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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

17 Travel Packing Tips From Frequent Travelers

Use these tips from afar staff and other travel experts to pack more efficiently and stay organized on the road..

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Packing cubes help you stay organized.

Courtesy of Cotopaxi

At AFAR, it’s a given that our staff members are all deeply passionate about travel. Whether we’re on a reporting trip or exploring the world on our own PTO, we’ve all packed and unpacked our bags hundreds, if not thousands, of times. So it goes without saying that many of us have become packing experts over the years. We’ve also learned a lot from interviewing professional organizers, flight attendants, and other frequent travelers along the way. Here are our best travel packing tips to make bringing your life on the road as efficient and stress-free as possible.

1. Build a travel capsule wardrobe

The essential idea of a capsule wardrobe is you can whittle your closet down to just 30 items of clothing to mix and match 1,000 outfits. You can also translate this decluttering technique to your suitcase in order to pack less. Wendy Mak, the Australia-based professional stylist who wrote the book about the minimalist style concept , recommends using this formula: “Multiply the number of tops with the number of bottoms you plan to bring and that’s the number of outfits you’ll be able to create, as long as every top coordinates with every bottom. That’s the key.

“You could literally travel with nothing more than six tops and four bottoms and that will give you 24 great outfits, as long as all 10 pieces work together,” Mak told AFAR in 2017 . “If you add two or three jackets that you can layer on top, you’ll be able to create even more options.”

2. Folding vs. rolling your clothes

It’s an age-old debate: Does rolling or folding your clothes save more space in your suitcase? Aislyn Greene, AFAR’s associate director of podcasts, asked her flight attendant mother for her opinion: “If you pack folded clothes flat in your suitcase, you may be wasting some valuable space. Rolled clothes can fit right down into the crevices of your luggage. Plus, rolling—as opposed to folding—is even better for wrinkle-prone items.”

However, the Japanese organizing expert Marie Kondo uses her own KonMari Method to file-fold her clothes in neat vertical stacks at home that transfer easily into her suitcase. “Not only does this folding technique keep clothing neat and wrinkle-free, it also maximizes the space of the suitcase,” Kondo told AFAR in 2019 .

When we put both methods to the test ourselves, we found that a combination of rolling and folding works best. So do whatever feels right to you.

Cotopaxi’s Cubos packing cube bundle comes with three packing cubes—large (10 liters), medium (3 liters), and small (2 liters)—made from repurposed materials.

3. Use packing cubes

Whether you fold or roll your clothes, using packing cubes (like the ones from Cotopaxi shown above) makes it easier to keep the contents of your luggage neat and well organized.

In fact, both Joanna Teplin and Clea Shearer, the cofounders of The Home Edit organizational empire, are packing cube devotees. But they use them in two very different ways: Shearer’s system involves sorting her belongings into cubes divided by categories, like daytime clothes, pajamas, and underwear and socks. Teplin, on the other hand, gives each outfit its own packing cubes—sometimes using three or more cubes per day—and sorts types of outfits into different colors of packing cubes, such as marble-patterned ones for pajamas and black ones for workout clothes.

“Joanna and I do it differently, but if it works for her she should do it that way, what works for me, I should do it that way,” Shearer told AFAR in 2021 . “Whatever system works for you is the system that is the correct one.”

>> Read more: The 9 Best Packing Cubes for Travel

4. Never use one big bag for toiletries

Instead of packing one large dopp kit , Shearer and Teplin also recommend separating your hair products, skincare products, and cosmetics into different toiletry bags so you don’t have to dig through your makeup just to find your floss at night. Don’t want to bring multiple bags? Use a kit that comes with separate compartments, like Calpak’s Clear Cosmetics Cases , so you can use one side for hair products and the other side for skin and dental items.

Stop buying travel-size minis of your toiletries and opt for these reusable capsules instead.

Courtesy of Cadence

5. Decant all of your toiletries into travel-size containers

Leaving the full-size shampoo bottle at home isn’t just about complying with TSA’s liquid limits for carry-on bags; it also means that you’re not wasting space bringing more product than you need. “When you really pay attention, you may be surprised by how little shampoo or face wash you actually use in a week,” says Jessie Beck, AFAR’s associate director of SEO and video. “Rather than maxing out the 3.4 ounce rule, I try to pack only as much as product as I’ll need, plus a little extra. For a week-long trip, that generally means decanting shampoo and conditioner into 1.7 ounce bottles by HumanGear , face wash and cream into 0.56 ounce containers by Cadence , and makeup into these tiny sample bottles I’ve repurposed. It adds up and has allowed me to halve the size of my toiletry bag.”

Keep your most important belongings organized—and untangled.

Courtesy of Away

6. Compartmentalize the rest of your belongings, too

Kondo says she never travels without a bento box–like case full of jewelry. “Once I arrive at my hotel, I use the case as the designated spot for my jewelry,” says the connoisseur of compartmentalizing. Both the Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case and the Away Jewelry Box have interior bands and elastic pouches to keep rings, earrings, and necklaces organized and untangled.

For wrangling other small items like chargers, cords, et cetera, we like Baggu’s 3D Zip Set , which includes three all-purpose pouches of varying sizes.

7. Prevent wrinkles with dry cleaning bags (and socks!)

“For blazers, slacks, and dress shirts that you want protected from wrinkles, keep them in the plastic bags you get from your dry cleaner when you pack them,” says Joe Diaz, AFAR’s cofounder. And to protect his ties from wrinkles, he offers this clever hack: “Roll them up and stash them in your socks.”

Alternatively: If you travel for business often, consider investing in a blazer or work clothes that don’t even wrinkle in the first place. Bluffworks is one of our favorite brands for technical work wear designed to handle the rigor of travel.

8. Plan to do laundry on the road

It’s possible to travel carry-on only—even on longer trips—according to former AFAR editors Bailey Berg and Mae Hamilton’s guide to one-bag travel . Instead of packing one pair of underwear and socks for each day, they recommend packing fewer pairs than you need and washing dirty unmentionables in the hotel bathtub or in a wash bag . These biodegradable, pocket-sized detergent sheets make the task easier, but you can also accomplish the job with a plain old bar of soap.

When you do need to wash it, merino wool is also quick-drying.

Courtesy of Unbound Merino

9. Invest in merino wool

Packing a few pairs of merino wool socks or T-shirts is also a great idea; thanks to wool fiber’s hydrophobic properties , B.O. particles have a hard time absorbing into wool clothing, so you can wear them multiple times before you need to wash them.

10. Bring a carabiner

Even the most dedicated one-bag travelers run out of room sometimes. A carabiner clipped to the outside of your bag can be useful; it can hold an extra pair of shoes, a water bottle, a hat, or a jacket.

Eliminate packing single-use devices with multipurpose ones, like this three-in-one charger.

Courtesy of Amazon

11. Use multi-purpose travel accessories

Consolidate your belongings by packing multi-purpose accessories. For example, a multi-port charger—like the Anker 3-in-1 737 Charger —has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. That means you can charge your computer, iPhone, and one more device from a single charging brick. It not only saves space in your tech pouch but also uses a single plug in your hotel room.

Similarly, a quick-drying Turkish cotton towel will dry your entire body at the pool and can also be used as a beach blanket , worn as a sarong, or mop up any spills along the way.

>> Read more: The Travel Accessories AFAR Editors Never Leave Home Without

12. BYOBlanket

It’s unlikely airplane blankets would be reused without being cleaned in between flights—especially if it’s wrapped in plastic. But if the thin, sandpapery texture of the constantly rewashed fleece rubs you the wrong way, we get it.

“I always bring a Lingua Franca travel set . It’s cashmere, comes with socks, a blanket, and an eye mask. Because plane blankets are gross. This blanket, well, it’s mine,” Katie Sturino, founder of the bodycare brand Megababe , told AFAR in 2018 .

We’re also fans of the sleeping bag-inspired travel blanket by Rumpl for those who want extra warmth on frigid planes.

13. Wear your bulkiest items while in transit

Alternatively, you can skip packing a travel blanket and just wear your bulky winter coat on the plane to keep you warm in that chilly cabin air—and save space in your suitcase. (We also recommend wearing your largest shoes or boots on the plane to save valuable packing space.)

