea to Summit Drylite Travel Towel changed my life. It takes up a fraction of the space of a regular microfibre travel towel and folds down to the size of my hand!

Towels take up so much space in your bag, so opt for a travel towel. Make sure you pick one that absorbs water well and doesn’t smell after multiple uses.

The Sea to Summit towel often sells out, and although we’d recommend trying to find it, this one by Bagail looks to be the same material so should get the job done the same.

8. Utilise Unused Space When Packing a Suitcase

Shoes are the biggest culprits of unused space in your suitcase. Store socks in your shoes, or whatever else you can find that fits.

If you’re planning on bringing a collared shirt and a belt, roll the belt up to fit inside of the collar. It’ll help the collar to keep its shape while in transit and prevent wrinkles.

Pile all of your bras on top of each other, lining up the cups. Fold a bra in half down the middle, and store a few socks between the cups. Not only are you saving space, but it’ll also help the cups keep their shape.

9. Reduce Shoes in Your Luggage

Shoes are incredibly bulky items and can be awkward shapes to pack.

Limiting the number of shoes should be your first point of call to maximize suitcase space – they just take up too much room. All you really need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes and some sandals.

Ditch the heels. Especially if you’ll likely be out and about during the day, then go straight out to a restaurant and bar at night. Instead, choose a nice sandal you can wear all day and night.

Best Travel Shoes

There are two pairs of comfortable shoes I swear by for both holiday and everyday use. Birkenstocks (I have the Arizonas) and Adidas Ultraboosts (we have the men’s 4.0 and the women’s 22). They’re both unisex as well which is a bonus.

10. Pack Dryer Sheets For Dirty Laundry

Put dryer sheets in your dirty laundry bag to keep your clothing from smelling, especially if you’re unable to do your washing for a week or more. The sheets take up virtually no space in your checked luggage.

11. Pack Travel-Size Makeup in Your Suitcase

When travelling full-time I need to cut down my beauty products significantly, opting for a very lean kit allowing for more space in my checked bag.

Fortunately, a lot of brands offer their most popular products in smaller packaging that is convenient for travel.  Here are some of my favourites:

• Tarte Tarteist Mascara – A great mascara in a small size.
• Benefit Roller Liner – Thin and accurate eyeliner that is absolutely tiny.
• Benefit Lip and Cheek Stain – Benetint is my favourite colour for a light blush or tinted lips
• Tarte Tarteist Palette – Blush, bronzer & highlighter in one
• Mario Badescu Facial Spray – A refreshing, must-have facial spray for anyone travelling for long hours. 100% game changer.
• Sponge Blender – Switch out your foundation brush, concealer brush, setting brush, face brush and more. This is the ultimate travel makeup tool. 
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen – The only sunscreen we’ve found that feels like it isn’t there. It’s super thin and doesn’t leave your face greasy, plus the SPF is legit.

12. Use Zip Lock and Plastic Bags for Storage

You’ll never know when these will come in handy; whether you need a place to keep wet swimwear, dirty laundry or leaking toiletries a plastic bag always comes in handy.

13. Ditch the Umbrella or Bulky Raincoat

Umbrellas and big raincoats are bulky. Ditch these and buy a light, pocketable raincoat. Don’t be fooled by a jacket advertising ‘water resistance’ as this will only withstand showers. Instead, make sure you’ve got something waterproof.

For anyone looking for a cheap, lightweight AND waterproof rain jacket the Marmot Precip Rain Jacket for Women and for Men are undoubtedly the best value rain jackets you can buy.  At under $100 and under 300g nothing comes close.

We’ve found the brand Marmot to be great for waterproof raincoats. Even better, they’re pocketable so they take up barely any room and are convenient to carry around during the day. Great for both hot, humid weather and for colder weather, they’re easy to layer underneath.

14. Pack Two Full Outfits in Your Carry On Luggage for Air Travel

Fingers crossed your luggage doesn’t go missing, but if it does happen, you’ll be prepared. If you’ve got space, pack your bathing suit, another pair of shoes and plenty of underwear too. Be sure to pack all your chargers and tech equipment as well.

15. Pack an International Travel Adaptor

Travel adapters are bulky to pack, especially if you’re travelling to multiple countries with different power outlets.

Our Belkin one is our favourite as it has two USB ports to charge our phone and two powerpoints. We’ve found this Joomfeen Travel Adapter to be a lot more practical though. It’s smaller and has retractable pins which prevent any damage and makes it an easier shape to pack.

We recommend checking the voltage of your destination countries beforehand as this may affect the adapter you should buy.

16. Bring an Empty Water Bottle in Your Carry-On Bag

Once you’re through customs, buying water is incredibly overpriced. One of our favourite travel packing tips is to bring an empty water bottle that you can fill up before getting on the plane.

Hydroflask makes the best water bottles for travel. We love ours, they are extremely durable, packable and keep drinks warm or cold thanks to the insulation. The only issue is the weight, a tradeoff ultralight travellers may not wish to make.  

Our favourite is the wide-mouth Hydroflask with straw .  It’s the most convenient and keeps drinks warm/cold for hours.  

Some of the more sustainable travellers we’ve met have opted for the Grayl GeoPress which allows them to drink tap water anywhere in the world and filter it quickly in the bottle.

17. Consolidate Chargers With a GAN Charger

GAN chargers are a life changing innovation that now allow travellers to charge multiple, high-powered devices from one charger. 

Our favourite for most people is this Amazon Basics 2-Port GAN Charger . It offers two ports, one with enough power to charge your cellphone and another high-powered port for charging a laptop.

We have a lot of high-powered devices so we use this more powerful Anker GAN Charger which is an absolute beast.

18. Pack Shoes in Shower Caps

You never know what’s on the underside of your shoes so don’t let this touch your suitcase. Instead, place shoes in shower caps (these are sometimes provided in your hotel room) or simply opt for a plastic bag.

19. Choose Multi-Purpose Items

It is efficient to pack items that can serve multiple purposes, so you can cut back on what you have to bring. This will help free up extra space for other items and stay under your weight limit.

There will be an upfront cost if you don’t already own these items, but it’s totally worth it if you’re looking to maximise your baggage space and pack your suitcase efficiently.

Sarong: Great to wear to the beach, use a picnic blanket or for covering up when visiting a temple.  A lightweight sarong will get a lot of use on your trip.

Snap-lock bags: make your bag leak-proof from toiletries, keep small items from getting lost, store dirty laundry and store shoes to keep the soles off your clothes. You can even attempt to use them as compression cubes.

Paper clip: keep your travel documents together but also use it to get your sim card out of your phone.

Bulldog Clips: keep your travel documents together and use them to cover your razor and toothbrush.

Safety pins: these come in handy to mend clothing, attach wet laundry and remove a splinter. I use these to pin a secret pocket to the inside of my pants so I have money available in an emergency.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has so many uses. A moisturiser, lip balm, sunburn relief, leave-in hair conditioner, and even shaving cream. A little goes a long way so you won’t need to pack much at all.

20. Build a Travel First Aid Kit

This is probably the only item in your suitcase that you hope you’ll never have to use, but you should definitely have on hand.  I know I was glad when I injured myself on a hike in New Zealand !

We’ve built up our own first aid kit to ensure we only brought the absolute essentials. However, there are plenty of options you can buy online. 

This First Aid Only First Aid Kit is a great option for people looking for something they can buy once without needing to buy individual items. Just bear in mind, it may contain a few extra items that you may not need (you can always take them out)

To save money and maximise space in your bags, we’d recommend you make one up and only take what you need. Our kit doesn’t take up much room at about  7” x 5” x 3”.

This is what’s inside ours:

• Medications: Ibuprofen, paracetamol, imodium, sore throat lozenges, antihistamines and cold/flu tablets
• Antiseptic cream for cuts/grazes
• Antihistamine cream for mosquito bites
• Band-aids/plasters
• Alcohol swabs to clean wounds
• Oral rehydration sachets for dehydration or food poisoning
• Small pair of scissors
• Sewing equipment: Needle, thread, buttons and safety pins

We carry this in our daypacks daily for that ‘just-in-case’ moment. If you do the same, remember to remove the scissors, needle and safety pins from your carry-on luggage before flying.

21. Keep Like Items Together

When going through airport customs, the last thing you want to do is fish around your bag looking for all your liquids. Don’t be that person who holds up the line! Keep everything together in a ziplock bag and it’ll make life so much easier.

This also goes for things like cables, camera gear, toiletries etc. It just makes it easier when looking for something in your bags.

22. Reduce Weight by Wearing Bulky Items On The Plane

If you’re aiming to pack efficiently, try wearing your bulkiest items on the plane. This automatically frees up space in your suitcase.

My partner got a mid-thigh length duffle coat tailored in Vietnam. Wearing this home on the plane saved about ⅛ of our baggage space. Planes are always air-conditioned and it can get quite cold. You should always bring a jacket anyway, so wear your bulkiest one on the flight and you’ll save even more space.

This doesn’t just apply to coats and jackets. Think sunhats (which can also be awkward shapes to pack) and bulky boots.

23. Consider Clothing Material & Colours

This is an easy way to reduce the amount of clothing you need to bring, especially if you are packing for a long vacation. Packing neutral clothing makes it easier to match with and thus allowing for more outfit combinations. 

If you love wearing colour, consider packing colourful dresses that you’d wear by themselves, whilst sticking to neutral t-shirts and bottoms that you can mix and match easily.

It’s also a good idea to choose lightweight clothing materials to reduce weight in your suitcase.  Materials like merino wool and synthetic sports fabrics are super lightweight and great in hotter areas.

24. Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom of Your Suitcase

It’ll be easier to wheel around your suitcase if you pack the heavier items at the bottom. Pack toiletries and shoes at the bottom of your suitcase. If you have any lightweight or fragile items then it is a good idea to pack these securely at the top.

25. Dry Your Laundry on a Travel Line

Holidays longer than 10 days will usually require doing the laundry at some point.

Pegs take up a lot of room, whereas a piece of string on its own doesn’t cut it especially if you’re hanging clothes outside and don’t want anything to blow away or disappear.

This Sea to Summit clothesline is woven together tightly, allowing you to attach your laundry securely (just stick a corner or each clothing through the holes) without using pegs.  We find it better than the ones with suction cups (which end up falling off).

How to Pack a Suitcase

The best way to pack a suitcase is to use a combination of rolling clothes, packing cubes and lightweight travel items. These packing tips will enable you to maximize the space inside your suitcase allowing you to pack more for your trip.

How to Pack Clothes to Save Space in Your Bag

The best way to pack clothes is to use the fold and roll technique. Start by folding your garments into a rectangle, then roll them into a tight cylinder the width of your packing cubes.

In addition to this, aim to pack small and light-weight clothing in your bags– you should leave the bulky items at home. Here are a few tips for how to pack clothes to save space:

• Fold & roll clothes
• Narrow down your must-have clothes
• Only bring light-weight, small garments
• Pack clothing in packing cubes
• Bring clothes with multiple purposes

How to Pack Shoes

The best way to pack your shoes in a suitcase is by isolating them in a separate bag. Start by ensuring your shoes are clean and as odour-free as possible before flipping them and placing them inside a plastic or fabric bag with the soles facing out. Lastly, place this bag in the bottom corner of your suitcase.

An extra tip is to fill the shoes with small items of clothing such as socks. We also aim to compress the shoes as much as possible by pushing other items up against them.

How to Pack a Suitcase for a Flight

Packing a suitcase for a flight requires packing as densely as possible, without going above the airlines’ weight limits. Follow tips such as rolling, using packing cubes and packing small, lightweight items.

In addition to the tips on this list, we highly recommend researching your airline’s luggage requirements. Ensure your suitcase is within the physical dimensions allowed and the final weight of your luggage doesn’t exceed the limits.

Does Rolling Clothes Save Space?

Rolling your clothes when packing will save space inside your suitcase. Folding alone can help to keep things organized, but will cause air pockets making it difficult to fit as many garments in. 

How to Pack Shoes in a Suitcase

The best way to pack shoes in a bag is by isolating them in a separate bag. Start packing by ensuring your shoes are clean and as odour-free as possible before flipping them and placing them inside a plastic or fabric bag with the soles facing out. Lastly, place this bag in the bottom corner of your suitcase.

Should You Unpack or Live Out of Your Suitcase?

For shorter trips the time and effort of unpacking and repacking your bags typically doesn’t outweigh the organisational benefits of having your bags unpacked at your destination.

When you spend over a week in a destination you can start to see some of the benefits of unpacking your suitcase.  However, we would typically recommend following the packing tips above to keep your suitcase well organised.  This should make it easy to find what you need without unpacking.

If you do choose to unpack your bags, make sure to keep track of where you store your items as you run a higher risk of leaving something behind.

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Really this is a fabulous post for me to move first time with my essential material to my new destination.

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The 2021 packing hacks that will make packing a piece of cake

You can see it now: rest, relaxation and just good old fun. Wouldn’t be great to skip directly to the part where you can enjoy all these things and not have to worry about packing? While we can’t do your packing for you and spare you the trouble, we did put together the ultimate packing guide: a lift of travel hacks that will make your life easier.

Without further ado, here are +40 travel hacks that will change the way you travel:

1. Scan/ photograph all your important documents

Photograph or scan all your important documents and save them on your phone. Do the same with any booking confirmations you might have. If anything should happen, then you‘ll be happy to have a backup solution.

2. Put shower caps on your shoes

Packing shoes can get tricky. No matter how well you wash them, it still feels a bit gross to put them together with your clothes. Completely avoid the “yuck” factor by putting a shower cap around the soles of your shoes. Now you know that your clean clothes will stay clean.

3. Put together a basic first aid kit

Bring with you any medication you might be required to take, as well as some basics. It’s a good idea to have some pain killers, cough drops, stomach pills, and motion sickness tablets. A holiday essential: plasters. Absolute life-savers. Also, don’t forget to pack your preferred contraception method.

4. Binder clips for your headphones

Headphones have a special talent for becoming a knot of wires as soon as you slip them inside your pocket. Spare yourself the exasperated sighs by wrapping your headphones around office binder clips. They’ll stay tangle-free and you’ll have saved half an hour of your life.

5. Cotton swab to protect cosmetics

This happens way too often: you open your cosmetics bag only to see your blush crumbled in a thousand pieces and now everything is pink and dusty. Place a cotton swab inside your compact cosmetics and save yourself the trouble and the money.

6. Get a universal charging station, packing hacks

This is perfect for people who use a lot of gadgets (so, basically all of us) or if you’re traveling with a group. Now no one has to fight overcharging time and you can always have all your gadgets charged at all times.

7. Take a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees

At home, this is probably not something you think about, as most cards charge a small transaction fee or none at all. However, when you’re abroad these fees can add up, so check before you leave which card would save you the most money.

8. Pack your jacket inside-out

If you have any fancy evenings planned for your holidays, then pack your jacket inside out to prevent it from wrinkling.

9. Bring plastic and zip lock bags

You wouldn’t think of this as a necessity, but it’s amazing how helpful and versatile they can be. You can keep your dirty laundry, wet swimsuits or towels, or protect any electronics from sand while at the beach.

10. Save space for holiday souvenirs

It’s understandable that you want to use up all available luggage space. But you will probably want to buy a bunch of amazing souvenirs (maybe a bottle of that delicious Italian wine or some local delicacy). Suddenly your suitcase if stuffed and you can’t zip it up anymore. To avoid this, plan some luggage space for your holiday purchases from the moment you pack to leave.

11. Skip the shoes

12. Cosmetics at a minimum

Another way you might trick yourself into over-packing is by thinking you need a lot of cosmetic products. But you can actually have a good skincare routine with just a few basic things. So be extra strict when packing your cosmetics bag, you’ll save a lot of space for more important things.

13. Roll your clothes, packing hack

There are a few ways to pack your clothes, but many people swear by rolling their clothes instead of folding them, as this keeps creasing to a minimum.

14. Keep your valuables in your hand luggage

Keep any gadgets, important documents, or jewelry in your hand luggage. Better safe than sorry.

15. Bring adapters

If you’re traveling abroad, it could be that the power outlets at your destination will have a whole different design. Before you leave, pop by the store and get yourself a universal adapter.

16. Pack any fragile items in bubble wrap

To make sure all your fragile souvenirs arrive in one piece, wrap them in bubble wrap. You can pack some with you before you leave.

17. Check the forecast

Packing guide: You’ve checked the forecast five days before your trip and it was sunny all day every day, so now naturally you only pack T-shirts. But despite meteorologists’ best attempts, the weather can often be surprising, so check the forecast again the night before you leave. Also, no matter what it might say, pack one light jacket just in case. You never know.