14. To pack lighter, get a smaller bag

“We’ve all been guilty of packing an extra T-shirt or book just because we have the space in our bag,” says Beck. “One of the best ways to keep from overpacking with unnecessary items? Get a smaller bag. If you don’t have the space, you’re less likely to throw things in just because you can. I personally use the Charlie 25 by Remote Equipment , which is technically a commuter backpack but works well for travel as well.”

15. Shower caps are your best friend

Stepped in mud (or worse!) on a trip? If you haven’t invested in reusable travel shoe bags to keep your suitcase organized and hygienic, the solution to your problem can be found in your hotel bathroom. Greene uses hotel shower caps as shoe wraps. “They’re especially good for running shoes that get a little muddy. Plus, they’re ubiquitous so you’re never in danger of being without,” she says.

Need more space on the way home? Matador ReFraction packable duffle is a 25-liter bag that squishes down to the size of a paperback book and weighs only 7.9 ounces.

Courtesy of Matador

16. Plan to shop? Pack some extra baggage

Even if you’ve dialed in your packing system perfectly, you may come across souvenirs you can’t leave behind. Traveling with a suitcase that comes with expandable zippers is one solution, but sometimes the smartest thing you bring on vacation is an empty suitcase or collapsible duffle bag.

“I’m a big fan of foldable bags to bring along in case, um, I do too much shopping,” says Breanna Rhoades, AFAR’s human resources director.

If you really are committed to not checking a bag, another packing secret Kondo swears by is to keep 10 percent of your luggage empty. That way you have room to pack new treasures and souvenirs to take home.

17. Keep your bag packed

The easiest way to pack a suitcase is to, well, always keep it packed. “I tend to have a suitcase of clothes so I’m not constantly unpacking and packing,” Kat Woodruffe, a British Airways pilot, told AFAR in 2018 . If your travel uniforms aren’t as consistent as a pilot’s, at least consider keeping your toiletry bag always packed in your suitcase. Simply decant your favorite toothpaste, makeup, and other skincare items into reusable containers and keep them in your toiletry case so it’s always ready to go.

Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Mike Arnot, Aislyn Greene, Danielle Walsh, Mae Hamilton, and Bailey Berg.

14 Best Travel Packing Tips, According to Frequent Flyers

Just in time for your summer vacation plans.

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Keep reading to learn how to pack faster and smarter — without the stress.

1. Roll clothes and pack them first.

The best way to prevent creases and make the most of your space is to use the roll method. Lay tops facedown, fold in the sleeves and roll from the bottom up. For pants, put the legs together and roll from the waist down. Once you’ve rolled everything, place pants and tops in your suitcase before walking shoes and accessories; then, fit in other oddly shaped items, like hair tools .

2. Choose travel-friendly fabrics.

We always recommend opting for knits and stretchy fabrics while traveling. Even when these fabrics wrinkle, the creases will fall out when you hang them up. Woven fabrics (like linen or cotton twill) are more prone to wrinkling.

3. Pack the first outfit you'll want to wear on top.

If you know you’re getting off the plane and going straight to dinner or a meeting, plan your outfit and put it into your suitcase last. That way, when you arrive, you won’t have to dig through everything else to find it (plus, it will be less likely to wrinkle). This strategy is a great excuse to think about what you’ll wear in advance so you don’t make one of the biggest packing mistakes: waiting until the last minute to pack.

Expert Tip: Have trouble making a packing list and sticking to it? Check out this useful planner from Erin Condren .

4. Place heavy items at the base.

Keep weightier things like shoes and books by the wheeled end of your suitcase. This placement helps your bag stay stable when upright, and stops other items from getting smushed. (We like Away’s The Carry-On — it topped our carry-on luggage test and has a 100-day trial period.)

5. Layer plastic dry cleaning bags between clothes.

The next time you pick up your dry cleaning, save the plastic bags. You can use them to protect delicate items from accidental pulls by layering them between your clothes. They help your clothing slide (not snag) when your bag gets jostled (and they help reduce wrinkling!).

6. Use packing cubes.

Our pros like Eagle Creek’s set . These blocks keep your suitcase organized and stack together easily — no more trying to fit in oddly shaped items like a puzzle. Plus, the best packing cubes are lightweight and thin so you won’t lose any precious suitcase space.

7. Avoid over- or under-packing.

While you might be tempted to leave space for souvenirs, extra room means items can shift and crumple or break. Fill empty spaces with dry cleaner bags (and fill them later with mementos from your trip). It’s important not to over-pack either (especially if you’re only bringing a carry-on), since that’s a surefire way to create crease marks and can make it extra tricky to repack when you're going home — or heading off to another spot.

8. Get an extra tote for souvenirs.

You're going to want to shop so bring a foldable tote bag or travel backpack . It won’t take up much space on the way to your destination (many fold into a small pouch!) and you can fill it with (almost) anything you buy on your travels.

9. Take a mini iron.

Despite your best packing efforts, some wrinkles and creases are inevitable. That's where a pint-size steam iron or garment steamer comes in. Most are under two pounds, meaning they take up very little space and are perfect for quick touch-ups anywhere — just don’t expect it to de-wrinkle a full garment in record time.

10. Bring two small laundry bags.

Use one for lights and one for darks. If you forget, grab plastic bags from your hotel room’s closet. When you get home, throw the presorted loads in the wash. Other must-haves: two-gallon resealable bags for wet bathing suits and an instant stain remover like Shout Wipe & Go .

11. Organize your liquids bags.

You know the drill: Stash any liquids you want to keep in your carry-on bag in a separate, clear bag so you can easily pass through security. Our must-haves: a do-it-all hydrating balm , cleansing wipes for your face or hands (or the seat) and a lightly scented hand sanitizer . Not sure which liquids you can bring on the plane? Remember TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule : Products must be 3.4 ounces or less and they all must fit in a one quart-size bag.

12. Keep important medications in your purse.

Even if you plan to carry on your bag, there's still a risk you could have to check it at the gate. If your meds are in your purse, you’ll have what you need even if the overhead bin space fills up and you end up having to check your bag.

13. Bring a scarf for the plane in your carry-on.

No matter what season it is, planes are often on the chilly side. Bring a pretty, warm wrap that you can bundle up in if the temp doesn’t feel comfortable. Bonus: You can also fold it and use it as a pillow.

14. Carry a reusable water bottle.

As long as it’s empty, it’s okay to bring a water bottle through airport security. Once you’re inside the terminal, fill it up at an airport cafe or water station. You'll stay hydrated, and it’s greener than having to buy plastic water bottles while site-seeing.

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50 Travel Packing Tips, Tricks and Hacks to Pack Like a Pro

Pack like a pro.

Use these travel packing tips to streamline your travel packing process. Pack lighter, smarter, and faster with these tips, tricks, and hacks.

Read: Travel Packing 101, How to Pack Your Luggage Read: Best Tips to Pack Light on Your Next Trip

50 Travel Packing Tips, Tricks, and Hacks

Tie a colorful ribbon or fancy duct tape to the handle of black luggage

Keep all items you will need at the airport in easy reach

Photocopy all travel documents and keep a digital copy in the cloud

Take a picture of your checked bag to show the airline if it is lost

Hide a little bit of money in your suitcase and hope you won’t need it

Do not leave packing to the last minute, you might have to run to the store for a forgotten item

Use a packing list

Check the airline’s luggage rules

Never check essential items, such as chargers

Purchase a medium-sized suitcase and force yourself to pack light

Do not expand the luggage before you leave

Save enough space for souvenirs

Create a capsule wardrobe of lightweight clothing around a color palette with mix and match options

Lay your clothes out on the bed before you pack, put half of them away

Pack by outfit and leave that skirt that doesn’t match anything home

Bring a weeks’ worth of clothes, no matter how long the trip is

Don’t pack an equal amount of tops and bottoms, it’s easy to re-wear bottoms

Do not pack anything you will wear only once

Save space and avoid wrinkles by rolling your clothes

Bring along an empty squirt bottle to spray the wrinkles out of clothes

Pack a few packets of single-use laundry detergent and a stain pen

Bring only comfortable shoes and place them in a shoe bag or cover them with a shower cap

Pack one pair of comfortable shoes and flip flops for the hotel room and pool

Pack sweaters and jackets in reusable compression bags

Shrink dirty clothes in a compression bag

Use color-coded packing cubes to organize belongings of each family member

Place a dryer sheet in the bottom of the packing cube to keep clothes smelling fresh

Wrap fragile items in socks and stuff them into shoes

Follow TSA 3-1-1 policy for liquids even when you are checking your luggage

Ditch the fancy toiletry bags and go with clear allowing you to see what you’ve packed

Refill toiletries after each trip and keep them prepacked

Add a piece of plastic wrap under bottle caps to prevent spills

Ask for sample sizes at the makeup counter and pre-pack basic make-up

Fill contact lens cases with liquids or gels

Place a cotton ball in your blush and compact to protect from shattering

Store your curling iron in an oven mitt

Reuse an old prescription bottle for cold pills

Use scarves and jewelry to dress up outfits

Buy a roll-up jewelry organizer

Pack earrings in a 7-day plastic pill container

Thread necklaces through a straw and clasp before packing to prevent tangling

Use old chap-stick containers for pills, pill bottles for Q-Tips, and tic tac bottles for bobby pins

Bring a plastic grocery bag or large Ziplock bag for wet bathing suits

Use a zippered pillowcase to store dirty undergarments

Pack the heaviest items at the bottom of the luggage, usually shoes or jeans

Swap out 2 outfits with a travel companion in case your bag is lost

Purchase an international adaptor with 4 USB plugs

Pack a safety door stop, safety whistle, and a small flashlight

Do not pack anything “just in case you need it”, you can buy it if you need it

Stash an extra-large garbage bag in your suitcase in case you get caught in a rainstorm

Travel Packing Essentials

Going on vacation is a lot of work. You have to decide where to go, when to go, how to go, where to stay… it takes an amazing amount of time. Click through to my Amazon shop and let me help take away some of the burdens and make packing a breeze while at the same time you help me support the upkeep of this blog.

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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

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15 Best Travel Packing Tips and Tricks (+Packing List)

This article may contain compensated links. Learn more in our disclaimer .

We’re sharing our best travel packing tips and tricks.

As of 2022, we have been traveling extensively for 10 years. So, we know a thing or two about packing for travel, and about packing light — we mostly travel with a single carry on backpack each. We know the struggle, when you can’t decide what to take and what not to take, how to not forget something that really is important, while leaving unnecessary stuff at home. What helps, though, is having a plan.

That’s why I’m sharing with you some of our best packing tips.

So you can have a plan, too.

Table of Contents

15 Best Travel Packing Tips and Tricks

These are our top tips for packing.

Save this list, so that you always are prepared.

1. Invest in Good Luggage

If you are traveling often, it’s very important to have good luggage. Not only it’s important that your luggage is durable but also easy to use and comfortable.

If you are looking for a new backpack, invest in a travel backpack with sturdy shoulder straps and durable zippers. If you are an avid hiker, we recommend to buy a good hiking backpack with smart design, good back support, as well as good suspension and ventilation systems. If you prefer traveling with a suitcase, look for a sturdy suitcase with quality 360-degree spinner wheels and a durable telescopic handle.

Pay attention to the weight of your luggage!

And if possible buy a lightweight suitcase or backpack. You don’t want your luggage use up too much of the weight allowance. Especially if you are traveling with a carry on only!

Pay attention to the weight of your luggage! And if possible buy a lightweight suitcase or backpack.

2. Research and Plan Ahead

What the weather’s like? Is there a chance of rain? If yes, then how many rainy days? Is there a pool at your hotel, or a beach nearby? By researching and answering these (and other similar) questions you’ll be able to decide what clothes and accessories to take with you and what to leave behind.

Take only clothes you’ll definitely need.

Leave “just in case” items at home!

Also you don’t have to pack an outfit for every single day, because everywhere you’ll go you’ll find a laundromat. Hotels, hostels and guest houses offer laundry services as well. Mostly it’s easy to wash clothes while traveling .

3. Create a Packing List

It’s one of our top packing tips for travelers. Have a plan.

Doing stuff is so much easier when you are following guidelines! Packing is not an exception! Create a packing list before you start to pack your bag. Review the packing list several times, so you don’t forget any important items. It can be a list on a paper, I use notes on my phone, and it can also be a special app .

See our packing list below!

4. Use Packing Solutions

These things make life so much easier! I love packing cubes.

There are special packing solutions for your clothes and footwear: packing cubes , garment folders and shoe bags . Use them to keep your clothes and footwear organized. Pack small items, such as underwear and socks, in smaller packing cubes, whereas large items, like, jackets and jeans, can go in large packing cubes. Medium packing cubes are perfect for T-shirts and sundresses. Pack your shirts, skirts and trousers in garment folders – envelope-like packing folders which keep clothes folded neatly and wrinkle-free.

Separate your footwear from the rest of your stuff in order to protect it from dirt and sand. Special shoe bags are sand, dirt and water resistant. This means they will keep mud, moisture and sand contained. Not only packing cubes and other packing solutions keep everything contained in an organized manner, they also help to save space.

Get a travel laundry bag for your dirty clothing.

How to pack a suitcase to maximize space? Use packing cubes. Period.

5. Keep Your Toiletries in a Toiletry Bag

In order to protect your clothes from leaks and spills, keep your toiletries and makeup in a separate ziplock bag or in a TSA-approved toiletry bag . Not only it will protect your clothes but also will help to stay organized. Also with a toiletry bag (or a zip-lock bag), you’ll be able to find your liquids quickly and remove them from the bag at the airport security check.

If you are traveling with a checked bag and a lot of toiletries and makeup, invest in a sturdy large size toiletry bag .

6. Travel with Travel Size Toiletries

Alternatively buy toiletries at your destination. It’s even better.

When you’re packing, remember that you aren’t allowed to take full-size bottles on the plane in your carry on. You can only put them in your checked luggage.

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized (1 L) bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Source: tsa.gov .

If you are traveling with a carry on only, a set of travel size bottles is what you can bring with you. Another, and also better option, is to buy toiletries at your destination.

7. Keep Your Electronics and Cables in an Electronics Organizer

Just like with the toiletries and shoes, keep your electronics separated from the rest of your stuff. For this purpose, you can use any large zippered pouch, packing cube or even a toiletry bag, or you can buy a special electronics organizer .

Whether you are traveling or not, keeping all of your small electronics organized using an electronic organizer makes life so much easier.

8. Take a Packable Daypack with You

Have you ever heard of packable daypacks ?

These are lightweight backpacks made for day trips and sightseeing. Usually they are made of thin yet durable material. And the best thing is that they are… packable. You can easily fold such a backpack and pack inside itself. They usually have a pocket that they pack down into. For hiking, though, a durable hiking day pack ( women’s hiking daypacks ) is a better option.

Take a packable daypack with you  and unpack it at your destination, to take it on day trips or sightseeing trips. Also a packable daypack can come in handy if you end up buying souvenirs for your family and friends, and there’s no space left in your luggage.

9. Take a Laundry Bag or Extra Packing Cube

Take an extra packing cube or a laundry bag for your dirty laundry.

It’s always nice to keep dirty clothes away from the clean. Also you’ll be able to locate the dirty stuff faster if it’s in one separate bag.

10. Roll Your Clothes

You see it a lot when reading about carry on packing tips.

It really helps. We use the same tactic with packing cubes. Roll your clothes and put them tightly together in a packing cube, and you’ll save precious luggage space! Super easy. Super helpful.

11. Pack a Lightweight Microfiber Towel

Travel towels are so much better than regular bath towel.

Well, of course, nowadays and in most hotels, you don’t even need your own towel. However, if you’re a budget backpacker, or an adventurer, it still super easy to end up in situations, when you have to have your own towel. So, to reduce weight and bulk of your bag, leave the fluffy towel behind! And pack a lightweight microfiber travel towel

They are extra lightweight, take very little space and dry quickly.

12. Wear the Heaviest and Bulkiest Items on the Plane

To save money, you may decide to travel with less luggage.

Many airlines now allow only one piece of luggage, when you buy the cheapest ticket. You can always wear the bulkiest clothing and shoes on the plane to save space in your luggage. It will be cool on the plane due to air conditioning, and you’ll want to wear something warm anyway.

13. Use Luggage Space Wisely

Start with packing large items such as shoes and packing cubes.

Pack a laptop and an electronics organizer with electronics and cables in it.