18. Categorize clothes by day

Most people sort their clothes by type of clothing. Jeans at the bottom, jackets and sweaters above, T-shirts on top, and then underwear wherever there is space left. However, this is a sure-fire way of messing up your bag from your first day on holiday. Before you know it, you’re left with a messy pile of clothes in your suitcase and you still can’t find that top. Try this: pack your clothes in individual plastic bags by day. This way you’ll always have your next outfit within reach.

19. Add a change of clothes to your carry-on

We all hate when it happens, but it happens: your checked-in luggage got lost on the way and won’t be arriving until the next day. Instead of staying in your travel clothes or spending money on buying new ones, make sure you pack some in your carry-on. So if worse comes to worst, you have a backup plan.

20. Skip the towels or buy travel towels

If you’re staying at a hotel or AirBnB, you’ll definitely find towels there. If you’re more comfortable bringing your own or if you’re going backpacking, buy a travel towel. They’re really light, but very absorbent and take up virtually no space.

21. Check if there is any possibility to wash your clothes there

An important packing hack, especially if you’re going on a longer holiday, it’s simply impractical to pack an outfit for each day you’re there. Sometimes it’s simpler to do a load of laundry. Check if your hotel offers a laundry service or if your Airbnb host might have a washing machine you could use. In certain cities there are still laundromats, so do a quick Google search before you go.

22. Buy travel size toiletries

Instead of bringing your regular toothpaste, get yourself a travel-sized one. The same goes for most personal care products, as this is a fantastic way to save some space.

23. Prepare for any special activities or events

Nobody likes last-minute panic shopping so don’t put yourself through that, be prepared. Are there any fancy dinners involved, or will you go to a theme party? Perhaps a hike or two planned? Make sure you keep in mind any particular activities in your schedule and pack appropriately.

24. Don’t pack stuff you’ll find at your destination

Whatever items you can find at your destination, buy at the destination instead of bringing the ones you have at home. You don’t really need to bring a shower gel with you.

25. Plastic wrap under the bottle cap to prevent spillage

We all know the feeling of dread as we first open our suitcases and anxiously check if anything spilled and ruined all our clothes. Most often than not, whatever can spill, will spill (thanks, Murphy!) So put a bit of plastic wrap under the caps of your bottle to avoid any shampoo-related disasters.

26. Stuff your shoes packing hack

Packing shoes take up a lot of space that you could otherwise use. That can become a problem especially if you have only one carry-on bag. Make sure your use your suitcase to the max by stuffing your shoes with the socks you will take with you. Done, no more wasted potential.

27. Skip the “fragile” tag

This is a hack that has been buzzing around the internet for quite some time: marking your suitcase as fragile will ensure it gets handled with extra care by airport staff. The truth is, it doesn’t make much of a difference . Your best bet is to pack any fragile items in your carry-on or, if you don’t have that option, to use lots and lots of bubble wrap.

28. Beeswax to waterproof your stuff

This environmentally friendly solution is a great way to waterproof your shoes, jacket, or backpack. Simply rub the beeswax on them and you’re good to go.

29. Download free digital tour guides

There are many free walking tour guides out there that can save to your phone and use while on holiday. Now you can explore at your own pace and save up money.

30. Download google maps for offline browsing

This is a great feature to save up on data when you traveling. Save the map of the city on your phone for easy browsing. Plus, you can mark all the places you want to visit, so you can more easily decide on where to go next.

31. Thread your necklaces through straws

Avoid your necklaces getting knotted up together by threading them through a regular straw and closing it. You save space in your luggage by not taking a jewelry box with you and all the unnecessary annoyance that comes with trying to de-tangle it.

32. Lightweight backpack

Instead of packing bulky bags or beach totes, get yourself a lightweight backpack. They’re incredibly practical and, when folded, can easily fit inside a jacket pocket.

33. Buy a refillable water bottle, packing guide

By the end of your holiday, you will have spent a small fortune on water. Budget your holiday smarter by getting a refillable water bottle. You’ll save money and feel good about choosing an environmentally friendly option.

34. Save all the attractions on Google Maps

Mark all the sights you want to see on your Google Maps. This makes planning the day’s itinerary much easier, as you can quickly see which attractions are close to each other and not waste time going from one side of the city to the other all the time. Our tip: also mark nice cafes or restaurants next to these places, so you don’t waste time finding a decent place to eat.

35. Avoid wrinkled clothes with plastic file folders

This hack is super useful for clothes that wrinkle easily. Simply fold your shirts as you normally would and then put them inside a plastic file folder. Without all the wiggle room, your clothes will stay wrinkle-free for longer

36. Line shirt collars with belts to keep them stiff

A nice, crisp collar is what makes a shirt look good. Prevent yours from bending at odd angles by placing a leather belt on the inside.

37. Wear bulky items on the plane

A convenient packing hack, this is a great way to save space in your suitcase. Wear any bulkier items you might need (pullovers, jackets, hoodies, or boots). Now you have extra room for all the souvenirs you will buy on holiday.

38. Double check baggage allowance

It’s quite annoying, but different airlines have different size restrictions for the bags they allow on board. Some allow you to bring a purse along with your carry-on, while others don’t. Double-check the airline’s policy before you leave, so that you don’t have any unpleasant surprises at the bag drop-off.

39. Travel Safely during the Coronavirus Crisis

Wearing the mask is mandatory in almost all countries, prepare and anticipate. Take with you enough masks and hydro alcoholic gel in travel size (100 ml). For the more considerate, you can also bring a thermometer and cotton gloves.

40. Travel insurance

Today, taking out travel insurance is very important. In case of cancellation or change for your transport tickets or for the reservation of your accommodation, you will be covered. And above all, you will be sure not to receive unexpected medical bills.

41. Useful tips during the pandemic

To prepare for any eventuality, you can widely use the GetYourGuide app to manage or cancel your reservations free of charge in case of unforeseen events. You can also download the COVID-19 app for the country you are visiting. And finally, you can use Google Maps for real-time information on restaurant and bar opening times.

What to do if you packed too many things?

No worries, LuggageHero is here to help! LuggageHero is a quick, safe and easy solution for storing your bags. Costing as little as  per hour, LuggageHero uses only certified shops and provides insurance  in over 40 cities around the world.

Going on holiday is more relaxing when you’re prepared for any situation. However, there’s thinking smart and then there’s overthinking. Check back in with us for more travel packing hacks and info. We make sure that there’s nothing left for you to do but to enjoy yourselves.

Download LuggageHero’s free luggage storage app

For even more comfort and ease, you can download LuggageHero’s bag storage app. There you can see all our locations around you.

Use LuggageHero anywhere with the official app for iPhone and Android.

Protect Your Trip »

How to pack a suitcase (and not hate it): 12 expert tips.

Take the stress out of vacation prep with these simple hacks.

How to Pack a Suitcase

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Rolling your clothes, making packing lists and bringing a laundry bag are a few of the ways you can pack your suitcase like a pro.

While nearly everyone gets excited to go on vacation, almost no one looks forward to packing beforehand. This dreaded task is only made worse by the threat of wrinkled clothes, forgotten items and broken gear when you arrive at your destination. Read on to learn how to pack a suitcase like a pro.  

Choose the right bag

Choosing the right bag for your trip, needs and style is key to achieving packing success. Narrow down your choice with these multi-purpose options, from soft-sided and hard-sided carry-on bags to travel backpacks and duffels:

• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Checked Luggage
• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Weekender Bags for Women
• The Best Duffel Bags in Every Style
• The Best Travel Backpacks

Invest in packing cubes

Frequent travelers swear by these highly rated packing cubes – lightweight, zip-up compartments allow you to separate different types of clothing, accessories, and even toiletries within your suitcase. They can also help to keep clothing wrinkle-free.

Pack everything from underwear to charging devices in individual packing cubes to keep everything organized and easily accessible. You might even purchase a few packing cube sets in different colors to organize your belongings by color (clothing items in red packing cubes, accessories in blue, etc.) or by a family member. Once you arrive at your lodging, just take the packing cubes out of your bag and place them in the dresser drawer.

Make a few packing lists

Before you start packing, jot down one list of must-haves and a second list of other items that you'd like to bring, but that aren't totally necessary. This will help you to avoid overpacking. Also write a list of last-minute items you'll need to throw in your bag just before you leave.

Read: What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag

Assemble a capsule wardrobe

Emirates cabin crew member Lauren Guilfoyle recommends assembling a capsule collection of basics like black pants, white jeans, neutral T-shirts and a denim jacket. These items are easy to mix and match and can be worn multiple times, so you won't need to pack a brand-new outfit for each day.

Roll your clothes

"Rolling your clothes helps to fit more and, if done right, helps to reduce wrinkles in the clothes you've packed," says Bobby Laurie, a former flight attendant and current host of "The Jet Set" talk show. To do this efficiently, use the Army or Ranger Roll method, which involves folding up the bottom few inches and sleeves of a garment as shown here .

Wrap breakables in clothing

Traveling with wine bottles or other fragile items? Roll any breakables inside a few layers of clothing to prevent damage.

Wear bulky items on the plane

"Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to free up space in your luggage and keep you warm during travel," Guilfoyle recommends. For example, if you're going to the beach, pack your flip-flops in your bag and wear your sneakers on the plane.

Pack a laundry bag

Scott Keyes, chief flight expert and founder of travel website Scott's Cheap Flights , advises bringing a separate, packable bag – even just a small plastic bag or trash bag – for dirty laundry. "[A trash bag] is simple, compresses super small and saves you from having to mix your clean and dirty clothes," Keyes says.

Fill in empty spaces

Be sure to use up any excess space. For instance, you can place socks and other small items inside of your shoes or a clutch purse.

Pack a wrinkle-release fabric spray

Not a fan of ironing or packing for a cruise and worried about wrinkle-prone clothing? Carry a bottle of wrinkle-release spray with you. Simply spray the liquid liberally on clothes while gently stretching and smoothing the garments to eliminate creases caused by packing. You might also consider packing wrinkle-resistant fabrics like 100% cotton, nylon and spandex.

Read:  The Best Garment Bags for Travel

Buy a portable luggage scale

Rather than trying to balance your luggage on your bathroom scale, hook this portable (and affordable) luggage scale onto any bag to check its weight. When you're finished, pack the scale in your baggage so you can check the suitcase's weight for your return flight as well.

Keep toiletries ready to go

To avoid the hassle of packing your toiletry bag every time you go on vacation, keep one in your closet filled with travel-sized items. If you run out of an item on a trip, be sure to refill it as soon as you get home so it's ready for your next getaway.

Read:  The Best Toiletry Bags

You might also be interested in:

• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag?
• The Best Luggage Trackers
• Guide: Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline
• The Best Travel Neck Pillows
• The Best Passport Wallets

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

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25 Ultimate Packing Hacks For Your Travels

How many times have you looked at your suitcase before packing and thought to yourself, there’s no way in hell that everything I need for my vacation trip is going to fit in here?

The good news is that instead of giving you a headache, packing can actually be a fun experience. There are many efficient and simple ways to save space in your bag and make the whole process less stressful. To learn more about these packing methodologies, check out my list of the best travel packing hacks that will come in handy when preparing for a trip.

1. Roll Your Clothes

The times of folding your clothes are definitely behind us . To save up space in your suitcase while packing for a trip, I suggest rolling your travel dresses and tees. You will see the difference straight away and never want to fold your clothes ever again.

Another tip is to take the rolled clothes and place them inside compressible plastic bags which will squeeze all the extra air and save you even more space when packing.

2. Shower Caps are Your New Best Friend

Putting a shower cap on your head won’t probably help you pack your suitcase, but you can try a different approach and use them for something else.

Shower caps can come in handy when packing for a vacation and I often use them to pack shoes and sneakers . That’s right! Since my suitcase doesn’t have a shoe divider and I don’t want to get my clothes dirty from the shoes , the thing that works best is slipping my sandals or shoes in a shower cap and placing them among my clean clothes.

I also use shower caps to wrap shampoo bottles, just in case there’s too much pressure on the bag and they leak. This prevents the other items in my makeup pouch from getting all covered in shampoo or lotion.

3. Bring a First Aid Kit

This is actually a no-brainer. To make your vacation a stress-free experience, make sure to travel with a first aid kit .

Nothing is worse than having health problems when traveling without proper medicine to help you get better. There is also a chance that a pharmacy in another state or country doesn’t have the medications you need, or sells them only with personal prescriptions.

To avoid these problems, make sure to pack things like band-aids , flu tablets, paracetamol, and tablets for stomach irritation. Also, pack extra of any regular medication that you take.

4. Don’t Forget to Pack Cubes

Tired of folding and unfolding your clothes while traveling and seeing new exotic destinations? I’ll let you in on a little packing secret. After rolling, packing cubes are one of the best ways to organize your luggage .

What I like most about these cubes is that they come in different sizes which makes it way easier to categorize your things . Whether you wish to organize your clothes by color or by clothing type, packing cubes have got you covered.

The other thing I just love about packing cubes is that you can easily put them in drawers once you reach your destination, making unpacking a breeze.

5. Always Separate Dirty Laundry

I often visit multiple destinations when traveling, which means that sometimes I might get stuck with dirty laundry. Instead of mixing them with clean clothes, I usually pack a small lightweight bag inside my suitcase and use it for dirty laundry when heading back home. It doesn’t even have to be a special bag and you can use a reusable compressible bag which can be often found in hotels.

6. Utilize Extra Space

Utilize hidden and extra space in your suitcase as much as possible. For example, I recently got myself a new backpack which has so many hidden pockets that it took me some time before finding every single one. I especially like the backpacks that have those pockets on the side where you can put your reusable water bottle .

7. Sarongs are Amazing

I strongly believe that sarongs are a major must-have for every traveler preparing to hit the road. They are useful in so many ways. You can use them as a light blanket if it gets cold on a bus ride , you can lie on them at the airport during long layovers, or use them to cover your shoulders when visiting religious sites like churches and temples in more conservative countries. You can also use sarongs for what they were really created for – while chilling by the pool.

8. Keep Your Jewelry Safe

Packing your jewelry items like earrings and necklaces doesn’t have to be a hassle anymore. Instead of getting them all tangled while traveling, I suggest putting your jewelry in one of those boxes .

There is also the option of purchasing those cool zip-top bags which are an ideal place to store jewelry and organize your precious belongings in the safest way possible.

9. Pack a Re-usable Water Bottle

Besides being eco-conscious and saving planet Earth from pollution, using a reusable water bottle has many advantages while traveling. For example, you can stay hydrated while on long-haul flights and won’t have to waste money buying bottled water on the airplane.

If you are renting a car to travel , you won’t have to stop at every other gas station and purchase water. Instead, fill up the reusable bottle from the tap.

10. Put Mini Containers to Use

Many travelers want to have their favorite body lotion and hair shampoo with them at all times. However, some of these gels and lotions take up too much space in a suitcase and many people have a difficult time packing them when hitting the road.

If you have a flight, you can’t take these big bottles on the plane simply because it’s not allowed to travel in the air with that amount of liquid in cabin luggage. It helps to put all your liquids in a transparent bag, so you don’t need to repack it when going through security at the airport .

So, what’s the solution? Invest in those cool mini containers and fill them up with your favorite body lotion and hair products. This will save up space in your suitcase and you will pass the airport security control without any problems.

11. Put on Heaviest Clothes While Traveling

I always choose to wear the heaviest items while traveling and save up space in my suitcase. For example, it’s better to put on a puffy jacket instead of a regular hoodie while flying.

In case you are planning to bring both flip-flops and sneakers on the road, go for a pair of comfy sneakers while traveling as they are probably way bigger than your flip-flops. This will save you room and keep your luggage relatively light.

12. Use a Belt for Button-Up Shirts

It seems that button-up shirts somehow always get wrinkled while traveling and you won’t always find an ironing board in a hotel. A great solution I’ve discovered is to fold the t-shirts and line that collar with a belt so that they can stay smooth and not get all wrinkled up.

13. Pack Items into a Hat

Because of their shape, hats always take up too much space when traveling abroad. However, you can take advantage of this situation by filling the hat with soft stuff like socks or your underwear .

14. Always Make Sure to Tag Your Bag

The truth is that many bags look the same and there is always a chance that someone grabs your bag by mistake at the airport. This is why you should opt for either purchasing a suitcase which is bright in color or decorating it in some way. There is also the option of putting a tag on your suitcase with your name, phone number, and address in case it gets lost.

15. Keep Snacks Cold by Using Frozen Sponges

Frozen sponges are the best portable freezer ever. They are great for keeping your snacks cold and all you have to do is place one or two frozen sponges and your favorite snack in a small ziplock bag. Passing through security with this is usually a breeze, and the food stays cool for at least 5 to 6 hours.

16. Place Heavy Items At The Bottom

A thing that a good friend of mine taught me is to always put all the heavy stuff at the bottom of the suitcase . Makes sense right?