Pack a toiletry bag. Then pack the rest of the stuff.

Make use of every inch — put small items, such as microfiber towel, eye mask, manicure set, pencil case, etc., in little free spaces in your bag. You can also put some items in your shoes! Just don’t forget about them later.

14. Don’t Bring Books, Read Books on Kindle

Books take up a lot of space and make luggage so, so heavy!

Especially if you travel with more than one book!

If you are an avid traveler (and reader, too) get yourself an e-book reader ! For example, Kindle can hold hundreds of books and weights less than 9 oz (255 g). Such a gadget will definitely help save your back! We have been reading e-books for almost a decade now. It’s very convenient to have a chance to take all your library with you. And also the buying process is so much easier with e-books. You buy them online and can start reading immediately.

15. Pack Essentials in Your Carry On

Electronics. Change of clothes. Other essential items.

No matter if you are traveling with a carry on only or with checked luggage and a carry on, take your absolute carry on essentials with you on a plane! Put all of your electronics in your carry on, too. If you are traveling with a checked bag, pack one outfit change in your carry on or personal item!

Just in case your luggage is delayed or lost.

Minimalist Packing: International Travel Packing List

Now let’s look inside our bags.

Minimalist Packing List for Females: Clothes

• 1-2 pairs of pants or shorts;
• 1-2 long sleeve (depends on the weather);
• Cardigan (depends on the weather);
• Dress or skirt (depends on weather; wool dress for cooler climate);
• 1 pair of leggings (can be worn with a wool dress);
• 5 pairs of socks;
• 4 pairs of T-shirts;
• 6 pairs of underwear;
• 1 sports bra / hiking bra ;
• Flip flops;
• 1 pair of lightweight walking shoes or sandals (depends on what you are wearing on the plane);
• Lightweight rain jacket.

Trip Packing Checklist for Him: Clothes

• 1-2 long sleeve (depends on weather);
• Cardigan (depends on weather);
• 5 pairs of underwear;
• 1 buff /bandana;

Trip Packing Checklist: Accessories and Other Things

• Carry on essentials;
• Rain cover for your luggage;
• Small dry sack for your documents, passport, phone, wallet;
• Sunglasses;
• Compact microfibre towel;
• Travel size toiletries;
• Nail scissors or clippers (ladies – manicure set, or at least nail file);
• Medicines – painkillers, anti-diarrheal medicines, throat lozenges, band aids, etc.;
• International travel power adapter;
• Pen and a small notebook;
• Powerbank, chargers and batteries for all your electronics.

“Must-Not-Forget” Items

• Credit cards;
• Boarding passes;
• Onward / return flight (at the passport control you might be asked to show a proof of onward travel);
• Other tickets;
• Address of your hotel;
• Hotel bookings;
• Travel insurance;
• Travel forms or passenger locator forms (if needed);
• Vaccination certificate (required in some countries).

What To Wear On a Flight?

• Slip on shoes in summer, and boots if it’s spring, autumn or winter;
• Warm socks;
• Comfortable pants (for ladies – running tights or leggings);
• Cotton T-shirt;
• Hoodie or sweater;
• If it’s cold outside (and at your destination), and you wear a coat, take it off before boarding the plane.

Is there anything you would add?

Featured photo by  Timur Weber  from  Pexels

As a traveler, I'm proudly team carry-on, striving each time I fly, whether it be for a few days or a few weeks, to fit everything I bring within the confines of my Away carry-on bag .

There are other people, including maybe some reading this article, who prefer to check a bag so they don't have to worry about cramming everything into one or two carry-on bags.

Whether you're firmly team carry-on or team checked baggage, some universal tips can be helpful when packing, regardless of the size of your suitcase.

Read on for TPG's best general packing tips.

General packing tips

Organization hacks

Whenever the topic of packing comes up in conversation among TPG staffers, packing cubes are mentioned over and over again, and they will "change your life," says TPG editorial director Summer Hull.

As a mom of two who frequently travels, Summer recommends families use cubes to divide up the packing by activity and day, rather than each person using a cube for all of their items.

If you're looking to get started with packing cubes, Summer's favorite option is a five-pack from Calpak for $68 , which she raves about for the "thick mesh and polyester material that has held up extraordinarily well across our theme park trips, ski adventures, cruises and beyond," along with the ability to survive multiple rounds of heat in the dryer without any noticeable impacts.

"Additionally, the cubes have waterproof pockets that you can use to keep wet or especially dirty items separate from the rest of the items, meaning that the last morning's jump in the pool won't make your whole bag a bit soupy," wrote Summer .

The great thing about packing cubes is that you can use them to organize your items to your liking. For example, TPG senior editor Madison Blancaflor prefers to organize her stuff in packing cubes by item.

"Packing cubes, packing cubes, packing cubes is my No. 1 tip," Blancaflor told me. "Not only do they help you fit more stuff, but they help you stay organized while you're traveling."

As someone who frequently uses packing cubes myself, I've learned to pack things inside of things in order to fit the intended items in the cube, a concept Blancaflor referred to as nesting.

"Knowing how to nest things is helpful — having your belts lay around the outside edges, fitting socks inside your shoes, putting underwear inside bra cups, etc.," she explained. "Any of those small space-saving things add up to a lot more space by the end of it."

Like all things, though, even packing cubes have their downsides, which is why one TPG staffer recommended using vacuum-sealed bags instead.

"I will never fly anywhere without my vacuum-sealed bags and hand vacuum," said TPG SEO senior associate Hannah Streck, who uses the bags for space-saving, cleanliness and organization purposes.

"I am able to pack so much more into my carry-on and able to see what I packed without having to open or take out the clothes, which is a downside of packing cubes," she said.

Another tip to help you stay organized while packing is to color coordinate your outfits, per cruises editor Erica Silverstein.

"I color coordinate outfits to reduce the number of shoes I need to bring and try to pack pieces that I can dress up or down," she shared. "For example, I could wear a top with a skirt at night and then with jeans the next day."

One space-saving tip that I've been practicing for a few years is rolling clothes versus folding them, which TPG credit cards Ryan Smith echoed, and added that he keeps a toiletries bag ready to go.

"I keep a toiletries case ready at all times that I never touch it while at home unless I'm reloading it with supplies that ran out," he said. "This way, I don't have to worry about packing toiletries or forgetting them."

Read more: I fly almost 100,000 miles per year and don't travel without these packing cubes from Calpak

How to keep your clothes wrinkle-free

One inevitable issue I always seem to run into when packing is keeping my clothes from wrinkling while in my suitcase. I've long placed tissue paper in between articles of clothing, a tactic I learned from my mother.

Though this works to an extent, I am eager to try plastic dry cleaner bags, per the advice of TPG editor Melissa Klurman.

"I use plastic dry cleaner bags to keep my clothes from wrinkling — you pop one item in each bag, although I often double up, then fold them all on top of your bag," she said. "The air in the bags stops the friction, and your clothes don't wrinkle."

Tips for packing carry-on only

One of my favorite features of my Away carry-on is the built-in battery pack since I know I'll always have access to a charger for my phone if needed.

"I always have a portable battery pack in my carry-on since you never know when you are going to be stranded somewhere and not able to find an outlet," said TPG's Executive Editor Scott Mayerowitz. "It also lets you keep moving in delays, and you aren't stuck next to an outlet."

During the holiday travel season, many of us may be packing winter clothing items. Whether you're departing for a cold destination or heading to the ski slopes, TPG editor Christine Gallipeau reminds us to wear those heavy items, rather than take up precious packing space.

"I wear my bulkiest items, which in the winter, usually means jeans, my thicker coat and boots," she said. "That way, I don't have to use valuable carry-on space for them since I never fly with a checked bag."

Bottom line

As you head out on your next flight, keep these simple packing tips in mind.

Whether you try out packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags for the first time or try rolling instead of folding your clothes, these tips should make packing a little less stressful, while saving you space, which is the ultimate goal.

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19 Packing Tips Frequent Travelers Swear By

By Jen Ruiz

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Packing for a trip may not be your idea of a fun time. It’s often tedious and stressful—but it really doesn’t have to be that bad. With a handful of great packing tips, you’ll learn how to pack in a way that makes your travel experience better, not worse. And who better to turn to for those tips than frequent travelers who have had their fair share of packing fails and wins?

I personally learned the hard way that traveling with excessive luggage can really weigh you down (literally) whether you’re flying or traveling by train or bus. I used to travel while holding a full-time job, so I only took three- to four-day trips. When I first transitioned to traveling for longer periods, I brought a 75-pound bag on a month-long trip to Europe only to find myself deeply regretting the decision when I had to lug it up several flights of stairs in old buildings with no elevators. You can bet I never made that mistake again, and now I make sure I can easily carry anything I pack.

There’s also the fact that luggage is expensive if you’re flying. Airlines seem to be charging more and more for checked bags, and some fare options can get you a great price but don’t allow even a carry-on. Learning how to pack efficiently can save you some serious cash.

As the saying goes, when packing for a trip, it’s best to take half the luggage and double the money. Of course, that’s easier said than done—especially for anyone who wants to look fashionable on a long-awaited vacation.

To help you pack with ease, here are 19 clever packing tips that frequent flyers and travel experts (including yours truly) swear by. First things first, though: Whether you’re looking for air travel packing tips, packing tips for international travel or domestic travel, or just ideas to use for a quick weekend getaway , it’s essential to travel as safely as possible with COVID-19 in mind. Here’s more information about the safest way to travel right now , including being fully vaccinated, masking up when recommended (like in crowded indoor venues), reading up on travel restrictions , and more. Now, on to those packing tips!

1. Bundle your outfits.

“We find it’s easier to pack outfits together,” Martha Villaroman, family travel blogger of Go Places With Kids and mom of three, tells SELF. “For example, roll your shirt, pants, underwear, and socks together to form one bundle. Then in the morning, you can quickly grab the bundle of clothes that you need.” Bonus: Rolling your clothes prevents wrinkles and allows you to easily identify items that you’ve packed.

2. Use packing cubes.

Packing cubes ( $25, Amazon ) help compress and separate your clothing and are your best ally for efficient suitcase packing. Organize cube contents by day according to your itinerary or by types of clothing. This helps keep your suitcase neat and keeps you from having to unfold and displace everything to locate one outfit. If you’re traveling with vintage or weather-sensitive clothing, consider a vacuum-sealed compression bag to protect your clothes during transit.

3. Opt for as many wrinkle-proof fabrics as possible.

“Our favorite and easiest packing tip for travel is to bring nonwrinkle clothing that doesn’t arrive all creased,” Mar Pages, cofounder of Solo Female Travelers Tours , tells SELF. “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.” 

4. Buy solid toiletries.

“Liquids always take up the most space and tend to spill too,” Lavinia D’Sousa of Continent Hop tells SELF. They’re also a little annoying to pack if you’re only checking a bag and need everything to be TSA-compliant. D’Sousa’s solution? Opting for solid shampoo bars and soaps instead. You can buy solid perfume, makeup remover, bug balm, sunscreen, and even toothpaste tabs. If you are carrying liquids, try placing plastic wrap under the caps to minimize leaks.

5. Make your clothing multitask.

One of the most essential travel tips for packing light is to bring items that have multiple purposes. “The scarf or stole is the most versatile item you can carry,” D’Sousa says. “It can act as a sarong, a wrap for all your dirty clothes if needed, and you can wear it around your shoulders when covering up to visit a [religious location].” In general, bringing clothing items that you can wear for multiple occasions or mix and match with other items to create new outfits is a smart way to pack efficiently. The same concept applies to your hair tools and skin-care products—think: a 2-in-1 hair straightener and curler, a tint that can be used for blush and lipstick, and a soap that doubles as shaving cream.

6. Choose a clothing color scheme.

“As a full-time traveler with limited wardrobe space, I create a capsule wardrobe with items that effortlessly go together,” YouTuber Alina McLeod tells SELF. “That means choosing neutrals with one or two pops of color.” When everything coordinates, it’s easy to layer when you move between different places and changing weather. “This allows me to utilize all the items I bring instead of having four or five random outfits that don’t really mix,” McLeod adds.

7. Use the pillowcase hack.

Nina Ragusa of Where in the World Is Nina recommends a hack that has gained TikTok notoriety this year . Grab two pillowcases: one that zippers and one that doesn’t, she suggests. “Stuff clothes in the zippered pillowcase, then cover it with the regular pillowcase. Now you have more room in your bag for other items, you’ve got a pillow to sleep with on your flight, and you got to bring those 10 extra outfits you swear you’re actually going to wear.” This hack is great because most airlines don’t count a pillow as a carry-on, Ragusa explains.

8. Make a virtual packing list you can actually check off.

Of course you know a packing list might be helpful. But instead of one you simply look at and mentally cross off, make sure no essential travel item is left behind by preparing a packing list to actually cross off as you load your suitcase. Today, several apps make this easy, with premade themes and templates for activities like road trips or hiking. Popular apps include PackPoint , Packing Pro , and PackTeo .

9. Keep a toiletry go bag.

“Our packing tip is amazingly simple yet saves tons of time every time we pack,” Mikkel Woodruff of Sometimes Home tells SELF. “Each of us has a separate toiletries bag with travel-size products—including things like a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, eye drops, etc.—that’s always ready to pack in a travel backpack or our luggage.

“While we need to pack our clothes for each trip, we never need to spend time packing our toiletries,” Woodruff says. “The secret is to replace anything that needs replenishing as soon as you return from a trip.”

10. Wear your bulkiest clothing in transit.

Instead of packing your coat inside your bag and letting it eat up precious space and weight, wear it on the plane. You can usually make room for it in the overhead bin and use the pockets for heavy but valuable items like cameras or backup batteries. 

It’s a good idea to wear items you want to take along like sneakers or boots as well. Best-case scenario, they have those foldable slippers on your flight (a common amenity on long-haul international flights) so you can let your feet breathe a bit on-board. If you’re on a shorter flight sans free slippers, wear a pair of thick socks that will keep your feet comfy when you kick off your shoes. (But please, keep your shoeless feet to yourself—no stacking them on the back of the armrest for the passenger in front of you!)

11. Bring a foldable day pack.

Rachel Posey of Unparalleled Dimensions recommends bringing a collapsible day pack that folds up small so that it fits easily into your luggage. “Running around a new city is easy with a small, lightweight bag. These weigh almost nothing and take up zero space in your luggage,” Posey tells SELF. Notably, some museums and attractions don’t allow large backpacks, so it’s good to have something small and easily portable to carry just the essentials that you need for a day of exploring.

12. Make your jewelry tangle-free.

“Use press-and-seal wrap for your jewelry so it doesn’t get tangled,” suggests Abigail Schaffer of EF Ultimate Break . “In the alternative, use one of those seven-day pill containers to separate jewelry items so they don’t tangle together.” This is an affordable and lightweight solution.

13. Do laundry on your trip.

Another tried and true tip from Schaffer is to plan to do laundry on your trip. It’s kind of a must for trips longer than two weeks, as it’s hard to pack a separate outfit for each day beyond that. Depending on where you’re traveling and staying, it might be easy to visit a laundromat or get laundry done at a hotel, but if not, a good ol’ hand washing will do the trick. Schaffer recommends bringing a small amount of laundry detergent so you can do a quick load in the sink if need be. See if you can find a leaf or solid version, like these detergent sheets from Earth Breeze ( $15, Amazon ).

14. Keep your bag smelling fresh.

Want to keep your luggage smelling fresh throughout your trip? Ben Wallington, CEO of Designerwear and frequent international traveler, suggests adding a small cedar chip, a sprig of lavender, or even cinnamon sticks to keep your luggage smelling clean and fresh. Traveling to a humid destination? “If you add a small muslin bag of rice to your luggage when traveling to a humid destination, it will absorb the moisture and keep your clothes fresh,” he says.

15. Use socks to cushion your hats and heels.

“To protect a structured hat from getting ruined en route, pack it in your carry-on suitcase and stuff scarves, socks, and other soft clothing items both in and around it to reinforce its shape. Works like a charm!” Rachel Jean-Frichau of Rachel Off Duty tells SELF. Do the same with heels and collared shirts to keep them from losing their shape or getting crushed in your luggage.

16. Wrap your shoes in shower caps.

You know those disposable shower caps that are often in hotel bathrooms? They’re of course meant for protecting your hair from water, but they have a secret dual purpose: sparing your clothing from dirt or mud on the bottom of your shoes. Simply wrap each shoe in a shower cap before putting it back in your bag or suitcase to keep everything else clean.