But no, most people put heavy things at the bottom of the suitcase when it’s lying flat. It’s actually important to put these items near the bottom next to the wheels . By doing this, you are preventing the heavy items from falling and crushing lighter things when you zip up the suitcase and turn it upright.

17. Pack Valuables in Your Carry-On

Sorry, but this happens to everyone. Okay, almost everyone! I am talking about your luggage going missing at the airport . This is the main reason why travelers always need to pack their valuables in their carry-on .

You should always store those items that you can’t live without in your carry-on luggage. These include your passport, cash, traveler’s cheques, credit cards, travel insurance , jewelry, laptop, iPad, and more.

Also, always carry at least one set of a change of clothes, toiletries, etc in your carry-on. That way if your suitcase does go missing, you will still have enough items to help you cope until the luggage is found and returned to you.

18. Mark Your Suitcase As Fragile

The people handling your suitcase at the airport are not always super careful. This is why I recommend putting a sticker that says how your suitcase is fragile even if it’s maybe not. But there’s always hope that when they see the sticker, they’ll be a bit more careful with your suitcase.

19. Create a Packing Checklist

How many times did you forget to pack essentials in your suitcase while traveling? To prevent this from happening, I recommend creating a packing checklist that you can put on your phone or even on a piece of paper.

By doing this, there is less chance that you will forget some items and it will make it easier to have a stress-free trip. Especially if you’re traveling with a baby or young kids you will need to get things organized.

20. Purchase a Luggage Scale

Although all airports have them, it’s always better to have your own luggage scale at home. There is nothing worse than being told that your suitcase is over the weight limit and that you need to pay extra cash.

You will solve this problem once and forever by investing in a small luggage scale . That way, you will always stay within the airlines’ weight limits.

21. Consider Your Medications

If you are bringing some prescription medications with you, it’s best to check if this medication is legal and allowed to have in the destination you are planning to visit.

I also recommend looking up if any extra documentation for the medication is required in the country you are visiting so that you don’t find yourself in trouble when entering this country. What may be legal in one country might be banned in the next!

22. Keep Your Clothes Smelling Fresh

For me, it’s always important that my clothes smell nice , as there is nothing worse than having stinky clothes in my suitcase when traveling.

The best way to keep your clothes smelling fresh and nice is by placing a dryer sheet inside your luggage . You will be surprised how fresh everything smells after you open your suitcase after a long trip.

23. Carry an In-Flight Essentials Bag

Do you know those people on flights who start digging through their carry-on as soon as the seat belt sign goes off? I never want to be that person, and I always pack and separate my in-flight essentials before the trip , so that I don’t have to be that person.

You can invest in a small bag that can fit all these essentials like tickets, headphones, charger, phone, wallet, tablet, etc. Keep this bag on your seat instead of getting up every 10 minutes and furiously digging through the compartment above.

24. Pack a Bottle and Wine Opener

You never know when you’re going to need one, and I bet you it won’t be in a hotel lobby when this happens.

This is why I always have my small bottle and wine opener in my suitcase (checked luggage though!). In case you don’t bring one, there are many alternative ways to enjoy opening a bottle. Use keys or a lighter. Put the leftover wine in a tumbler for the next stop.

There is also that option of placing the bottle in a shoe and hitting it against the wall, but I never dared to try this!

25. Always Pack a Smart Snack

I always pack a few dry food items when traveling and visiting new places. Whether it’s dried fruits or instant noodles that you can make in your room with just some hot water and a tea maker, it’s always good to pack a smart snack when preparing for a trip.

You never know when a flight may get delayed and you’re stuck with a growling stomach because the offerings at airport or tourist stores are just out of your budget, and these little packets of snacks always come in handy!

So that is a few of the travel packing hacks I use while traveling. Doing even a few of them goes a really long way. Which of these travel hacks have you tried before? What’s your favorite? And what other travel hacks should be on this list?

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Keshav Tiwari

Thursday 1st of August 2019

Hi Anna, you and your blog are awesome! =)

I don't travel very often so i wanna ask you for some tips about the money, not costs but something like … do you always carry some credit card or always cash?

I am from Nepal Capital Kathmandu?

Geographical Location Nepal is a land-locked country bordering with the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China in the north and surrounded by India in the east, south and west. Contains eight of world’s 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga – the world’s tallest and third tallest – on the borders with China and India respectively. Nepal has four major seasons, namely,(1) Winter: December-February, (2) Spring: March-May, (3) Summer: June-August and (4) Autumn: September-November. Nepal can be visited all the year round.

I have both and usually more than one card after 3 of mine didn't work in the Philippines at all.

How to Pack a Suitcase: The 53 Ultimate Hacks

Do you want to pack your suitcase like a savvy traveler ? Or do you want to ruin all your clothes, and electronics, because you didn’t pack carefully?

Never pack wrong again, or too much, too loose or just plain bad! Follow these 53 ultimate packing hacks on how to pack a suitcase like a pro!

• Always pack the heaviest items closest to the wheels of a suitcase, or at the bottom of your backpack, so that the weight is distributed to the bottom and makes it easier to roll or carry.
• Organize items by packing them in shoes and handbag dusters, that you can use as a laundry bag once enough of your clothes have been worn.
• your small electronics: phone charger, camera charger, adaptors, headphones
• your house keys, parking tickets, and car keys
• your medication
• all other loose accessories.

• Fill dead space in your bag by rolling tops, underwear, socks and other small items and stuff them into your shoes to make sure every possible space is filled.
• Instead of bringing heavy books, get yourself an e-book reader and download the books you want to read instead.
• And rather than bringing heavy guidebooks, photocopy the essential pages that you will need.
• Baggage allowance can vary between airlines. Make sure you are aware of your limits before you reach the airport. Some carriers will allow you to check in two bags, but not all, and the weight allowance can also vary. Make sure you understand the hand luggage allowance to avoid costly charges at the gate.
• wearing some of the heavier items or
• cutting down on what you pack in the first place.

• Get a lightweight suitcase. A hard shell suitcase can add up to four kilos of weight before you’ve even started packing.
• To protect wine bottles in your luggage, wrap them in pool floaties.

How to pack a suitcase: Security

• To avoid losing your luggage, label your suitcase carefully with luggage tags and decorate it with ribbons, stickers or even colorful shoelaces to make sure you can spot it in the crowd.

• Add an outfit of your own to your travel partner’s bag in the event your luggage is lost or delayed.
• Always keep all your valuables in your hand luggage and always pack a spare change of clothes in your hand luggage too, just in case the worst happens and your checked bag is lost/delayed.
• an empty suntan lotion container, if you are on the beach.
• an empty lip balm container to hide rolled up notes.
• an empty dental floss container. No one will bother to steal that!
• Also, store your credit cards in RFID blocking card sleeves to make sure you won’t get your information stolen.

How to pack a suitcase: Clothes and shoes

• Pack light colored clothes inside out, to avoid getting them stained.
• Use a hotel disposable shower cap to cover the base of your shoes, to keep the dirty soles away from your clothes.
• To save space and stop creasing, roll your clothes instead of folding them.
• When packing clothes that wrinkle easily, lay the clothing flat inside a dry-cleaning bag, and then roll. The plastic will prevent creases from setting in.

• Place your rolled clothes in vacuum compression bags. To use these bags, put your clothes in, seal the bag, then squeeze the air out.
• Use a belt to line shirt collars to keep them crispy.
• Help your bras maintain their shape while also saving space by stacking your bras on top of each other, folding them in half, and tucking your underwear inside. Stuffing your underwear inside your bras will prevent the cups from folding inward and help extend the life of your bras beyond your trip.
• To make sure your clothes always smell fresh, put fabric conditioner sheets or scented drawer liners in your suitcase.

• Use pill case compartments or an old lip balm container to organize your smaller jewelry, like rings and earrings.
• Keep track of stud earrings by fastening the set through buttonholes before slipping them into your jewelry bag.
• Protect your delicates from the rest of the items in your bag by tucking them into the cloth bag that comes with a new pair of shoes, or a wine cloth bag.
• Fold a shirt and put it inside of a hat to keep it from getting squished.

How to pack a suitcase: Toiletries and Jewelry

• Refill your travel sized toothpaste bottle again, or any other travel sized liquid, instead of buying new ones every time.
• To prevent your pressed powder or eyeshadow from cracking during your travels, place a flat cotton wool pad in between the pressed powder and the lid.
• Instead of packing bulky makeup bottles for a short trip, pour a little bit of the product into a clean contact case for easy travel.
• Coat the ends of a few cotton swabs in your favorite eyeshadow shades, and then put them in a plastic sandwich bag when traveling to save packing space.
• Toss your makeup brushes or other small beauty products in a slim sunglasses case when traveling so you’ll find them easily.

• Use a large binder clip to cover the sharp blades of your razor so you don’t accidentally cut your finger when digging around your makeup bag.

• Protect breakables such as glass fragrance bottles by slipping them into socks before packing them, and then stuff them in your shoes for extra protection.
• Stick your hairpins inside an old Tic Tac or dental floss container to easily keep track of them.
• To avoid liquid leaks in your luggage, take the lids off liquid bottles and add a layer of cling-film to the neck of the container before replacing the lid. Then use clear tape to seal the gap where the lid joins the container.
• Put your hair ties on a carabiner to keep them all in one place and easy to grab.

How to pack a suitcase: Electronics and accessories

• Wrap headphones around a binder clip or with a bag fastener to prevent them from tangling.
• If you’re heading to a theme park or the beach, put your phone in a plastic bag to prevent it from getting wet.
• Old sunglass cases can be reused to store chargers or headphones.

• If you forgot your chargers, use the TV’s USB plugin in your hotel room.
• A pot holder makes a heat-safe case for your hair straightener.
• Also, protect your smartphone or tablet by slipping it in a padded envelope.
• If the back of your plane seat doesn’t have TVs, put your phone in a plastic bag and hook it to the back of the tray table.

Do you have any hacks you discovered on your own?

What’s the best travel hacks you usually use?

In my sewing kit I use a prescription bottle to store needles, pins and buttons. I put them along with the rest of my kit in a 1 quart (max) zip top bag.

This is great advice! Thanks a lot!

I used your mentioned hack and it’s really worked for me I also suggested these hacks to my friends and they are also happy. Thank you for the information.

Lucas | https://rentoany.com/

Thanks so much Lucas for your feedback! I’m happy I could help 🙂

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Travel Packing Hacks

These 19 travel packing hacks will have you packing like a pro. These hacks will make your travel packing easier and more efficient. They’ll help you to save space through optimising your packing and reducing travel kit that you don’t need.

We’ve all packed overzealously before and ended up regretting those additional dresses and shoes that we’ve had to haul around. This list of travel packing hacks helps you to know where you reduce without regret.

Choose Your Luggage Size First

Before you even start thinking about what to pack and how to pack it, decide on what bag you’re taking. My number one hack is to choose a backpack or suitcase size based on the length of your trip. This will encourage you to only pack what you need because you’ve limited your space. If you take a big suitcase for a week-long holiday, you will end up packing it to max capacity with loads of stuff you don’t need. A bad idea because it’s both heavy and increases carbon emissions from flights!

Here are the ideal bag sizes based on trip length:

• If it’s a weekend away, an everyday 25L backpack is enough. We use an Eastpak (24L) .
• If you’re spending 1-2 weeks away, opt for a 35L backpack. We have an old Fjallraven 35L for these trips.
• For trips that are 2-8 weeks, upgrade to a 45L backpack. We highly recommend the Osprey Sojourn Porter (46L) .
• For a significant backpacking trip that’s 2+ months, a 45L backpack and a day pack may be enough. If you won’t be moving around too much, then opt for a bigger suitcase like the Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Suitcase (80L) .

The only exception to this rule are trips that require more bulky kit that takes up space, such as ski trips or hiking trips. In these cases, opt for a larger bag or suitcase. Make sure to check airline baggage rules so you don’t get charged for excess luggage.

Check the Weather Forecast

Check the forecast in your destination before you start packing and select clothing according to this. You don’t need to pack for all seasons, unless the weather forecast is wild! The one item I do almost always pack regardless of the forecast is a light rain jacket as past experience has taught me that it’s risky to be without one.

Use a Travel Packing Checklist

A travel packing checklist (I’ve got a good one!) is essential so that you both don’t forget anything important or start to get tempted to pack more than you need. Match your packing checklist to the weather where you’re going so that you only pack the clothing you need for the trip.

Opt for Smart Luggage

You might be wondering what an earth I mean by “smart” luggage. Well-constructed backpacks and cases optimise your packing through nifty features such as in-built compression and liner pockets for better organisation.

Osprey packs are particularly designed with smart features. The Osprey Sojourn backpack and Sojourn Suitcase I mentioned above have unique straight jacket compression which means they pull in and compress the contents. I also love this feature because it means the backpack folds neatly and compresses down to a smaller size when empty. Both also feature inside pockets and additional storage compartments for efficient packing.

Use Packing Cubes

Once you’ve used packing cubes, you’ll never go back. These small, zippered pouches help keep your belongings organised within your luggage and compress it down further. As packing cubes are neat, well, cube shapes, it means your bag’s contents stack easily too. The Osprey Ultralight Packing Cubes are a good option. Compression bags are another good option. These vacuum-seal clothing, reducing volume even further. Check out how easy it is to pack using packing cubes .

Only Bring What You’ll Wear

One of the most overlooked travel packing tips is only to bring what you’ll wear and to be brutal about it. If you’ve not worn a standard clothing item in the past month, don’t bring it because you won’t wear it. The only exceptions are items such as your swim kit which you’d need for a beach holiday even if you’ve not recently worn it.

Roll Your Clothes

Rolling clothes instead of folding them saves space and minimises wrinkles. Separate out clothing types into different packing cubes and roll them individually, lining them inside the packing cube like a tray of jam roly-polys.

Wear Bulky Items

Wear your bulkiest clothing items, like puffer jackets or hiking shoes, during travel to save space in your bag. I tend to only do this if I’ll be comfortable wearing these items whilst travelling. I rarely wear my hiking shoes on flights, but I often keep a puffer jacket with me as it doubles as a pillow.

Limit Shoes

Shoes are heavy space-eaters. Only bring the shoes you need for your trip. In most cases, I only bring two pairs of shoes: a pair of trainers that I can hike in and a pair of sandals. The exception is if I’m doing multi-day hikes and need a pair of sturdy hiking shoes too.

Store Socks Inside Shoes

Maximise space by placing socks inside your shoes.

Pack Heavy Items First

If you are bringing hiking shoes for example, pack those first so they’re at the bottom of your case. You can more easily position the rest of your kit around them. Packing them at the bottom means your softer items won’t get crushed and you won’t be off-kilter with your backpack on.

Use Travel-Size Toiletries

Use travel-sized toiletries to save space and refill these at your accommodation as you move. If you’re staying put in one or two places when you reach your destination, then simply opt to purchase most of your toiletries when you’re there.

Use Ziplock Bags

Keep small items like cables and accessories organised in clear ziplock bags. This is also a good idea if you’re bag isn’t waterproof to make sure nothing important gets damp.

Carry a Travel Towel

Definitely, definitely don’t pack a normal towel. Not only do almost all accommodations have towels there, but these bulky, fluffy items are a waste of space. If you need a towel for the beach, pool or camping, use a lightweight microfibre travel towel .

Bring Two Empty Tote Bags

I take two empty tote bags with me on every trip. One is for use at supermarkets and to carry with me during the day, and the other is to separate out dirty laundry. Your dirty washing tote bag should have clothes rolled, the same as your clean clothes packing, and can be stored inside a packing cube if you’re taking dirty clothing with you.

Downsize Your Wallet

Somehow our purses and wallets get overcrowded with coffee shops points cards and all sorts. Take all of this out before travelling or use a separate wallet specifically with your travel credit and debit cards. Make sure not to carry around cards you don’t need. I recommend just a credit or debit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction or withdrawal fees.

Pack a Kindle instead of Books

I’m an English Lit graduate, so I don’t say this lightly to fellow book lovers, but a Kindle is the better option. You can carry endless books at a lighter weight than carry paperbacks. I load up my Kindle with a few good books I want to read ahead of every trip so that I’m fully prepared. It’s honestly one of my favourite space-saving and weight-reducing travel packing hacks.

Use TSID Luggage Tags

TSID luggage tags are a nifty alternative to old fashioned luggage tags. Instead of writing luggage tags by hand, TSID ones can be registered online using a QR code. It’s super quick and easy. If your luggage gets lost, whoever finds it only needs to scan the QR code to then find your details and contact you. Osprey packs have TSID luggage tags and registration included on every bag.

Prepare to Leave Space

When you’re packing, prepare yourself to leave space in your luggage so you can bring back souvenirs or gifts. Just because you have some free space doesn’t mean you should fill it all up. You’ll be glad to have that space when you arrive in your destination, especially in countries where local handicrafts are common!

What’s your favourite travel packing hack? Share with me in the comments!

Charlie Marchant

The Essential Travel Packing List

Hiking the inca trail to machu picchu.

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Travel Smarter With TikTok-Inspired Packing Hacks That Save Money and Space

By Allison Bowsher

Allison Bowsher

Contributor

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If you’ve traveled by plane in the past few months or watched any news coverage on airports lately, you know that lost luggage has also become a major issue, along with delays and flight cancellations. If baggage fees weren’t enough of a deterrent for you to skip full-sized rolling luggage already, images of lost luggage in airports across North America have pushed most travelers into rethinking whether they need to bring a backup outfit for every day they are away from home. If an airport is in your future, you need travel hacks.

Specifically, we’re talking about travel packing hacks, like the newly popular Apple Airtags technique for keeping track of your belongings.

Apple Airtags have become one of the most popular travel companions, helping owners locate their lost luggage that has taken an unplanned detour.

@brieyuh This came in clutch the last time I tried this and ended up with a flight change/delay! #travelhack #traveltips #appleairtag ♬ original sound – Maria Mol

Packing lighter is another way travelers can have a less stressful trip, and that’s why we wanted to put together some of our favorite TikTok-inspired packing hacks. That can mean using space-saving travel hacks so that you’re only checking one bag instead of two or fitting all your belongings into a carry-on for shorter trips.

When making your packing list, keep in mind a few tips that will help pare down your belongings.

• Choose clothes that are from the same color palette. This will make it easier for you to mix and match.
• Look for nooks and crannies. We are big fans of packing socks and underwear into shoes and hats. Not only does this utilize valuable space, but it also helps the larger items hold their shape.
• Don’t pack clothes for every day if you’re gone for more than five days. Whether you’re staying at someone’s house, an Airbnb or a hotel, you will likely have access to a washing machine or laundry service. You can also pack a travel-sized bottle of laundry detergent and wash your clothes in a bathroom sink.
• Roll your clothes. Why does this work? We’re not sure, but it does, and it can help ensure clothes arrive without wrinkles.

@brinie_97 Excited about our trip! #packing #ScreamItOut #colorado #fyp #helpfultips ♬ original sound – Bri

Don’t let baggage fees and lost luggage scare you off your next trip. Instead, pack smarter with a few simple travel and packing hacks that will save you time and space. More room for souvenirs? Yes, please!

1. Stow-N-Go Travel Luggage Organizer and Packing Cube Space Saver

Best overall.

Being organized is one of the best ways to pack less, which is why we like the Stow-N-Go Travel Luggage Organizer and Packing Cube Space Saver. The hanging closet design of the Stow-N-Go helps travelers see all their clothes in one spot, making it easier to remove unnecessary items before leaving home. The Stow-N-Go has a compression feature that helps reduce the size of clothing by 30 percent while still providing structure and organization. A zippered section at the bottom of the case can be used to store valuables at the start of the trip and keep dirty laundry separate from clean clothes. Travelers can fit the Stow-N-Go into carry-on suitcases less than 20” or use two in a full-sized suitcase. We also like the Stow-N-Go for forgetful travelers who want to keep all their items in one place and avoid the risk of leaving items behind in a hotel.

Stow-N-Go Travel Luggage Organizer and Packing Cube Space Saver

$34.99 $39.99 13% off, 2. hibag 12-pack roll-up space saver storage bags for travel, best space saver.

I packed for myself and my two kids for a two-month trip home this past summer in only two suitcases using vacuum-sealed bags. They are a game-changer. If you’re traveling to a destination where you’ll have access to a vacuum, or you have room to pack the included pump, a more robust option like these Spacesaver bags are your best bet since you can fit more in them, and they are highly durable, making it easy to reuse them. This set of Hibag compression bags are also useful because they don’t require a vacuum or pump and still compress clothes efficiently. They do take a bit more work to get the air out but can save you a ton of space and the 12-pack has sizes that work for carry-on luggage and full-sized suitcases.

Hibag 12-Pack Roll-Up Space Saver Storage Bags for Travel

$13.99 $15.99 13% off, 3. leantravel compression packing cubes, best organizer .

Compression packing cubes are another great travel hack to save space in your luggage. They typically don’t compress as much as vacuum-sealed bags, but they still add space and are a great way to keep your suitcase organized. You’ve probably heard of this popular packing hack, but seeing just how easy they are to use may convince you to finally order some of your own.

Read More: The Best Travel Hacks According to a Flight Attendant

@herewegoagain.blog Here is best travel tip🧳 #traveltips #travelhacks #traveltiktok #tiktoktravel #traveltip #travelexpert #highschoolmusical ♬ Get Cha Head In The Game (Cantato) – Duck Gang

To make the most of these packing hacks, you can pack for multiple people in one suitcase using the compression cubes or organize your clothing by days or activities.

LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes

4. bumkins waterproof wet bag, best multi-purpose.

Bumkins is a baby and toddler company that makes everything from bibs to silicone dishes for little ones, but we love their waterproof wet bag for travel. Initially designed as a place for parents to store their child’s soiled clothes and diapers while on the go, the Wet Bag is also a great travel hack. Throw in your wet bathing suit during a day trip, store your smelly gym clothes after a workout, or keep your toiletries organized. We also like storing just-in-case items, including a shirt, a pair of underwear and socks, a toothbrush and deodorant in the Wet Bag and keeping it with our carry-on in case our luggage is delayed. A side clip makes it easy for users to attach the Wet Bag to their carry-on, meaning it won’t take up room inside the bag. We’ve had our Bumkins Wet Bag for years and washed it countless times. It still looks great and dries fast, another bonus for travel use.

Bumkins Waterproof Wet Bag

5. homest laundry bag, best for dirty clothes.

I’ve previously written about my love for laundry bags while traveling and it’s worth repeating. Affordable, convenient and versatile, the two-pack of XL laundry bags from Homest are a great packing hack when using a full-sized suitcase. They can help organize clothes at the start of your trip and keep dirty and clean clothes separate at your destination. The laundry bags can be used for trips to the laundry mat while you’re traveling and can also double as a day bag for the beach (they hold a lot of towels).

Homest Laundry Bag

6. fjallraven kanken hip pack, best fanny pack.

Hip packs or fanny packs have come back into style and this early 1990s staple is the ultimate traveling companion. Keep your most important items on you with a fanny pack like the Fjallraven Kanken Hip Pack. We especially like this model since it has a stiff exterior that holds its shape, making it easy to quickly find your passport, credit cards, phone, earbuds, lip balm, hand sanitizer and more when going through security or running to make your connection. The adjustable strap allows users to wear it cross-body or around their waist. We also like the top loop for attaching items, including water bottles. A fanny pack helps frees up more space in your carry-on and most airlines don’t count these smaller items as carry-on or as a personal item. If you’ve ever forgotten an item at security, you’ll also appreciate that a fanny pack can provide a convenient place to keep all the items you typically hold in your pockets.

Read More: The Best Fanny Packs You Can Buy Today

Fjallraven Kanken Hip Pack

7. men’s arrowood triclimate jacket, best jacket.

We’ve tried a lot of jackets at SPY, and the Men’s Arrowood Triclimate from North Face is one of our favorites. This versatile jacket is ideal for travel since it has an outer waterproof and windproof shell with a hood and an inner fleece layer that can be removed and worn separately, giving customers three jackets in one. Great for fall or spring, this layer-friendly jacket works for hikes and nights out on the town. It has zippered pockets for securely storing passports, credit cards, phones, and personal items.

Read More: The Best Men’s Technical Jackets

Men’s Arrowood Triclimate Jacket

8. beveetio travel bottles, best for liquids .

We know that suggesting travel-sized toiletry bottles isn’t groundbreaking, but for toiletry bottles to be useful, they must meet certain criteria. Is there a variety of sizes? Are they easy to label? Simple to fill? Will they remain securely closed while in transit? The Beveetio Travel Bottles check all these boxes. The 15-pack includes smaller containers, larger squeeze bottles, and a pump spray. It includes two plastic paddle sticks that help move lotions and creams from larger containers into the smaller, TSA-approved cream boxes. All made with BPA-free material, the leak-proof containers can be stored in the included clear bag, which is great for going through security.

Beveetio Travel Bottles

$9.99 $11.99 17% off, 9. harry’s shave and shower kit, best dopp kit.

This convenient grooming kit is one of the best packing hacks for men worried about losing toiletries when they go through TSA airport security. If you don’t want to make your dopp kit, you can still save space with a set like Harry’s Shave and Shower Kit. It’s one of our favorite dopp kits thanks to its durable design, which consists of tear-resistant fabric. The TSA-friendly kit comes with a Harry’s razor, shave gel, face wash and 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. There’s still room for extra toiletries, making it easy to keep all your grooming goods in one compact space.

Read More: The Best Men’s Toiletry Dopp Kits

Harry's Shave & Shower Travel Kit

10. mophie 3-in-1 wireless charging pad.

Cords aren’t the biggest item you pack when traveling, but you still want to cut where you can. For Apple users, a charging pad like the Mophie 3-in-1 makes it possible to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods in one spot with one cord. Not only does this save space, but it also requires one outlet versus three and means fewer cords to lose/get tangled in your bag.

Read More: Best Mophie Deals

Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad

11. the north face borealis school laptop backpack, best personal bag.

Choosing a personal item for your next trip can be a big decision. You want something that is lightweight but won’t break mid-trip. It needs a thoughtful organizational structure without so many pockets that you can’t find important items. Depending on your travels, it may have to look good in a restaurant and on a hiking trail. That’s why we like The North Face Borealis School Laptop Backpack. The light but durable backpack has Flex Vent technology to help keep you cool, a removable waistbelt and sternum strap that are great for all-day wearing, two extended mesh water bottle pockets and a spacious main compartment that includes a padded laptop sleeve that also works for tablets. We also like the front bungee system that can hold a jacket, shoes, or other items, helping to free up room in your bag that would otherwise be taken up by bulky items.

Read More: The Best Backpacks for College Students

The North Face Borealis School Laptop Backpack

12. the large everywhere bag by away, best carry-on .

Whether your carry-on is your only piece of luggage or you’re using it in addition to a checked bag, make the most of your space with a bag that is easy to organize. The Large Everywhere Bag by Away is one of our favorite carry-on options because the full zip opening allows it to open flat like a suitcase. This makes it easy to see everything in your bag and utilize packing hacks, like compression cubes and vacuum bags. The bag has a padded laptop sleeve and several zippered pockets for secure organization. We also like the trolley sleeve that allows travelers to slip the Everywhere Bag over the handle of a rolling suitcase.

Read More: The Best Weekend Bags

The Large Everywhere Bag by Away

13. freskaro auto locking carabiner clips, best bag extender.

Fear not if you’ve run out of room in your luggage while traveling. A carabiner is a do-it-all accessory that can help extend the size of your luggage. Attach sneakers, a tote filled with bulky items like jackets, a water bottle, or a toiletry bag to the outside of your carry-on by securing it with a carabiner. A carabiner can also be used while you’re traveling to secure the straps of your backpack or duffel to a chair or table to thwart thieves.

FresKaro Auto Locking Carabiner Clips

14. cincha travel belt, best accessory.

The Cincha Travel Belt allows travelers to turn just about any bag into an easy-to-carry personal item. Great for day packs or large totes with souvenirs that your purchase while traveling, the Cincha secures bags to the handle of a suitcase, making it possible to use smaller daypacks, which typically don’t have a trolley sleeve passthrough, as personal items while traveling.

Cincha Travel Belt

15. customizable snap scarf by lululemon, best companion.

One of the best ways to travel light is to find items that can be multipurpose. I’ve been traveling with my Customizable Snap Scarf by Lululemon for about eight years and it has never let me down. Its Rulu fabric is super soft and easy to wash, it is sweat-wicking for active travelers and it has four-way stretch. The scarf comes in black or heathered herringbone and both look great for a night on the town or a day on the trails. It’s a scarf, a hood, a blanket, a pillow and your new favorite travel buddy for temperatures ranging from cool to downright frigid.

Customizable Snap Scarf by Lululemon

I Survived the Layover From Hell Thanks to These 9 Travel Products

Allison spent four years as the Editor and head writer for Much.com, aka the Canadian MTV. During her time at Much, Allison conducted more than 100 on-camera interviews with some of the biggest names…

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17 Travel Packing Hacks to Change the Way You Pack

Home » Packing Tips » 17 Travel Packing Hacks to Change the Way You Pack

I am very type-A when it comes to packing. I must have things SO organized and always want to have lots of room to shop, so I never over pack. I have gotten pretty good at packing and wanted to share my travel packing hacks with you!

Other Packing + Flying Guides:

• 10 Packing Items Worth Splurging On
• Long Haul Flight Essentials
• How to Fly with Pets

17 Travel Packing Hacks

1. when going carry-on, wear the heavy thing as part of your travel outfit.

Kind of common sense, but if you’re taking boots or sneakers wear them on the flight. Keep your jacket with you on the flight (not in your carry-on). Just those two things take so much space in a rolling carry-on bag. Taking a sweater? Wear it at the airport. It’s cold anyway!

PS: Yes, you do want to include a nice airplane pillow , like the new TRTL pillow, as part of your travel outfit. You don’t have to wear it the whole time, but don’t forget it!

Turkish towel, lungi, sarong, whatever you want to bring… bring two! They are amazing for travel. You can cover up on a flight, in a cold airport, cover your shoulders at religious monuments , and use them at the pool and beach. I can’t go anywhere without my Indian lungis.

3. Leave the hair tools at home

I know some people think they need curlers and straighteners, but I swear natural hair always looks so nice . Instead of that, try out surf spray. My favorite is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B008FVQNSE” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Bumble & Bumble travel size[/easyazon_link]. What I do is spray it on flip my hair upside down and put it in a loose bun. I just sleep like that. It saves me so much time to never have to do my hair.

4. PACKING CUBES

I cannot believe I only got [easyazon_link identifier=”B00ZQ3LE1A” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]ebags packing cubes[/easyazon_link] this summer! It’s INSANE how much I love them. I actually have two sets so that I can organize even better. Once you try these, you’ll never be able to pack without them.

5. Use the KonMari Method for Organizing

You can use this even without packing cubes! Marie recommends a very specific way of folding so you’re not stacking everything on top of each other and can see each piece of folding. I wrote a whole guide on how to apply her famous book [easyazon_link identifier=”1607747308″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up[/easyazon_link] ,  so check here on how to use KonMari for packing.

6. Keep your shoes enclosed

I cannot bear to see dirty travel shoes thrown into luggage. I use old cotton purse bags (the bags that purses come in when you buy them). I use the same for my dirty laundry. When the trip is over I turn them inside out and wash them with the rest of the laundry.

Don’t have anything for your shoes and got them all muddy? Take a couple shower caps from the hotel bathroom and put your shoes in them.

7. PLAN your outfits

I used to just pack all my favorite things: my favorite jeans, shorts, few favorite tanks tops, favorite dresses…. etc. But I would forget the tank top I needed for a certain top or the slip that came with a dress. It was annoying. I ALWAYS set each outfit out now when it’s a 10 day or less trip. Here’s an example of packing for 10 days in Jordan . When I go for a month I set out enough for 10 days then do mix and match

• Try to stick to a color scheme to make it easier (notice my neutral color scheme for Morocco)
• Never take something you “might” wear that you’ve never worn before

8. Use my beauty travel hacks

I wrote a post about all my beauty travel hacks and put all my favorite tiny makeups and how to get free perfume to travel with. Check it out: travel beauty hacks , so you can see how to take fewer toiletries and keep your luggage fresh!

 9. Extra purses…

I try not to take an extra purse , but often want to so I can have a variety of color. If you take a very soft leather bag just flatten it. If you are taking a structured bag it is best to fill it with things and let it take up space. I usually put in my extra sunglasses, and toiletries that won’t fit in my toiletry bag (usually mini shampoo and conditioner).

10. Don’t pack soap

I used to take either a mini shower gel or a bar of soap inside a plastic baggie. But, now I just don’t bother. Every hotel I have stayed at has soap! The only time I take some now is when I’m traveling in India in the mountains or staying at homestays. I mean, if I were to camp, I’d take soap haha but that hasn’t happened in a while.

11. Deal with your cords and chargers

Don’t just throw these in please :) Especially with Mac chargers, it’s very important to treat them well as they are known for breaking at the seam of the cord to that big white surge protector on the cord. You should also wrap up your cords gently and store them.

I use a cute Indian bag I have or sometimes a small packing cube. I keep all my tech stuff in one small bag. PS if your charger is starting to come apart at the plastic covering the wires use the rubber self-setting goo I’ve tried on my old charger! You just wrap it around the cord where it’s breaking and leave it to set for a few minutes. It works like a charm and is really cheap. I take a small squeezy of it in my tech kit.