17. Pack a spare outfit in your carry-on.

On the off chance your checked bag gets delayed or lost, you’re going to want clean clothes to change into when you get to your hotel. Always keep fresh underwear, one day’s outfit, and sleepwear in your carry-on bag, just in case. On that note, make room for any other essentials—like medicine, valuable technology, or anything that’s irreplaceable—in your carry-on. It’s good to have peace of mind just in case.

18. Keep track of your stuff with photos.

Jason Metz, writer and travel insurance expert at Forbes Advisor , recommends taking photos of what you pack before you go. “This can save time if your baggage is lost and you need to file a travel insurance claim. If you want to get high-tech and track your belongings, consider a device like an Apple AirTag or Samsung SmartTag,” Metz tells SELF. Additionally, make note of where you put the things you’ll need to get home, like your keys or parking ticket, so you can easily find them when you return.

19. Maximize the packing potential of your personal item.

You’re allowed a carry-on bag and a personal item on most economy flights, and many airlines now offer a pared-back basic economy fare that only lets you bring a small personal item. Make that personal item a roomy backpack or duffel bag to maximize your space. Pack all your flight essentials in that bag, from travel headphones to compression socks to sleep masks and even sanitizing wipes so you can wipe down your seat, tray table, and window if need be.

• 22 Things Frequent Travelers Say You Need for Road Trips
• 19 Excellent Weekender Bags for Last-Minute Getaway Trips
• An Introvert’s Survival Guide to Traveling With a Group of People

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

75 Packing Tips that Will Make Your Travels So Much Easier

Packing , Packing Tips

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Don’t let the thought of packing stress you out! Give yourself a break and read our top 75 packing tips. Even the experienced traveler is sure to find some new tips!

Our Top 75 Packing Tips

Table of contents.

Delsey Luggage Helium Aero International Carry On Luggage

15 Packing Tips if You’re Going on Vacation

Pack a few essentials in your carryon or personal item   if you’re checking luggage. Don’t assume your luggage will arrive at the same time as you. Having toiletries, a clean outfit, and electronics in your carryon can help avoid some angst.

Test out luggage first-hand in a store to determine what’s most comfortable for you. Everyone’s needs and body types are different. You can always shop online afterwards for the best deals! Here’s everything you need to know about how to choose a suitcase .

Make sure the suitcase is easy to maneuver , doesn’t hit you on the heels as you walk, or drag too far behind you. Try it before you buy it!

Pack a couple  single-use detergent packs  if you’re on a trip that’s less than a month long and plan to hand wash clothes. For longer travels, buy detergent as you go – but pack a few to get you started.

Plan your clothing options according to what you’ll be doing on your trip and where you’ll spend the majority of your time. If you’re unsure of your exact plans, choose items that serve different purposes.

For warm climates, choose light and airy fabrics  that dry easily and will keep you cool. (Read this guide on the best travel fabrics !)

Portable Handheld Fabric Steamer

Wrinkles in clothing can be avoided with packing folders or by using the bundle method. Alternatively, hang the garment in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, use a wrinkle-release spray , or a travel steamer.

When considering suitcase size , remember that there may be times when no one is around to assist you. Your luggage (and total weight) should be limited to what you can handle.

For rainy adventures , line the top and bottom of the suitcase with plastic, such as a dry clean bag. Even if your suitcase does get wet your clothing can remain dry. Packing cubes also help.

Use  packing cubes  to help you maximize the space in your bag. You can squeeze so much clothing into packing cubes that you’ll wonder why you ever needed a large suitcase!

Practice walking up and down at least one flight of stairs with a packed suitcase before your trip. Can you do it comfortably? If not, you may want to consider removing some items and downsizing toiletries .

You don’t need as much stuff as you think. Lay out all the clothes you intend to take…then put half of them away.

Don’t forget to leave space in your luggage  if you’re the type that loves to shop and bring back souvenirs!

Get a refillable fragrance atomizer  for your favorite perfume instead of packing the whole bottle.

Packing carryon is the best way to travel.  It’s not just about saving money on baggage fees. It actually makes your entire experience more enjoyable. Find out the true benefits!

Osprey Packs Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack

15 Packing Tips if You’re a Backpacker

A backpack for travel is very special. Don’t just buy any old thing. Here’s everything you need to know about how to choose the best travel backpack . Use a  rain cover  for your bag to keep it bag protected, clean, and dry!

Walk around for 15 minutes with your fully-packed backpack to gauge your comfort level with carrying all your belongings. Is it too heavy? If so, you may want to consider removing some items and downsizing toiletries .

It’s important to pack travel clothing that’s durable but keep in mind that after you’re on the road for a while, everyone gets tired of wearing the same things over and over. Choose items that won’t fall apart after a few washes, but have a low enough price tag that you’re comfortable giving it up.

Pack light and your back will thank you later. Unless you’re going to the desert, you can always buy a few extra things you might need along the way.

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

In 2017, I launched Compass Rose Travel Accessories and my very first product was a  4-Piece Set of Carryon Packing Cubes . These are the only packing cubes  sized to fit the exact width of a carryon suitcase  and they also have a  unique color-coded and numbered organization system  – the only kind currently available anywhere on the market.

I put together a  five-part YouTube series  showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use  this  specific packing strategy, they can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carryon only!

Save space in your backpack by using compression sacks .

Take a few plastic bags or Ziploc bags. You’ll always find them useful and they don’t take up any space.

Flip-flops are essential for every sun-chasing backpacker or budget traveler, especially if you’re hitting the beach, lounging around, or just want to keep your feet clean from grimy hostel showers. These flips flops  look like cute sandals and are wearable on and off the beach.

Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Do you really need hiking boots? Unless you’re doing some serious trekking, you can get away with something lighter and more versatile such as outdoor trainers or sneakers .

Don’t start your trip with clothing that’s already worn out even if you plan to give it away at the end of your trip. It will fall apart very quickly when you’re constantly re-wearing the same things over and over. There’s no point in starting out with items that are unraveling. Everything new will look old when your trip ends.

Sleeping Bag Liner

A headlamp is an essential item in your backpacking checklist that comes in handy more than you’d think.

A sleeping bag liner is important because it means you always have clean sheets, even in a not-so-clean hostel. In fact, budget hostels may not provide sheets at all! Unless you’re staying at boutique hostels or nice hotels, these are 5 reasons you should travel with a sleeping bag liner .

Don’t forget  duct tape .  There are endless uses when you’re on a backpacking travel adventure. Trust us.

eBags Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit

Choose a hanging toiletry bag with a handle or hook. Hostel showers aren’t always the most functional and you don’t want everything getting drenched.

Multi-use products help save toiletry space and weight. If you’re not a fussy traveler,  Dr. Bronner’s “Magic” Soap  can be used to wash clothes, as body and face wash, shampoo (if you have low-maintenance hair), toothpaste, and shaving cream, among other uses.

Learn to make a sock bun. It’s a quick and easy way to get longer hair under control as well as create natural, heat-free waves.

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Gold Hardware Backpack

25 Tips for Every Traveler to Pack Light Stylishly

Each clothing item should mix and match with the rest. With limited clothing options, it’s important to maximize your travel wardrobe. Choose items very carefully and plan clothing that’s interchangeable. Read Pack Light Stylishly as soon as you know you’re planning to travel. It’s your instant shortcut to becoming a more efficient and fashionable traveler!

It is possible to have a portable closet. The Pack  is a unique and highly functional backpack organizer that also works perfectly in a carryon suitcase, too. It makes packing and unpacking in a hostel or hotel a breeze. It has four drawers and you can hang it in your hotel closet or latch it to hostel bed rails (or even chairs). Want to unpack and pack in seconds? Learn more about The Pack  – a genius suitcase organizer!

The secret to a stylish travel wardrobe is in the accessories. Items – such as a statement necklace – are light and don’t take up much space in the suitcase, but can add so much to a simple outfit. (Shop TFG’s favorite accessories !)

But don’t overload on accessories. Pick and choose wisely. You don’t need to wear jewelry and accessories from head to toe. Less is more.