12. Start with lightweight luggage

The best way to prevent paying overweight fees is to start with luggage that’s lightweight. IT Luggage is one of the most lightweight out there and I can vouch it’s really good luggage. Old luggage your grandparents passed down might as well be thrown out, it’s SO heavy! I love my Delsey the most but I also have a list of 10 different brands if you want to compare. You might also want to use a backpack instead, in which case here’s a post to compare suitcases and backpacks.

I look for lightweight luggage, that looks good, is expandable, has 4-wheel spinners, and the design has taken organization into account.

13. Liquids stay together

I know you might want to put your mini contact solution and lotion in your purse, maybe some face wash and face lotion to freshen up in the side pocket of your carry-on… but at the security line, it’s a pain to not have things together and easily accessible. Think about these things while you are packing to save stress and annoyance.

14. Laptop safety

You shouldn’t put your laptop in a soft carry-on bag and throw it up in the overhead bins. People aren’t careful when they put their things up and turbulence can cause things to move and fall when they open. I have a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00BXDPF7G” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Delsey 19 inch carry-on[/easyazon_link] hardshell that has a special place for laptops. Of all the carry-on luggage I’ve ever had, this is the BEST I’ve ever found and if it ever breaks, I’ll be re-buying it.

15. The heavy things go near the wheels

When you pack your bag lying down, you may not keep in mind what will happen when you stand it up on the wheels. Keep the heavy things near the wheels and even angle things to stay upright when it’s rolling, and no upside down.

16. Invest in a luggage scale

I fly at least a couple of times a month. I use my little [easyazon_link keywords=”luggage scale” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]luggage scale[/easyazon_link] every single time. It’s so easy to just slip the hook on your luggage, lift the luggage up, and see exactly the weight rather than stand on a scale and weigh it and subtract your own weight. You could be a couple of pounds off doing it that way, whereas this scale is exact. I have an old school one, but they make electronic ones now.

17. Keep necklaces untangled

The hack you see on Pinterest of putting your necklaces through a straw? It actually works. I usually only bring one necklace and do this for it. If you have a few you travel with, it’s a great option!

That’s my travel packing hacks! Want to know what products I’m packing using all these tips? I have a whole section on the blog for packing tips. Just click here  to see a list of articles I’ve written like my favorite camera bags for travel or where I shop for my travel clothes . There are probably a hundred articles on packing, including specific lists for certain destinations.

Are you prepping for a big trip around the world? Check out these other tips:

• How to plan a trip  from scratch without any stress with my step by step guide
• Read this article about what is and isn’t included in the world’s most popular travel insurance.
• Check if you need visas for where you are going and don’t leave home without them.
• Use my tips for booking a flight to get the best deal available.
• If you want to travel using Airbnb, make an account with this link to get $40 off your first stay!

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43 Comments

Planning your outfits is such a good idea. Especially when you are backpacking and have not so many clothes. x

Need to get my hand on those cubes! They are amazing! xoxo

For my cords, I roll them up and secure them with a binder clip so they don’t come unrolled in transit and then throw all of them into a Ziploc bag. This keeps them from getting tangled, and I know I have them all in one place whenever I get to my destination. One of the better ideas I’ve had, if I do say so myself ;)

I’m with you on the scale! I dont have the packing cubes but what I do is roll my clothes and put the outfits in ziploc bags. You can squeeze the air out and flatten them a bit, plus you can see through them so you know whats inside without opening it. :)

Great tips – I’m keen to try laying my clothes flat, as I’ve never done that before! Packing cubes are a life saver, especially when I was travelling long-term with a backpack.

And I’m glad you reminded me that I don’t need to pack my straighteners – I’m off to Nepal for two months in just over two weeks and while it ‘hurts’ to leave them behind, I know it’s the right thing. Plus, my hair will get a much needed break from styling!

I’ve never used packing cubes but I always keep meaning to, they sound perfect for keeping different types of clothes together and more compact!

I could never travel without them now, seriously!

These are some great packing tricks! I love packing cubes myself and always wear my heavy clothes to the airports. Some airports are freaking cold! Another good advice for someone who’s packing is to pack everything you think you need and then put away half of it. I know so many that overpack.. 70-90 liters backpacks in Southeast Asia, crazy :D

why are airports so cold!? It’s a mystery!

I like your tips about shoes Rachel. I usually travel with boots but If I’m going somewhere nice, I have a pair of kitten heels, and birkenstocks too. I usually wrap them and lay them flat.

p.s. You can stuff socks and underwear in shoes too. If I’m travelling with a backpack that can’t lock, I put sanitary towels and tampons on the top to prevent thieves! Most men are frightened of “ladies things” and won’t bother to go any further!

muahahah such a good idea! how funny! I sometimes also stuff things in my shoes, i’m so OCD though that I hate the thought of things being all over the place even if it makes sense space wise lol

Awesome tips! I think packing cubes and shoe bags saved my life… can’t live without them now. I also use my shoe bags as dirty laundry storage since the shoes make the bags smelly anyway. Still to invest in a luggage scale… the last one broke :) Thanks for the post!

http://freshcoffeestains.com

Yes I use a shoe bag for dirty laundry sometimes too!

Thanks for sharing! Good tips especially with the cubes!

Would you suggest a “clam – two sided” suitcase for a on the go 4 week Europe trip or rather a top opening suitcase, using packing cubes. I’m thinking about the space the middle opening suitcases take up in the small hotel rooms and if there are two of you it could be a squash?

I absolutely like the clams best, I haven’t found a room so small it matters and worst case, I don’t think it would happen more than once or twice!

Such great tips! It’s amazing how much more space you have and how little you need once you plan it all out. Even just a rough guide is better then no guide.

I love this list! I always struggle with narrowing my luggage – and yes – I have tried it all! I have done the rolling thing, the flat thing, and any other strategy you read on the internet! I use scarfs instead of sarongs but they are so great for the cold/ hot! Thanks for this!

These are great tips! We travel as much as possible, but usually with a backpack. Still, I can use a lot of these tips. My girlfriend even more :) Thanks for sharing!

These are great tips! You should check out wet bags for some of your needs. Small for cords to keep them dry or toiletries in case they leak, medium for shoes so they don’t dirty your clothes or transporting a wet swim suit, large for stinky laundry!

Hey! I just got a wet bag in Bali actually, I can’t wait to try it out!! such a good tip

These are some good tips, except for the straws and shower caps. I avoid using more plastic than I have to. The cotton tote bags are my favorite thing though!

Thanks for the tips! I think sarongs are the most versatile item a girl can own! Am waiting for you to show us a capsule travel wardrobe now!

I LOVE packing cubes!!!!! They are so handy and I absolutely cannot live without them. I find a good trick for keeping smaller cords too is if you wear glasses/shades, you can put these in the case. Shades usually come with a box so even if you don’t wear glasses, you can use the case of a pair you’re not bringing with you on the trip. Save a few bucks on those packing cubes! ;)

Very good idea! I will give that a try :)

These are great tips. I have never heard the clockwise, lay-flat packing system before and now I want to try it. I’m on a four month trip at the moment and I’m using a combination of packing cubes and compression bags but I’m really not in love with the system at all. I think the next time I have to pack up I’m going to try this idea!

Yeah try it out – it kind of bothers me because things are evenly lined up and i’m weird like that, but overall it just saves a lot of space so it’s worth it!

Keep calm and be always organized when travelling, i used roadeavour ID tag for my suitcase!

This is indeed a great list of hacks. Thanks for sharing!

That’s quite an interesting article Rachel, and I find it really useful, As a corporate traveler, packing things is literally hectic work, and I am going to follow your tips for my upcoming travels. Hope this parking trick could save some space.

Below #10 is the bag. Which bag is that? The one with orange lining and has bose headphones.

That is the slim backpack

Do you use packing cubes when you travel with your backpack as well?

I do! Although, these days I rarely travel with my backpack.

What is the brand and style of the bag/luggage pictured on the main pinterest page for for “17 Hacks to pack like a pro”? it is also shown between #10 & #11 and again “Pin these travel hacks for later” (looks like a black bag with orange interior from accessing front of bag) Thanks in advance.

My husband and I are flying to Italy in the fall. I don’t sleep well on planes, but I’m ordering one for each of us. Thanks so much for your post! Happy travels.

Love the hacks!

Thanks for explaining that we don’t need to pack soap because every hotel will have it there for us. I want to start taking my family on more trips so we can make fun memories together while my two kids are growing up. I want to find a themed family park to take them to, so your tips about how to pack for the trip will be really helpful!

Looooove my packing cubes. Don’t know how I lived without them

Soft sided vs clamshell is a constant battle for me. I prefer soft sided but you have to be careful with checked luggage. Often baggage may be left in open air loading areas, subject to rain, sleet, or snow. Nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to find clothes wet or damp. If you are checking soft sided bags, be sure to line the bag with plastic (e.g., a large trash bag.) Better safe than sorry.

Hey, That’s helpful. Thanks for those marvelous tips….

Wow! a piece of informative article in this article you cover all my question and it will make our trip more easy thanks Rachel Jones

The very informative article you share gives me plenty of necessary ideas to adjust to my new environment. But moving home is not an easy task. your content gives me a real-life idea for that and ensures your tips to explore quickly. Please keep it up and share more.

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• Packing Tips

10 Space-Saving Packing Hacks for Carry-On-Only Travel

Published April 1, 2023

Written by:

Nick Hilden

Pacific Northwest native Nick Hilden is a travel and culture writer whose work has appeared in Afar, the Daily Beast,...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

I’ve been traveling more or less constantly for over a decade. As with any skill, there’s a learning curve to being a smart traveler.

For the first several years of my life on the road, I packed the same way I’d seen my parents do it back in the 90s. That meant carrying on a small daypack while I checked a large suitcase crammed with the bulk of my stuff. Sometimes my luggage arrived at the baggage claim like it was supposed to. Sometimes it didn’t. But checking luggage was always a hassle and a worry no matter what.

Two things changed all of that. First, I realized that I should simplify my life of travel and condense everything into a single carry on . That was easier said than done. The second major change came when I bought a travel backpack on the recommendation of one of my travel buddies, which made my new “carry on only” goal significantly easier.

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The impact it had on my travels was nothing short of revolutionary. I’m not exaggerating.

The ability to comfortably and efficiently carry on everything I needed for months and even years of continual travel was a game-changer. When you’re getting on and off planes several times a month, the time and stress of checking and collecting baggage takes a toll. My new backpack eliminated all that from the process.

As I traveled, I discovered more and more carry on packing hacks to help maximize the efficiency of my load. My newfound hacks allowed me to get a truly astounding amount of stuff into my backpack.

Packing Hacks for Traveling

The first thing you must do to get the most out of packing your carry on involves getting a bag that maximizes space efficiency and gets the most out of the airline carry-on allowance . We’ve already covered that, so we can move right along to some specific packing hacks.

1. Cut Out the Filler

While it might seem smart to pack along a bunch of random stuff for every possible contingency, the truth is that a lot of it—maybe even most of it—will never leave its place in your bag. Lay out all your travel gear on the floor and ask yourself what delivers genuine value for the space it consumes.  If you think it might not get used, it probably won’t. Leave it at home.

2. Shop for Size

We live in a golden age of gear. Designers of travel goods have gotten smarter about trimming down products to get the most out of the least. So shop with size in mind. 

This doesn’t just apply to luggage itself. Forget about packing a big bulky towel. Instead, look for one of the modern travel towels that fold down to the size of your fist. That’s just one example. Seek out smart, small gear design.

3. Fold and Roll, Don’t Stack

This one is about as tried and tested as they come. Folded clothes eat up too much space. Three rolled pairs of pants , for example, can fit into the same space as a single folded pair.

We have full guides on rolling vs folding clothes and packing without wrinkling your clothes . The short version is that the process actually starts with folding. Fold each item as concisely as possible, smoothing out any wrinkles or air. Then roll them as tightly as you can. Rolled-up clothes can then be placed in packing cubes that help to keep them in place.

4. Be Smart About Your Shoes

Shoes are a space-killer, so be smart about them. The most important thing you can do is to take the fewest pairs possible with you. Instead of packing walking shoes, gym shoes, and dress shoes, find a single pair of nice-looking, durable trainers that can cover all three use cases. Once your shoes are in your bag, stuff them with socks, underwear, or a belt.

Alternatively, I’m a big fan of clipping shoes to the exterior of my bag using a carabiner or cramming them into the water bottle holder. So far I’ve never had an airline complain about having a pair of shoes dangle outside the carry-on size limitations. As a bonus, it keeps dirty, smelly shoes away from your clothes.

5. Everything in Its Place

If you’re going to make the most out of every square inch of your bag, your stuff needs to be as well-organized as possible.

Here again, I need to mention my Travel Backpack , which is unrivaled in its organizational potential. There simply isn’t any other travel backpack with compartments, pockets, and small-item organizers so perfectly laid out.

The Travel Backpack gives you the flexibility to put your stuff where you think it should go. There’s no one “right way” to pack it. But you should decide what belongs where. Having a map in mind of where your stuff belongs allows you to Tetris in more stuff, as well as making it easier to find things when you need them on the go.

Here’s how I do it.

I use the rear laptop compartment as “the office,” with all my work stuff, cords and electronics, art supplies , and Kindle in the pockets. All my clothing and any larger items are in the main compartment. Up front are small odds and ends, anything I might need spontaneously like headphones or sunglasses, pens (always important when it comes to filling out customs declarations), and so on. Even further up front are two outer pockets where I typically keep a couple of books and a two-foot bungee cord that comes in handy in a million surprising ways. I’ll also slip boarding passes in there too when I’m on the go at the airport. Then I’ll often have a charger in one belt pocket while the other is left open for sudden contingencies. Sometimes you need to free up your hands unexpectedly.  

That’s a lot of stuff, but it’s all extremely organized. Because of my map, it all fits and is easy to find.

6. Think in Terms of Bundles

Try to compartmentalize different items as often as you can. For example, corral all your cables, chargers, and other small electronic accessories into a common pouch . Use packing cubes to keep like clothing items sorted. Toiletries go in a dopp kit or a simple plastic bag. And so on. This helps with travel packing hack #5 and makes finding things much easier.

7. Use Solid Soaps Instead of Liquid

There are solid travel versions of every kind of soap you might need, from body wash to shampoo to laundry detergent (which is available in super-packable travel sheets). Solid soaps are easier to pack, TSA-friendly, and will never leak in your bag.

8. Take Advantage of Modern Tech Gear

I used to haul a mini-library around because I preferred reading real books in whatever beautiful setting I happened to find myself. Finally, however, I realized that a good e-reader saves both space and my back.

Ditto goes for a big set of headphones versus a pair of modern earbuds. Or an entire camera setup versus a phone with a good camera. Whenever possible, go for the smaller tech. You’ll get just about the same results but have a much better travel experience.

9. Wear Travel-Smart Clothing

Sure, you could pack shirts for every day of the week.

But a better solution is to buy three shirts made of modern materials that wick away sweat and are stain, odor, and wrinkle-resistant. Then you could wear them multiple times before washing them.

These travel-friendly clothes also tend to be lighter weight and more space-efficient. We particularly like merino wool for travel.

10. Pack the Largest Items First

If you pack your small things first, you’ll discover that you can’t find room for the big essentials . Pack the biggest items into your travel backpack first, then fill in around them using progressively smaller items.

Use the rocks, pebbles, and sand analogy. If you pack the rocks first, then the pebbles, then the sand, you’ll fit everything. But if you start with the sand, you won’t have any space left for the rocks.

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Pacific Northwest native Nick Hilden is a travel and culture writer whose work has appeared in Afar, the Daily Beast, the Los Angeles Times, Men’s Health, Fodor’s, Popular Science, Scientific American, Thrillist, Vice, Runner’s World, and many, many more. He’s carried a Tortuga Outbreaker through year after year of traveling to places like Turkey, Tunisia, Thailand, Vietnam, Spain, Serbia, France, Italy, Greece, Mexico, all across the U.S., and beyond. You can follow his travels via Instagram @nick.hilden.

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7 Packing Hacks to Lighten Your Suitcase, According to an Expert

Attention chronic overpackers: These tips will help you pack lighter and smarter.

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If you identify as a chronic overpacker , you're not alone. Traveling is often stressful enough, so the tendency to throw extra clothing, beauty products, and tech items in your suitcase is natural. However, if you want to lighten your suitcase for an upcoming trip, there are some simple steps you can take to stay organized and avoid having to lug around an unreasonably heavy bag (or getting an extra baggage fee).

Travel + Leisure spoke with packing expert Anne McAlpin , author of Pack It Up: The Essential Guide to Smart Travel , on how to pack smarter and lighter.

Keep reading for our top tips for packing lighter.

1. Pack for a week (or less) and plan to do laundry.

To buy: amazon.com , $12

McAlpin suggests packing a week's worth of clothes, even if your trip is longer, and washing necessary items along the way. Whether you send out laundry or hand wash clothing in your hotel room sink, thinking smaller is less overwhelming.

2. Pack around one basic color.

Whether it's black, navy, or olive green, McAlpin recommends choosing one basic color to pack around. "It's an old rule of thumb, but it really works," she said. But even if you're simplifying your clothing choices to save space, you don't have to completely sacrifice style. McAlpin suggests taking the opportunity to use accessories to mix up your outfits.

3. Don't pack any more than three pairs of shoes.

To buy: tourparavel.com , $45

According to McAlpin, people often overpack shoes, but setting a maximum of three pairs will help you pare down your wardrobe and avoid overpacking. There are plenty of ways to pack your shoes in order to save space, including stuffing smaller pairs inside larger ones or using packing cubes to keep shoes separate from the rest of your belongings. One key takeaway from our conversation with McAlpin: Always pack shoes at the bottom of your suitcase near the wheels in order to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on your back and shoulders.

4. Use a wardrobe planner.

To buy: amazon.com , $15

Planning your travel wardrobe by outfit is another great way to avoid overpacking. McAlpin suggests making a physical list of every outfit you're packing for day, night, and events/activities. "It sounds so simple, but I've been doing it for 30 years," she said. "It starts to put things in order."

In addition to helping you realize what items you can rewear during your trip, planning your outfits ahead will also ensure that you don't forget necessary items for certain activities, such as workout gear or hiking boots. When you return from your trip, McAlpin also recommends making a list of what you didn't wear, so you know what not to pack again.

5. Pack visually.

McAlpin is known for her 3:1 packing ratio, which means she packs three tops for every one pair of pants or other bottoms. While packing, she suggests keeping clothing items on hangers with the ratio in mind. The visual element will help you pare things down and plan outfits more easily.

"When I pile everything up on my bed, it's hard to see what goes with what," she said. Instead, either lay items out or keep them on hangers in order to see your outfits before packing them. That way, you can stick to your wardrobe planner and make sure you're bringing only what you need.

6. Know what to roll and what to fold.

Rolling your clothing can sometimes save space in your suitcase, but it's important to think about fabrics when you're deciding how to fold your clothing. "I don't roll anything that would wrinkle," McAlpin said. She suggests keeping cotton shirts and similar fabrics flat, while synthetic materials can easily be rolled up without wrinkling.

7. Use compression cubes and bags.

To buy: ebags.com , $55

Packing cubes are a popular travel accessory, although cubes that involve compression technology will not only keep you organized, but they'll also help you save space in your luggage. Similarly, compression plastic bags that remove excess air are perfect for storing puffer jackets or other bulky gear. McAlpin also recommends using one compression bag for laundry at the end of your trip in order to keep dirty and clean clothes separate and to lock in odors.

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Could flying get any worse?

They cram you in the cabin like so many sardines then have the gall to charge extra for luggage. Well, when you learn these tips, the joke’s on them. That carry-on has plenty of space if you know how to pack right.

Follow these guidelines to save valuable luggage space, prevent wrinkles, and keep your jewelry and cosmetics safe and free of leaks. Forget checking luggage; you’re about to become a suitcase-packing superstar.

1. First things first. Instead of folding your clothes, try this clever pack hack:

2. rolling clothes is great, but you should still fold heavier and easily wrinkled fabrics..

Your dress shirts won’t stand up to the rolling treatment. Fold stiffer fabric pants and skirts and more wrinkle-prone dress shirts and pack them in the spaces left by rolled clothes. With the proportions right, you can achieve Tetris-level perfection in your suitcase.

3. Choose your clothes wisely.

The first step in packing like a pro is to pick the right outfits. This may limit your fashion choices, but it’s totally worth it to avoid checking a bag.

Scour your wardrobe for cotton, wool, and knit clothes. You want fabric that’s thin and soft; it will resist wrinkles and take up less space. Yoga pants are ideal. They should make entire outfits out of yoga pants.

4. Layer your clothes like a fine lasagna.

Start with a layer of rolled clothes stored like vertical tubes. That’s your best use of space. Then layer folded clothes (those heavier and easily wrinkled fabrics, remember) on top of your rollies.

Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 45 minutes. Wait, no, that’s actual lasagna.

5. Encase your jewelry between two flat layers of plastic wrap.

This will make sure your necklaces don’t get all tangled in transit. Plus, it rearranges accessories in an easily stacked top layer for your luggage lasagna.

6. Keep it fresh.

Things tend to get musty when they’re crammed together in a suitcase.

Freshen up your luggage by throwing a dryer sheet between layers.

7. Pack your dressier fabrics in plastic.

Dry-cleaning bags are great for dress slacks and shirts. Put your fancy clothes in the dry-cleaning bag before you fold them. Something about the plastic wrapping seems to prevent wrinkles and creases from forming.

We’re not sure about the physics behind it, but it’s always worked for us. Plus, this way you can pack your shoes without putting tread marks on your nicest white dress shirt.

8. Alternatively, cover your shoes with a shower cap.

The other way to keep shoe dust off your clothes is to place your kicks sole down in a shower cap. That’ll protect everything else in your suitcase from tread marks.

Added bonus: Rinse out the shower cap, let it dry, and use it to protect your perm on vacation.

9. Sunglasses cases are your friend.

Even if you no longer own the original shades that came in that sunglasses case, you can still put that clamshell to good use. It’s a great place to store your charger cables.

Sunglasses cases are small enough that your cables don’t have room to get all tangled. It’s one way to defeat the tendency of cords to immediately twist into knots of spaghetti the moment you turn your back. How do they do that, anyway?

10. Only bring the quantities of skincare products that you need.

You don’t have to pack the whole tub of lotion. Try filling straws with the creams, ointments, lotions, and unguents that you’ll need for the duration of your trip. Fold and tape the ends shut.

You’ll save a ton of space this way, and it’s kind of cute to squeeze out a dollop of BB cream from a cut-up straw.

11. We just figured out why the dry-cleaning bags prevent wrinkles.

It’s not magic after all. Even if you don’t pack your fancy clothes in dry-cleaning bags before you fold them, it’s worthwhile to lay one of these large sheets of plastic between each layer of clothes.

The trick is a dry-cleaning bag’s slippery surface. They keep clothes sliding around so that creases don’t have time to set. We’re glad we finally got to the bottom of that mystery.

12. Pack your socks in their natural environment.

Stuff your socks in your spare shoes. There’s no reason to take up extra space with them.

Besides, they’re used to being inside of shoes. That’s where they’re most comfortable, anyway.

13. Do like your mother told you and fold your underwear.

Underwear is one item of clothing that’s most compact when it’s folded, not rolled. Just fold it neatly in little squares and tile the inside of your suitcase.

14. Pack your bobby pins in an old Tic Tac box.

Bobby pins used to be the bane of our suitcase. They ended up everywhere. We’d be picking them out of our underwear. We’d feel them in our shoes. Disaster.

Prevent this annoyance by sticking all your bobby pins in an old Tic Tac box. It’s like those containers are tailor-made for bobby pins. You can even tap them to dispense one pin at a time. It’s great.

15. If you pack a razor, cover the business end with a binder clip.

It’s better than accidentally carving up your underwear.

Those large binder clips fit conveniently over most razors, and they’re easy to get on and off.

16. Don’t pack a whole tube of toothpaste.

Just squirt some in an empty bottle of eye drops.

You could always buy a travel-sized tube of toothpaste, but why spend the money when you’ve got tons of the stuff at home already?

17. Pack your cotton swabs in an old pill bottle.

Some people can’t travel without tons of cotton swabs. We’ve never asked these people what they need all those swabs for, but we’ve found them in the bathroom trash later, and they were definitely used.

Point being, it’s way more efficient to pack a small pill bottle than it is to bring the whole box of cotton swabs. Plus, this way you won’t get your swabs all bent and broken. It’s a win–win.

18. Pack earrings and rings in a pill case.

It can be hard to keep track of your smaller jewelry. Pill cases are a perfect solution.

You can keep each item in its own little compartment, which prevents dangling earrings from getting all tangled together.  Don’t bring a bulky jewelry box. The whole point is to save space, remember? 

19. As another alternative to a bulky jewelry case, stick your stud earrings through buttons to keep them together.

You don’t want those stud backs loose in your luggage. Attach earrings to buttons to keep all the parts together if you don’t have a pill case.

20. Pack just the right amount of foundation in an old contact lens case.

When you’re just travelling for a few days, you don’t need an entire bottle of foundation. Fill both sides of an old (and recently scrubbed) contact case with makeup to bring a travel-sized portion.

You can even fill one side with foundation and the other with concealer or any other creamy cosmetic. Just bring what you need and save space in your luggage.

21. If you do have to pack a glass bottle (of, say, perfume), pack it inside a pair of socks.

Nothing’s worse than dousing your entire trip’s worth of clothes with perfume. Socks will protect glass bottles from breakage, and you have to bring them anyway.

This technique solves two problems at once.

22. Pick the right suitcase.

Choose a suitcase that gives you the most possible space without going over the standard airline limit for carry-ons.

We suggest a lightweight clamshell with a hard exterior.

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46 Amazing Airplane Hacks To Boost Your Flight & Travel Experience

Katie Seemann

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1. Be Flexible To Save Money

2. stay alert, 3. use points to book your flight, 4. get help finding award availability, 5. don’t leave miles on the table, 6. choose your seat wisely, 7. book a flexible ticket, 8. keep your suitcase organized, 9. bring the ultimate travel accessory, 10. pack vacation essentials in your carry-on, 11. don’t dry out, 12. pay attention to your toiletries, 13. know where you’re going, 14. stay entertained, 15. charge up, 16. be ready to write, 17. think about meals ahead of time, 18. book a bassinet seat, 19. pack snacks, 20. bring lollipops to help pop ears, 21. keep them entertained, 22. use up energy before the flight, 23. remember where you park, 24. skip the long tsa security line, 25. a “touchless” and even faster way to skip long security lines, 26. go left, 27. be ready for the security line, 28. don’t pay for checked luggage, 29. don’t buy water, 30. stay active, 31. get the right size carry-on bag, 32. know how to access a lounge, 33. know your luggage, 34. put your bag in the right spot, 35. block everything out, 36. brush your teeth, 37. be nice, 38. clean your tray table, 39. choose your drink wisely, 40. sleep like a pro, 41. dress in layers, 42. bring socks, 43. find your luggage quickly, 44. late bags earn points, 45. speed through customs, 46. save money on transportation, final thoughts.

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Love it or hate it, flying on an airplane is a common part of travel. So, if you have to fly, you might as well make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

We’ve compiled this list of 46 of our best airplane and travel hacks to elevate your flight experience, including everything from flight booking hacks and packing hacks to airport hacks and inflight hacks.

We hope you’ll be able to use some of these flight tricks to make your next travel experience as awesome as possible.

Flight Booking Hacks

A great flight starts with a great booking experience. Try these tricks the next time you have to book a flight.

If you want to find cheap flights , it’s best to be flexible. When your dates aren’t set in stone, you can use the flexible date search option in Google Flights to see what dates offer the cheapest tickets. Just visit Google Flights , enter your origin and destination cities, then click on the travel dates.

You’ll see the prices for your flight every day on the calendar. Use the trip duration settings at the bottom to choose your desired trip length or play around to see if the trip length affects the ticket price. The lowest-priced tickets will be shown in green.

Another way to keep an eye out for the lowest price tickets is by signing up for flight deal alerts . Websites like Google Flights, Kayak , and Skyscanner allow you to sign up for fare alerts on your chosen route so you know if and when the price drops.

We couldn’t write a flight hack post without mentioning points and miles, could we? Of course not, since that’s our specialty! Using points to book your flight is an easy way to save on the out-of-pocket expense of travel. Plus, using points to book business and first class flights is a great way to make your entire flight experience so much more comfortable than flying in the back of the plane.

Hot Tip: If you’re brand new to the points and miles game, start with our beginner’s guide to bring you up to speed.

Using miles to book a flight is a great way to fly, but finding award availability can sometimes prove to be difficult. If you need help, look at a tool like ExpertFlyer , Award Nexus , or Seat Spy . These websites can help you find award seat availability without spending all day searching.

Whether or not this is your first trip on a specific airline or your fiftieth, sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer program and make sure your frequent flyer number is attached to your reservation. If you never plan on flying the airline again, you can credit the miles you’ll earn to a partner airline.

No one wants to get stuck in a middle seat in the back of the plane next to the bathroom, right? That one is obvious, but there are pros and cons to other seats as well.

• If you get motion sickness, choose a seat over the wing so you’ll feel less turbulence .
• Choose a seat in front of the plane if you’ve got a short connecting time.
• If you’re traveling with another person, choose a window and aisle seat toward the back of the plane. Unless the flight is sold out, you’ll have a decent chance that no one will choose the middle seat between you.
• If you want to sleep during your flight, go with a window seat.
• If you’re more comfortable having easy access to the bathroom, an aisle seat toward the back of the plane will be your best bet.
• If you definitely need a small bag with you during the flight, don’t choose a bulkhead seat because they don’t have anywhere to store a carry-on other than the overhead bins.

Use a tool like SeatGuru to find seat maps for your flight, along with notes about the pros and cons of every seat. This website is a must if you want to find the perfect seat on your next flight.

Thankfully, many airlines are offering flexible cancellation and change policies these days, but be sure to read the fine print. These policies often don’t apply to the cheapest basic economy fares. If you want flexibility, you might need to pay a little more upfront.

Packing Hacks

Packing a suitcase is an art, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. These easy packing hacks will help you save space and ensure that you’re prepared for anything.

A packing tip that many can agree on is that packing cubes are a must. These zippered bags come in lots of different sizes and colors to keep your clothes organized. When you arrive at your destination, just move the packing cubes to the drawers, unzip, and you’ve unpacked in an instant.

If you’re packing for multiple people in 1 bag, assign everyone a different color packing cube to keep everything organized.

A large scarf is a versatile item that is the perfect travel accessory. When you pack one in your carry-on bag, you can use it as a blanket to stay warm or for lumbar support to stay comfortable on the plane. Then use it as a scarf in cold weather destinations or as a beach cover-up for tropical vacations.

Picture this: your flight arrives at your vacation destination and you’re so excited to hit the pool at your resort — but your luggage didn’t make it yet! What could be a wasted vacation day for others is no big deal for you because you’re prepared. You packed an extra set of clothes in your carry-on , including important vacation items like a bathing suit, sunscreen, and flip-flops, so you can wait for your delayed luggage while sipping a tropical cocktail by the pool instead of being grumpy in your hotel room in the jeans and sneakers you wore on the plane.

Dry airplane air can easily dehydrate your body. In addition to drinking plenty of water on your flight, don’t forget to pack lip balm and hand lotion in your carry-on bag to combat uncomfortable dry skin. If you typically wear contact lenses, opt for glasses on your flight since the plane’s dry air can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.

Make sure your toiletries are in travel-sized containers if you’re planning on using carry-on luggage only. You can invest in a good travel toiletry bag to keep everything organized, or opt for the budget route and put travel-sized containers in a Ziploc bag to keep them from leaking on your clothes.

Pre-flight Hacks

These tricks of the trade are things to think about before you get on your flight.

If you’ll be traveling somewhere where Wi-Fi might be spotty or unavailable, it’s a good idea to download offline maps of the areas you’ll be visiting so you can access them even when you can’t access the internet.

To download a Google Map for use offline, just type in your destination. Then click on the destination name at the bottom of your screen.

Then click on the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner and select Download offline map .

While many airlines offer inflight entertainment, there’s nothing better than knowing you’ve got plenty of your favorites ready to go. Download podcasts, music, audiobooks, or Netflix shows before you take off to ensure you have plenty to keep you occupied during your flight.

If you’re planning on watching movies or shows on your phone, bring a small stand or mount to set up on your tray table so you don’t have to hold your phone for the whole flight.

Be prepared. Charge all of your electronic devices the day before you leave so they are ready to go for your flight. Keep all of your charging cords handy in your carry-on bag in case you need to charge up at the airport, or bring a portable charger if you think you’ll need more battery power during your flight.

If you’ll be traveling internationally, bring a pen . This will save you from having to rely on your fellow passengers to borrow a pen on the flight to fill out customs forms.

If you’re on a long-haul flight that will be serving a meal and you’ve got dietary restrictions, be sure to order a special meal before your flight. If you wait until you’re on the plane, you’ll be stuck with the standard options.

Flying With Kids Hacks

Flying with kids can be an adventure, but with these pro tips, it will be as stress-free as possible.