Stick to one color palette if you’re not a color pro. This helps you mix and match and maximize your capsule travel wardrobe . Remove any clothing items that are too close in style and color. For variation, choose prints in the same color palette.

Plan your outfits before the trip if you know your itinerary in advance. This way, you won’t make any fashion “mistakes” and it makes getting ready easy. Get organized and sign up for our free Travel Outfit Planner .

Every item in your bag should have multiple uses. An item does not need to be a “convertible” piece for it to serve multi-purpose.

Don’t forget about layers. For conservative countries  or transitional weather periods, you can layer clothing  – such as leggings or a long sleeve top – under a dress for more travel outfit options.

Choosing a jacket is like choosing a dress. Go with either a neutral color that will match all your clothing or select a vibrant color that will breathe some life into your basic travel wardrobe. These statement winter coats will breathe life into the most drab wardrobe.

Never pack traditional pajamas.  For PJs, choose two items that you sleep in but use for other activities, like leggings or a t-shirt. Here’s our quick guide on how to choose the best travel pajamas .

Pack Light Stylishly Ebook

Scarves, scarves, scarves.  Pashminas, wraps, sarongs, and scarves are versatile pieces and can be use in a million and one different ways. Here’s why everyone loves a sarong !

If you’re traveling in the heat, avoid dark colors.  Beat the heat and wear white and light-colored fabrics that reflect the sun and keep you cool.

You need a sports bra if: you’re planning outdoor adventures, trips with strenuous activities, or an overland safari. Unpaved roads can be brutal without support.

Convertible bras are great when traveling because they can be worn with various style tops without packing a bra for every top. Nude (or the color closest to your skin tone) can be worn under practically anything.

A bikini top makes a great backup bra option and is also commonly worn in place of bras when by the beach. If you use underwire bikini tops (or don’t need much support), you might even be able to skip a bra altogether and just use a bathing suit top instead.

ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini Brief

Save money on quality travel underwear at discount retailers by looking for fitness quality or microfiber fabric blends. These are good underwear brands to look out for.

Jeans are essential when visiting large cities and they’re also the perfect travel clothing item in cold climates. Don’t believe old travel clothing “rules” that say not to wear jeans when traveling!

Break in any travel shoes before you leave.  Wear them around your town at least a couple times and take them out for a hike or two if that’s what you’re into. Make sure they match all your clothing so you don’t end up with unwearable shoes.

Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Bootie

Three pairs of shoes is all you need.  Treat your feet well by bringing proper footwear and by not over packing shoes that you just don’t need. For travel shoes, three is the magic number. Sightseeing shoes, activity shoes, and one additional. Read this guide for everything you need to know about packing the best travel shoes .

Always wear warm layers for the flight ; planes can be extremely cold. Here are some popular airplane outfit ideas .

Don’t pack an equal amount of tops and bottoms.  It’s easy to re-wear bottoms many more times than tops. Pack more tops in the winter months and replace them with dresses in the summer.

Take double the amount of underwear that you think you’ll need. A girl can never have too many pairs of clean undies and they hardly take up any space anyway.

Avoid falling into the travel clothing trap. Some trips require technical travel clothing due to specific activities, weather, or environment. However, for general sightseeing in towns, cities, and beaches, your normal (carefully-selected) clothing will do just fine. (Here’s more  travel style advice on avoiding this mistake!)

Travelon Anti-Theft Signature 3 Compartment Crossbody

20 Tips for Smart and Savvy Travelers

Keep all valuables and travel documents in your carryon or personal item.

Distribute the wealth and spread your valuables out in different places so if something does get taken – they don’t get everything. Here’s a list of anti-theft products  and tips on how to keep your passport safe .

Don’t be that traveler in the security line at the airport. Here’s how to breeze through.

Make sure all your liquid items are inside a sealed bag. If one of the bottles spills, it won’t get all over your entire wardrobe.

Use plastic wrap under bottle caps to avoid spills .

Items have unexpected uses. A regular bar of soap can be used as shampoo and laundry detergent if necessary. Likewise, shampoo can also be used as soap or laundry detergent.

Replace several beauty products with one.  Olive oil and coconut oil are versatile and can act as a moisturizer, tame flyaways, and soften chapped lips. Here’s more about why body oil is great for moisturizing!

BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Hair Dryer

Replace liquid beauty products with solid toiletries or  travel wipes whenever possible. Everyone loves Lush solid shampoos , which last over 50 washes.

Should you pack your blow dryer? Find out.

Doing laundry is one of the secrets to packing less clothing. Find out how to do laundry while traveling.

If you plan to hand wash clothing, test it out! Wash the clothing you want to pack and let it dry indoors in the bathroom. If it takes longer than 24 hours, it may not be the best choice for your trip.

Scrubba Wash Bag

Use these helpful tools if you plan on hand washing frequently: consider taking a travel clothesline and sink plug or this cool device . Here’s a tutorial on how to hand wash clothing when traveling.

Some travel size items are just useless. Find out why and when to avoid them.

Earplugs  help neutralize sounds  from a bus, plane, train, a crying baby, or the snores from a hostel mate. Sleep easier or just experience a quieter journey.

Don’t pack more stuff just because you can. Just because your airline gives you 50lb baggage weight limit, it doesn’t mean you need to use it all. Pack what you actually need and avoid stuffing your luggage to the brim only because you have the space.

Not everyone’s travel essentials will be yours. Consider your own needs and preferences when planning your packing list.

International Travel Adapter

Purchase an international adapter that works around the world. Take care of your electronics by choosing a travel adapter that also acts as a converter and has a surge protector to avoid blowing a fuse. Learn more about voltage and how travel adapters work .

Bring copies of prescriptions for your glasses, contacts, and especially medication in case anything happens to any of these items. Never pack these in checked luggage.

Here’s a quick baggage allowance cheat sheet but as a general guideline: double-check the rules for ALL of the airlines you’re traveling with to ensure accuracy. Different airlines have varying baggage restrictions and they change over time.

Don’t pack “just in case” items. If you need it, you can probably buy it there.

Want the ultimate guides for packing light? Read our Pack Light Stylishly book to get started and take our master class if you’re ready to Stop Overpacking !

What are your best packing tips? Please share in the comments below!

For more travel packing tips, please read:

• The Ultimate Packing Guide for Overpackers
• You Can Pack Carryon for Any Trip. Find Out How
• How to Choose the Best Packing Organizers
• New to Travel? Start Here.

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We hope you enjoyed this post on our top packing tips. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

15 comments.

I really appreciate these travel tips – it helps make travel so much easier! On my first trip I checked a VERY large bag. No fun – it’s a small bag now.

A couple of things that have made my travel better: 1) an “S” hook—there are never enough hooks in a hotel room bathroom or closet. I’ve used it on every trip to hang wet bathing suit, towels, toiletry bag, scrubbies, and more! 2) a microfiber type cleaning cloth—have you ever tried using a regular bath towel to scrub off some shmutz on your clothes? You end up with a white lint trail. A microfiber cloth solves that problem, and more. And it dries quickly! Mine is not loopy fiber, but more like a travel towel texture.

Is it better for a couple to pack two smaller suitcases or one big one?

Hi Jeanette, if you’re wondering how to choose the right suitcase, we’ve put together a helpful guide to help you get started. Get ready for Suitcase 101 on choosing luggage right here: http://bit.ly/2TBhVRb Have a look at our roundup of the best luggage brands for travel and why they are so great: http://bit.ly/2T6urb0 Lightweight luggage, like those featured here: http://bit.ly/2HG3KCPare especially popular if you’re heading to Europe. You need to choose luggage that you’ll be able to comfortably lift and maneuver as you handle all the steps, hills, various transport methods with small luggage racks and tight storage space (trains, buses, etc.) :bullettrain_side:, and don’t forget about the cobblestone streets which make dragging a heavy suitcase around even more difficult! To get even more advice I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their awesome experiences and feedback. Hope this helps. Happy travels!

The Travel Rose converter is no longer stocked at Amazon. Do you have another recommendation?

Hi Ileia, thank you for reaching out! We have a range of recommendations for travel adapters on this post: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-travel-adapter/ Hope this helps!

Is TSA requiring you to send cell phones, Kindle & Ipads through screening – out of your carryon bag?

Hi Janice, thank you for your question! It looks like TSA have recently changed their policy about this, at the moment all travelers must remove any electronic device from your luggage and place them in the bins for the X-ray screening. Hope this helps!