Did you know that many airplanes (especially on long-haul international flights) have a few seats that can accommodate a bassinet on board (usually the bulkhead seats)? If you’re flying with a baby , book early and call the airline to reserve one of these seats.

If you’re a parent, you know that snacks are the answer to about 85% of your kids’ problems. This is no different on a flight. Pack snacks and everything will be okay.

Air pressure changes can affect kids’ ears more than adults’ ears. To help your little one pop their ears, give them a lollipop.

We aren’t saying you should always bribe your kids with new toys, but a long flight is a great time to go ahead and bribe your kids with a new toy ! Having something new will help keep them happy and entertained for longer.

If your child is sitting in the window seat, give them a package of gel window clings to play with, or try an airplane toy for a child’s first flight. The toy itself doesn’t matter as much as the novelty of having a new toy.

If all else fails, or even if you just want to keep things simple, bring a tablet with plenty of shows or games downloaded, along with child-friendly headphones . Most adults use screens for the whole flight, so why not let your kids do the same?

Kids have a ton of energy, and it’s a great idea to get rid of as much of it as possible before you board the plane. Many airports these days have specially designed kids’ play areas for this exact purpose.

If your airport doesn’t have a play area, take kids on a walk and let them ride the people movers (making sure they don’t get in the way of others trying to quickly make it to their gate, of course). When all else fails, try to find an empty area (the far end of the terminal is probably your best bet) and let them run wild.

Pre-flight Airport Hacks

You can make the time you spend in the airport before your flight as comfortable and stress-free as possible with these airport hacks.

While you think you’ll remember where you parked, it’s not quite so easy to remember after a week-long vacation. To help your memory out, take a picture of your parking space with any recognizable features and the parking row number so you can find your car easily when you return.

How would you like to breeze through the TSA security line — without taking your shoes off ? That can all be achieved when you have  TSA PreCheck . This program essentially gives you access to shorter security lines and the ability to pass through without taking your shoes and jacket off and without having to remove your laptop and toiletries from your bag. It’ll save time and hassle each time you fly.

According to the TSA , the majority of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 5 minutes in security lines.

Hot Tip: While TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a 5-year membership (and many would argue it’s absolutely worth that price), you can get it for free with many credit cards .

Breeze through the security lines without having to even take your ID out of your wallet. CLEAR is a program that allows you to do just that because it uses biometrics to verify your identity. After your identity is successfully confirmed (through an eye scan), you’ll be escorted to the front of the security line.

CLEAR costs $189 annually and is available in select airports across the country. Several credit cards include a discounted or complimentary CLEAR membership as part of their benefits.

If you have a choice, choose the security lines to the left — people tend to naturally go right more often than not, so the left lines may be shorter.

Regardless of whether or not you have TSA PreCheck, be ready to get through the security line quickly . Have your ID and boarding pass ready to go — do not wait until you’re at the front of the line to get these things out. If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, make sure you have your liquids and laptop easily accessible so you can remove them quickly without holding up the line.

Hot Tip: Be prepared before your flight. Know what you can and can’t bring through TSA security and check these TSA security FAQs for the answers to some common questions.

Checking your luggage can be expensive these days. While it might be easy to just bring a carry-on bag for some trips, many of us will still need to check a bag from time to time. You can avoid paying crazy baggage fees by choosing an airline that doesn’t charge for bags, like Southwest, by having airline elite status, or by having an airline credit card. Many airline credit cards come with free checked baggage , which can save you lots of money, even if you only fly a couple of times a year.

Buying water in an airport gift shop is expensive and isn’t great for the environment. Instead, bring an empty water bottle through security and then fill it at the filling station or drinking fountain after security. You’ll save money and reduce your plastic usage at the same time.

With many of us using fitness trackers and smartwatches these days, getting a recommended number of daily steps or movement time has become commonplace. To balance out sitting on an airplane for hours at a time, take the time before your flight to walk. Getting a few laps in around the terminal before you board your flight is a great way to stay active, even on travel days, and it provides great people-watching, too.

Before you attempt to pack for a week-long trip in 1 carry-on bag, make sure it’s the right size for a carry-on , and make sure you can lift it up to get it in the overhead bin. While other passengers will often offer to help lift heavy bags into the overhead bins, savvy travelers can manage their bags on their own.

Hot Tip: Need a new bag? Check out some of our favorite carry-on luggage bags for any traveler.

Airports are places we all spend a lot of time just waiting. So, next time you fly, plan to wait in style in an airport lounge . Lounges offer quieter places to get work done or to grab a snack and drink before your flight. Some even offer luxury amenities like showers and massages.

Having a Priority Pass membership allows you to access over 1,400 airport lounge locations in over 600 cities across the world. The best part is that there are many credit cards with Priority Pass access.

While it’s not inevitable, sometimes your luggage doesn’t make it onto the same flight as you. When this happens, you’ll most likely need to fill out lost/delayed luggage paperwork that will include an area for you to describe your luggage. A description of “black suitcase” isn’t going to cut it, so make sure you know exactly what your luggage looks like. When in doubt, take a photo of it before you fly, for reference.

Airplane Hacks

We love traveling here at Upgraded Points and have picked up lots of tricks along the way. These airplane hacks will help make your flight as comfortable and as fun as possible.

When choosing a spot for your carry-on bag in the overhead bin, go for the space on the opposite side of your seat, directly across from or slightly in front of your seat (never put your bag behind you). That way you can see your bag from your seat and you’ll easily be able to grab it after the flight without having to wait for the people behind you to deplane before you can grab your bag.

One of the keys to really relaxing and enjoying a flight is the ability to block out airplane noise to enjoy your podcast, music, or movie. Because of that, having noise-canceling headphones is a great way to make your flight more enjoyable.

No, we aren’t suggesting you need to brush your teeth on that quick flight from Chicago to New York City, but brushing your teeth on long-haul flights or flights where you’ll be sleeping can really make a difference in how refreshed you feel. Be sure to pack your toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste (or even a disposable product like Colgate Wisp ), and don’t forget to use bottled water.

While this should come easily to many people, it bears repeating. Be polite and respectful to the flight attendants. They are there to ensure your safety and to help you have a comfortable flight and they deserve your respect. If you’re having a bad flight or don’t like a policy, don’t take it out on them.

If you think you’ll need extra attention from the flight attendants during your trip, consider bringing a small, edible gift like a piece of chocolate or a cookie (prepackaged, store-bought) as a gesture of thanks.

While airplane cleaning standards have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began, things like tray tables are not necessarily cleaned between each flight. According to Forbes , airplane seatback tray tables are the dirtiest part of the airplane , so be sure to pack some disinfecting wipes and clean your tray table before using it.

Be sure to drink plenty of water during your flight to stay hydrated. While you might not like it, it’s best to avoid alcohol on planes, since it can speed up dehydration and could lead to a fuzzy start to your vacation. It’s also best to avoid carbonated drinks as the bubbles combined with changes in air pressure can cause discomfort for some people.

There’s a definite art to sleeping on a plane, and unless you’re one of those lucky people that can fall asleep anywhere, you’ll need all the help you can get. Use a  sleeping mask and earplugs to block out light and sound, and bring along a comfortable travel pillow to give your head and neck some support. Choosing a window seat can also make sleeping easier since you can lean up against the side of the plane.

Another trick to help you sleep on airplanes is to wear a jacket or sweatshirt with a hood . Putting up the hood will help keep you warm but will also cover your ears and part of your face, giving you more of a sense of comfort and privacy. Some hoods are big enough to pull down to cover your eyes, too.

Airplanes can often be freezing… unless they are way too hot. The problem is, you never know which temperature extreme your plane might suffer from until you are on it, so it’s best to dress in layers so that you’re prepared for anything. Always bring a jacket in the summer and wear a t-shirt under your sweater in the winter.

Hot Tip: If you bring a jacket but don’t need it on the plane, you can roll it up and use it as extra lumbar support.

If you’re wearing sandals on your travel day, bring a pair of socks to wear on the plane. Your feet will stay warm and your seatmate will appreciate not being up close and personal with your bare feet.

If your feet and legs have a tendency to swell, consider bringing compression socks onboard to wear during your flight. They will help reduce fluid retention and swelling, and may even reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Post-flight Airport Hacks

The travel hacks don’t stop when your flight lands. Use these tips to travel like a pro.

Many bags can look the same, so it’s smart to use a unique luggage tag or tie a brightly colored ribbon around your checked bags to make them easily identifiable in the baggage carousel. Alternatively, you can buy luggage in a variety of colors and patterns that are easy to pick out of a crowd.

Did you know that some airlines offer bonus points if your bags are late ?

Delta Air Lines offers the “Bags On Time” guarantee. If your bags take more than 20 minutes to reach the baggage carousel after any domestic flight, you’re eligible for 2,500 bonus miles by completing this form .

Alaska Airlines offers a $25 discount code for future travel or 2,500 bonus miles when your bags take more than 20 minutes to reach the baggage carousel. To make a claim , you need to visit the Alaska Airlines baggage desk at the airport within 2 hours of your flight’s arrival.

If you travel internationally even just once or twice a year, Global Entry can save you tons of time. This program allows members to speed through customs upon re-entry back into the U.S. Instead of waiting in the long customs lines, Global Entry members scan their passports and enter customs information at a kiosk before heading to baggage claim.

Bottom Line: Global Entry is a great program that will help you speed through the airport after international flights. It costs $100 to apply and the membership lasts 5 years. The great news is that many travel rewards credit cards come with a credit for the Global Entry application fee .

If you’ll be taking a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from the airport, make sure you download the app before you need to use it. It will be easier and quicker to get a ride if your account is already set up, and you’ll have time to see if any of your credit cards offer discounts or bonus points . Be sure to add your credit card to your account and activate any bonus offers, if needed.

We think flying is fun and we hope that by using some of these amazing plane and flight hacks, you will, too! Also, be sure to check out our best hotel hacks to get the most out of your next hotel stay. If you’ve got additional travel hacks ideas, share them in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best airplane hacks for sleeping.

If you want to sleep on your next flight, here are a few hacks that can help you out:

• Book a window seat so you can lean on the side of the plane
• Pack a neck pillow
• Bring earplugs and a sleeping mask to block out light and sound
• To stay warm, bring a jacket or large scarf that can be used as a blanket; wearing a hooded sweatshirt or jacket can also help cover your ears and eyes and keep you warm so you can catch some shut-eye

What are the best airplane hacks for toddlers?

If you’re traveling with a toddler, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and things to keep them entertained. A new toy is a great way to keep them occupied as are gel window clings if they’re sitting in the window seat. If all else fails, bring a tablet and kid-friendly headphones to keep them entertained and quiet for the trip.

What are the best airplane hacks for comfort?

There are a few things you can do to make your next airplane flight more comfortable. Wear comfortable clothes in layers so you can adjust based on the temperature of the plane. To help ease back pain, you can use a rolled-up jacket or scarf for extra lumbar support. If you’re wearing sandals, bring socks to keep your feet warm, and consider compression socks for long flights to help reduce swelling.

What are the best airplane hacks for long flights?

To make a long flight more comfortable, try these hacks on your next trip:

• Wear comfortable clothes that you can sleep in
• Dress in layers so you never get too cold or too hot
• Wear compression socks to help reduce swelling
• Brush your teeth before you go to sleep and once you wake up (but be sure to use bottled water)
• Download plenty of entertainment before the flight and bring a portable charger so your devices don’t run out of batteries
• Use airline miles to book a business or first class flight

What are the best packing hacks for flying?

To pack like a pro, you’ll want to follow these simple tips. Keep your luggage organized by using packing cubes. If you’re packing more than 1 person in a single suitcase, get a different color of packing cube for each person to keep everything separated. Use a toiletry bag or a simple Ziploc bag to pack your bathroom essentials. If your products leak, the spill will be confined to the small bag and won’t get all over your clothes. If you’re checking suitcases for vacation, always pack what you’ll need for the first day in your carry-on so you can start your vacation right away, even if your bags are late.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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What the Hack: The Best Travel Hacks From the Pros

Flight attendant Florian Schwebel is always prepared for anything on his travels. He shares his best travel hacks with us

In my job, I quickly learned one thing: most of the time, you never need all the clothes you've packed in your suitcase. That's why I choose what I take with me very carefully. Especially when I'm only in one place for 24 hours, as is often the case. 

Travel Hack #1: Jogsuit

I always have a "jogsuit" with me in a basic color like grey or blue. These are suits made from jogging trouser fabric, which are available from various brands. They don't have a pleat, don't crease and look very casual in combination with sneakers. You can put them in the washing machine when you get there and you're instantly styled if you want to go out in the evening shortly after your arrival.

Travel Hack #2: Longsleeve made from merino wool

A merino wool longsleeve is also always on my packing list. The material has the advantage that it is sweat-resistant and regulates the temperature well. This is very practical if you don't know what weather to expect when you get there. Just like a super-light, compressible and waterproof jacket that can be folded up into a small package. 

Travel Hack #3: Moisturizing spray

To make sure I look fresh and awake after a long flight from Germany to the USA, I like to spray moisturizing spray on my face. It works wonders.

Travel Hack #4: Duffel bag

On short trips, I usually only have a small duffel bag with me instead of a hard-shell suitcase. It's easier to squeeze into the overhead compartment on the plane. And in case I have time to go shopping on the road, I always have a foldable mini travel bag with me. You never know what you might discover.

Florian Schwebel is a flight attendant at Lufthansa. He travels both intercontinental on long-haul routes and within Europe.

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15 Carry On Packing Tips & Hacks So You Can Travel Light!

Why Travel With a Carry-On Only?

Carry-on only travel is preferred by a lot of people because it makes the trip a lot lighter, less stressful, and a lot more enjoyable. Aside from these reasons, there are some more advantages to traveling with just a carry-on suitcase like:

✓ Less stuff (and weight) to carry.. Dragging a heavy suitcase up the stairs is never fun. Having less luggage to carry around makes it easier for you to move from one destination to another and explore many new places. This is important especially when you’re commuting by train, bus, or taxi or when you’re in a very crowded area. 

✓ Baggage claim is for losers. Since your carry on items are literally always with you, you don’t need to worry about your luggage never showing up in baggage claim. Pack a smaller suitcase and never have to wait around again! 

✓ Save extra bucks by not checking luggage. Though some airlines for both domestic and international flights don't charge fees for passengers' 1st checked bags, some have fees that could range between $30 to $200. Traveling with a carry-on only, on the other hand, is almost always free! Just be mindful of the size and weight restrictions.

General Tips for Packing a Carry-On Bag for Travel

Whether you’re traveling with a carry-on backpack, suitcase, or duffel bag, you can apply these packing tips for any of them. These carry-on packing tips will help you organize your travel essentials into a tiny little carry-on space to make your trip even more enjoyable and comfortable! We’ve covered everything from how heavy your carry on should be to what to actually pack in your bag. Let’s do this!

✅ Carry-On Luggage Size and Weight Limit

Tip #1 - Measure your suitcase.

Different airlines have different requirements on the size and weight limit of the carry-on suitcase that they will let you bring onboard the plane, both for domestic and international flights. Even though they don’t strictly check and weigh it the way they do checked bags, it would be wise to choose a carry-on bag that’s within their limit just to be safe. Check your airline’s website or check this out to find out most airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions.

Despite the differences among airlines, the universally accepted luggage dimensions for a domestic flight within the US is 22" x 14" x 9". For international travel, the rule of thumb is about 21", since the standard carry-on baggage size outside of the U.S. is smaller.

✅ Choosing and Packing Travel Essentials

Tip #2 - Keep your cool, remember TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Going through airport security is a whole different experience in itself. Don’t worry, you’ll do just fine if you keep your makeup and toiletry liquids, creams, and gels packed in 3.4 ounces containers or less, in their own separate TSA approved clear toiletry bag .

Tip #3 - Know which items are a no-no!

There are items that you can pack in your checked luggage that you're not allowed to bring in your carry-on bag. Some of the most common things that you're not allowed to bring are things that are sharp, pointy, dangerous, flammable, liquids and gels over 3.4 ounces, and more. Sometimes, the rules can be different or changing so it's much better to visit the airline’s website and look up the item that you're not sure about and they'll let you know if you can bring it in your carry-on.

If you’re traveling local, you can check the TSA’s website for the full list of prohibited carry-on items . Another option is to take a photo of the item you’re going to bring, go to the TSA’s Facebook Messenger or Twitter and send them a question to ask if it’s allowed.

Tip #4 - Check off a packing list . Just do it. 

Don’t get over confident with your packing skills. Let’s be real, we all forget that one thing we thought we  100% packed. Having a packing list will help you make sure nothing gets left behind. We’ve got plenty of FREE packing lists that you can use here for any of your trips! You’re welcome to download or print them as you like.

Tip #5 - Plan your outfits, discard options.

If you start packing your clothes with, “I think…” you’re heading towards a town called the Overpackingville. Most of the time when you overpack, you end up wearing half of the things you packed. So disregard options, pack clothes that you will definitely wear during the trip. Consider sticking to a color palette and bringing clothing items that can mix and match easily. Plan your outfits in advance (I know it’s hard) so you won't have to pack extras.

Tip #6 - Wear it, don’t pack it.

Wear what you can instead of packing the items. This includes your heavy layers. If you wear your biggest pieces on the flight, like your sweatpants, jacket, gym shoes, and such, you can save a considerable amount of space in your suitcase. Anything that can take up a lot of room in your luggage, if it makes sense to put them on, that's the stuff you should wear to the airport.

Tip #7 - Shoo away germs with a travel shoe bag.

Put your shoes in a travel shoe bag to keep your luggage and other essentials inside free from dirt and germs. Also, bring a travel laundry bag to put your dirty clothes in after you wear them. This will prevent the smell or stain of your used clothes from sticking to your luggage and other clean items inside.

Tip #8 - Downsize containers to upsize comfort.

Transfer any large products into smaller containers. If you have sample sizes of your larger products, bring those instead. If you have no samples or mini size containers, you can always buy those travel size silicone bottles that you can also reuse multiple times for your trip. These are much better than the plastic ones because they don't break easily and they're much better at preventing your liquids from leaking.

Tip #9 - Categorize to be more organized.

Make your brain happy by creating categories. You can put toiletries in an extra small cube , shirts in a small cube , shorts and pants in a medium cube , blankets, and other bulky items in a large cube , jewelry and loose trinkets in a travel jewelry roll , chargers, cords, and wires in circular pouches . Whenever you need any of these things, having them in the same cube together will make it easier for you to access them so you won't spend so much time rummaging through your luggage.

Tip #10 - Take it from KonMari, fold clothes vertically.

The KonMari way of decluttering and organizing things is a game-changer for travel packing. Basically, you want to fold your clothes to the height of your suitcase (or packing cube). That way you’ll have a nice selection of items from a top view glance, without having to dig.

Tip #11 - Use CLEAR packing cubes for everything.

And we mean everything! Packing cubes are a heaven-sent when it comes to keeping all your travel essentials organized. You can use them for small essentials such as toiletries and makeup products, as well as for your jackets, blankets, and any other bulky items you have. 

Packing cubes can transform your carry-on luggage into your very own traveling closet. You don’t need to unpack everything, you just need to take out the cubes, set them where you want them, zip them open, and you’re good to go. Traveling drawers, on the go.

Tip #12 - Make items in your personal items bag easy-access.

Aside from a carry-on bag, you're also allowed to bring an additional small personal items bag which can be something like a purse, a briefcase, or a small backpack. You can pack all your snacks, electronics, and other essentials that you will need during the flight; the rest you can pack in your carry-on bag.

A duffel bag makes a great personal items bag because you can pack quite a bit of stuff and still fit it under the seat in front of you. Make sure you’ve got everything that you’re going to use on the plane in your personal items bag or purse so that you won't have to take your carry-on suitcase out of the overhead bin and rummage through it just to find items, especially when you’re on a long-haul flight.

Tip #13 - Pack empty bags for souvenirs and shopping items.

If you’re going away on vacation, make sure to bring an extra tote bag or an empty bag and pack it in your suitcase flat or folded. That way, if you want to do some shopping and buy some souvenirs for friends and family back home, you can use this bag instead of an extra suitcase (it happens) or an overflowing carry on.

✅ Packing Entertainment

Tip #14 - Ditch the books, bring your nook.

The beauty of smartphones (or ipads) is that they’re incredibly light and everything can be downloaded or installed - be it games, books, movies, songs, and more! So, when you travel, forget about those travel guides, paperback novels, or magazines. You can access everything from your phone and it’s more convenient that way, especially when you’re traveling carry-on only.

Tip #15 - Pack tech in-between clothes to avoid damage.

If you’re bringing some gadgets along with you, and you don’t have separate bags for them (your laptop does and should!)  you can pack them in between your clothes so they won’t get damaged while in transit. Just be more careful when handling your carry on and don’t ever pack your valuables in checked luggage. Important electronics should always be packed in your personal or carry on luggage!  Make sure they have their own padded case to protect them from any harsh conditions of traveling.

When traveling, having a bigger suitcase isn't always better. Yes, you may be able to pack more things in there, but think about your aching back in the middle of your trip and then you’ll know it was a bad idea after all. Traveling with a carry-on (only) will make your trip a whole lot more comfortable and enjoyable because you've got less things to worry about. This will also make you (or force you) to pack way more efficiently, AKA less stuff.  .

Now that you know the best carry-on packing tips, it’s time to put them into practice. If you know more tips that we haven’t mentioned yet, please let us know in the comments.

If you’re a newbie in packing, you can refer to our How to Pack a Suitcase guide for a complete, step by step rundown of everything you need to know and do when packing a suitcase for travel.

Pack Light. Pack Tight. You got this!

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The Travel Hack Luggage and the all new Tote Bag

By: Author Monica

Categories Blog , suitcase

I have a bit of an obsession with luggage. Some girls like shoes. Some girls like handbags. I like luggage! Suitcases and backpacks and shoulder bags, I love them all!

I love the feeling of organisation you get with a new bag. You have a pocket for everything and it just makes me feel neat and tidy and like I’ve got my act together!

Over the years I’ve been sent A LOT of luggage to review but no suitcase or backpack was ever perfect.

There was always a pocket in the wrong place or a zipper that wasn’t quite right! 

A lot of the luggage I tested felt like it had been designed by someone who had never even been on a plane! I wanted to find luggage that made flying easier and helped to make airports less stressful – especially when you’re flying with just hand luggage.

And that’s where The Travel Hack Luggage comes in!

Teaming up with Cabin Max

I teamed up with Cabin Max , a local luggage manufacturer specialising in cabin bags.

Cabin Max are based in Wrexham, North Wales. Their offices actually aren’t far from my house and it’s a bit of a coincidence we started working together. When I was pregnant with my first son, George, Cabin Max reached out and offered to send me some goodies for the baby and a baby changing bag. When I sent them my address to post the bag out we realised how close we were!

I ended up going for lunch with the Cabin Max team and I think we all realised we shared a love for travel, luggage and simplifying the process of flying with great luggage!

Cabin Max’s most popular piece of luggage is their famous Metz 44L backpack . It’s the perfect dimensions to take on a plane as hand luggage and gained popularity with budget travellers looking to beat the airlines and not pay for any luggage.

Cabin Max had a fantastic range of practical luggage but lacked a stylish, feminine range.

As The Travel Hack focused on travel hacks to help travellers find stylish experiences on a budget, a collaboration between Cabin Max and The Travel Hack was a perfect match. 

Meeting the Cabin Max team was a dream because I finally found a group of people who shared my passion for great luggage!

Designing luggage that takes the stress out of flying

Flying with just hand luggage can be stressful because you have so many things to take out of your suitcase when you pass through security and when you get on and off the plane. 

I hate that feeling of rummaging through your suitcase looking for liquids and electronics while also trying to hide your underwear from everyone in the queue!

I wanted to find a suitcase that kept everything you needed to remove at security separate, and in a compartment that made it easy to remove them.

And let’s not forget that if you’ve only got hand luggage then your bags can end up being heavy and there’s always the stress of it being too big and getting a hefty fee at the boarding gate!

I also wanted to find something that had a quick and easy place to stash your handbag. We’ve all been there when you’re only allowed one bag on a plane but you’ve actually got two so you’re sat on the floor of the airport, opening up your suitcase trying to squish one bag inside the other. Then you get on the plane and you need your handbag straight back out again!

It was due to these avoidable problems that The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case came about!

The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case

The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case was the first piece of luggage we released. It has a top ‘handbag compartment’ that’s easily accessed and you can pop your handbag inside when boarding the plane

The top compartment is also perfect to store your liquids and electronics to quickly remove when going through security.

This suitcase is within the dimensions to be taken onboard with most airlines but IT IS HUGE! I promise, it’s not too big to get on the plane! Loads of people get it and think it’s going to be too big but thousands of people have flown with it hundreds of thousands of times and it is fine. It’s taller and thinner than most suitcases to make the most of the awkward dimensions the airlines allow and this means you get the biggest suitcase you can possibly have without it being oversized – meaning you can take the most luggage possible! Winner winner.

The suitcase does only have two wheels and, while we did discuss adding 4 rotating wheels, we decided this would make the bag much smaller, heavier and more expensive. We decided to keep the bag as big as possible and the price lower so you get better value for money and can pack more!

Read more about The Travel Hack Pro Cabin Case here and see some more photos!

The Travel Hack Backpack

I know you shouldn’t have favourites but The Travel Hack Backpack is my favourite as this is the bag I use everyday. In fact, I’ve been using it everyday since it was released and I still think it’s the best backpack out there.

It’s incredibly versatile and is also popular as a gym bag or a work bag thanks to the secure laptop pocket. It’s very popular with mums who like to have their hands free and all the organisational pockets inside and easy-to-access outer pockets keep you feeling organised no matter what you’re doing.

The rear laptop pocket is actually my favourite part of the bag. I use it for nappies and wipes when I’ve got my daughter with me, books and games when I’ve got the bigger kids, a laptop when I’m working and an iPad when I’m travelling.

The backpack can be used as the ‘free’ Ryanair bag and it’s surprisingly spacious and easily fits everything for a long weekend away.

Read more about The Travel Hack Backpack and see more photos.

The Travel Hack Tote Bag

The Travel Hack Tote is the latest addition to The Travel Hack Luggage set. It’s slightly bigger than the backpack and is ideal for those of us who prefer a shoulder bag to a backpack.

This is the ideal bag to stay organised while travelling thanks to all the internal and external pockets. It’s the perfect size to avoid extra fees with easyJet but also has a huge 30L capacity so it’s plenty big enough for a few days away. It has a few nifty and unexpected extras such as a hair straighteners pocket, a roomy internal laptop pocket, two slim external pockets perfect for tablets or documents, a ‘hidden’ external pocket that’s next to your body so it’s great for your phone, purse and keys.

Friday 14th of April 2023

Hi, Is there anywhere you know that might have the Travel Hack left in stock, it looks perfect?

Monday 17th of April 2023

The Travel Hack Backpack will be back in stock soon!

Jade Defoe-Banton

Saturday 18th of March 2023

Hiyaaaaa Travel Hack I love mine I have all of them please do more as people keep asking me about mine and want them tooo thank you so much for inventing these I love them so much I have the ruck sake the cabin max the hybrid all of them I’d love the large suitcase of it I’m curious how it would look too please have more online for all the women to get one love these there perfect .

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

I would love the set. I have the case and the backpack but cant get hold of the Tote anywhere.

Please help

@Monica, it’s already here I got mine I’m soo mesmerised by it can’t stop looking at it and the things you can put inside it it’s the perfect weekend away back pack pull along suitcase if you pack it well I love it .

@Kerrie, ask the company where you can get it if they selling more try eBay if not might be sold out

Wednesday 22nd of February 2023

The tote bag has been discontinued I'm afraid. But a new hybrid backpack suitcase will be available next month.

Wednesday 28th of September 2022

I absolutely love the stylish look and design of the cabin case! Was gutted though when I found no sites that allow for delivery to Australia.

Friday 24th of February 2023

@Stephanie, I ordered both the backpack and the cabin case from Cabinmax and they were shipped to Australia. It's a shame if they stopped shipping here as I want the tote to add to my collection.

Monday 10th of January 2022

Hello ! Would love to purchase the range as a set , but am having serious struggles finding the packing cubes

Are there any hidden away I can purchase for my trip next week ?

@Sam, hey you can get the cubes on Amazon

Tuesday 11th of January 2022

Hi Sam, the packing cubes are on order and should be with us by May/June time. I'm so sorry it won't be possible to get them for your trip next week.

FinanceBuzz

15 Genius Packing Hacks That'll Make Your First Cruise a Breeze

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

Packing for a trip is rarely a pleasant experience, but it’s especially stressful with cruises. 

When traveling by plane or car, you can usually get what you may have forgotten to bring at a store. On a cruise ship, though, you’re stuck with what you have until the ship docks.

It can be harder to anticipate what you’ll need, especially if you're embarking on your first one. Follow these simple cruise packing hacks to set up your travel game and enjoy a stress-free trip at sea.

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Pack your documents separately

Pack all your important documents somewhere separate and easily accessible. This includes your ID, passport, and all other necessary documents. This will make each step of the process, from the plane to the boat, quick and painless.

Make sure to print out your cruise boarding documents, too. Even if you have your pass on your phone, print out a copy to be safe.

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Make use of your carry-on

Be prepared for anything by packing your carry-on bag with purpose. If you’re planning to stay in a hotel before boarding the ship, pack accordingly so you don’t have to unpack your whole luggage set just for some pajamas.

Even if you’re not staying in a hotel, pack overnight clothes just in case. Inclement weather, delays, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events may leave you with just your carry-on for a few days.

Know your plans ahead of time

To avoid overpacking, review your itinerary ahead of time.

While it’s not a bad idea to pack for a couple of surprise excursions, there’s no need to pack tons of formal dresses if you’re primarily going on outdoor adventures.

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Consider a capsule wardrobe

If you’re having a hard time whittling down the clothes in your suitcase, give yourself more options by preparing a capsule wardrobe.

There are plenty of ways to design a capsule wardrobe, but generally, it includes a couple of shirts, blouses, sweaters, dresses, pants, and one to two dressy options that are interchangeable when putting together outfits — making it a great option for lengthy trips.

Over-the-door shoe bag trick

Living out of a toiletry bag may be OK for a day or two, but it can be a nightmare for long cruises.

Instead, consider packing an over-the-door shoe holder and storing your toiletries in that. They also make over-the-door makeup bags, if you want them to be waterproof.

Bring your own power strip

With phone, laptop, tablet, and smartwatch chargers, plus hair tools and other electronics, the number of outlets on board your cruise may not cut it.

If you plan on bringing your own power strip — a smart move — make sure it’s cruise ship approved. This generally means it’s non-surge protected.

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Bring your own wine (and corkscrew)

If you plan on drinking on board, come prepared. Many cruise ships will allow you to bring your own wine (usually for a nominal corking fee, especially when compared to cruise ship wine prices). Plan ahead and bring your own.

Make sure to also pack a (cruise ship approved) corkscrew, so you can actually drink it!

Bring reusable drinkware

Don’t waste your money buying overpriced water bottles during your trip. Especially if you plan on exploring and adventuring, bring your own reusable water bottle.

It’s not a bad idea to bring a couple of bottles, including a thermal mug. If you enjoy tea or coffee, you can stock up during breakfast and have enough for the rest of the day without having to pay extra.

Bring reusable food storage containers

The same can be said for food. Avoid having to pay expensive prices for midday bites by bringing your own bags or containers and stocking up when possible.

These containers and bags can also be used in other situations, including extra organization.

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Bring a laundry bag/bin

For longer cruises, it’s unreasonable to pack something new for every day of the trip. Even if you can, no one wants to unpack a suitcase full of sweaty, dirty clothes when they get home.

Bring a small, foldable laundry hamper or bag with you so you can keep your room clean, sequester your dirty clothes, and make laundry easier.

Stock up on sunscreen

Coming home with a tan is one of the best parts of a vacation. Coming home burnt to a crisp is less ideal.

Pack more sunscreen than you think you’ll need, including lip balm with SPF. Especially if you’re traveling to a hotter climate with a stronger sun, be prepared to reapply more than usual.

Don’t forget the aloe vera

If you forgot to diligently apply your sunscreen, make sure to bring something to alleviate the pain.

Alongside aloe vera gel, other common home remedies for sunburn relief include oatmeal and baking soda, chamomile tea, and for some, vinegar.

Medications

Aside from bringing any necessary daily medications you take, be sure to bring along some common, over-the-counter medications.

Bring along ibuprofen, acetaminophen, digestion aids, allergy meds, and anything else you commonly reach for in your medicine cabinet at home. Make sure to toss in some seasickness medication, too.

Emergency kit

Put together your own mini-emergency kit for all other random instances. Along with a true emergency first-aid kit, pack other random bits that may be handy in a pinch.

This includes stain-removing pens for your clothes, duct tape for random items breaking or needing to be patched, tampons, a sewing/mending kit, and more.

Pack some cash

It’s never a bad idea to have some extra cash on hand, especially if you’re traveling somewhere that accepts U.S. currency.

Don’t bring so much that it would be upsetting if it were lost or stolen, but some small bills are handy for tipping or smaller purchases you don’t want to use your top travel credit card on.

Bottom line

Make the most of your next cruise by being as prepared as possible with these packing hacks. While they may require some more time and money upfront, they’ll help you avoid wasting money down the road.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
• 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
• Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.

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