It seems to depend on the airport. Flew in the last two weeks through DTW and EWR. Cellphone could remain in pocket of jacket or sweater, any electronic larger needed to be in a bin. What surprised me was the 3-1-1 bag of liquids did not need to be out of backpack.

I have been enjoying reading all of your tips and articles, which will definitely help reduce my light weight packing even more (just need to teach my husband – the ultimate over packer ?). Hoping you can assist me (plus sister and niece) with a shoe question we’re struggling with for our up coming trip. I’ve read all your shoe articles but am still unsure. We’re in NYC for Christmas and then over to California (pacific coast road trip plus LA). I have Sorel Tofino boots which are great for walking in the cold, however these are not going to be suitable if going out to the theatre, cocktails etc. what do you suggest taking? I have considered ballet flats but don’t think these will be warm enough in NYC but they will work when we’re California. I’ll be taking pewter sneakers to walk-in in California. Any suggestions are welcome. Many thanks.

Hi Lu, have a look at this article for some advice on the rule of three to packing shoes: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/vacation-shoes-for-summer/ Also take a look at this post on packing the best travel shoes: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-steps-to-packing-the-best-travel-shoes-for-any-trip/ If you follow the rule of three then pack one pair of shoes which are comfortable to walk in, so your Sorel Tofino boots, then you could also pack your ballet shoes for more formal events and then have the pewter sneakers for when you arrive in California! If you wear the heaviest pair of shoes when you travel that will help reduce your packing. Hope this helps. Have a great trip! 🙂

Thanks for your reply and links – they’re very helpful. Would you suggest to wear boots to my nighttime destinations in NYC and then change into flats once there? Not sure that outdoor boots would be allowable at some destinations eg Rainbow Room. Thanks again ?

Hi Lu, thank you for your feedback. Have a look at what this article has to say on shoes in New York: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-new-york/ 🙂

Great tips! Thanks for putting this list together!

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25 Expert Packing Tips to Help You Travel Better

• Updated: 04/08/2024

I am on a constant quest to shrink and streamline all the prep that comes with travel. To help, I created three essential lists to get out the door faster and with less hassle. They will help you do the same. 

Table Of Contents

These travel prep helpers include: 

• A universal printable packing list
• A close-the-house printable checklist
• 25 top packing tips for plane travel

Click the links above to access the packing and close-the-house lists.  Then, find my top 25 packing tips I compiled after 25+ years of solo, backpacking, business, couple, and family travel in the US and abroad that will help you pack faster, lighter, and travel better, in the article below.

14 Tips for All Travelers

1. Use a universal and reusable packing checklist. Create, or use a list like the one I share in “ Pack Faster & Better With This Universal Printable Packing List ” that contains repeat items you bring on every trip (e.g., socks, pants, underwear, medicines, etc.). Using this list will help you avoid the work of recreating a list from scratch for each trip and help you remember more things.

2. Buy trip essentials in advance. Purchase the trip essentials you do not have a few weeks before the trip to avoid the hassle of last-minute shopping errands before you leave or the cost of expedited shipping. 

3. Pack light and ideally carry on . Light packers are more mobile travelers. Traveling with carry-on luggage will save you time exiting the airport and give you more flexibility to quickly change your travel plans. Additionally, should you need to shoulder your load on public transportation or up and down stairs—your lighter-weight carry-on will be easier to maneuver.

Despite the advantages of carry-ons, my family and I nearly always check a bag for these three reasons .

4. Review the luggage requirements for your airline(s) . Especially if you plan to travel internationally and with a carry-on only, confirm on the airline website FAQ section that the size of your bag and its contents—particularly the liquids—meet requirements. Otherwise, you may need to check your bag. While on the site, look at baggage fees to avoid surprises. 

5. Employ math. Consider using a ratio of three to one when you pack to limit what you bring. Three tops to one bottom. And three pairs of shoes for one trip. 

6. Plan your outfits. Take the time to color-coordinate the clothes you plan to bring. Outfit planning will help you pack less and seamlessly swap items as you layer on or off in changing weather. Also, consider bringing along travel-friendly fabrics that avoid wrinkles and dry quickly.

7. Check the weather. Before you leave, check the forecast for your destination. Bring clothes to accommodate the lows and highs or possible precipitation.

8. Get organized. Use compression packing cubes  and a hanging bathroom organizer to keep things separate and make unpacking a breeze. If you use cubes, check out these helpful tips about packing cubes  to make the most of these incredible space-savers.

9. Maximize space. Tightly roll your clothes instead of folding them, especially if you do not use compression packing cubes. Rolled clothes will take up less room in your suitcase.

10. Contain contaminating items. Bring laundry and Ziploc-style plastic bags to separate dirty clothes and leaky items. Or, if you are a frequent traveler, get reusable laundry bags or zip-top bags  like the ones I share in this traveler gift guide . If you do not have a travel laundry bag, bring a trash bag—this works great too. If you want to keep your shoes separate so mucked-up soles do not touch other items, plan to stick each shoe in a plastic shower cap .

11. Pack the heaviest items on the bottom. Top-heavy suitcases topple over and are harder to maneuver. Ensuring the heaviest items are at the bottom of your bag will make it easier to handle.

Sign up for my monthly Discovery Newsletter & get a free Trip Budget Calculator !

12. Use a distinctive luggage tag . Whether picking up checked luggage from the baggage carousel or setting your carry-on next to you in a lounge area, many bags look alike, so it is easy to grab the wrong one. I share my favorite distinctive tags in this traveler gift guide. 

13. Keep your bag subdued. Bright and colorful luggage not only grabs your attention but the interest of would-be thieves as well. For this reason, keep your luggage colors dark or neutral to look like other bags. Differentiate with your tag. 

14. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane. If you need a fleece, a parka, or pair of boots for your travel adventure, plan to wear this on the plane to leave more space in your luggage.

6 Tips for Travelers Checking a Bag

For travelers who plan to check a bag, find six more tips below to help navigate potential checked-bag complications.

15. Be strategic about your personal item. If you plan to check a bag, be sure you have what you need in your personal carry-on items in case of a flight delay, cancellation, or baggage loss. See a list of recommended items that are part of my universal packing list here. 

16. Always pack a backup outfit in your carry-on . In case your bag is delayed or lost, having one additional outfit on hand will let you refresh more quickly and feel less grubby after a long day of travel.

17. Carry valuables and travel essentials with you . Bags can get lost or delayed. For this reason, avoid packing items such as valuable jewelry or gifts in checked baggage. Additionally, try to carry on irreplaceable gear that is essential for upcoming trip activities if you can manage it.

18. Get a tracking device like an Apple AirTag . If you would like to have the reassurance of knowing where your bags are always, consider using Apple AirTags . Purchase a pack of four for under $100. For non-iPhone users, consider this alternative from Tile .

19. Stay under weight limits. Most US carriers have a 50-pound weight limit for checked luggage. If traveling in a group or as a family, distribute the heaviest items among bags. And if you think you may exceed weight limits, consider shipping items to or from your destination—it may cost less than paying overage or additional bag fees.

20. Buy trip insurance. I buy travel insurance for every international and some domestic trips for several reasons . Though, when it applies to checked luggage, I purchase it to cover reimbursement expenses related to delayed or lost baggage. 

To learn more reasons why it makes sense to purchase travel insurance for every trip, check out “ Travel Insurance Simplified: 4 Reasons You Need It & 18 Things To Know Before Buying It .”

5 Essential Items to Always Have on Hand

Here are the five most essential items I bring on all trips.

21. High-performance quick dry underwear . If you like to be active on your trips—with long days of walking, hiking, or more vigorous activities—high performers from travel favorite ExOfficio will keep unmentionables fresh and issue-free.

22. Cold suppressant . I never leave home without a pack of UMCKA cold suppressant tablets . The moment I feel achy or a twinge of a sore throat, I take one and nearly always cut off a nasty cold before it starts. 

23. Medical Kit . We bring a complete medical kit that can address most typical traveler-related medical ailments for my family on all our trips. It helps us avoid inconvenient, last-minute, and possibly unsuccessful searches for the correct medication. See a complete list of what we bring here .

24. Sunscreen. For my fair-skinned family, bringing a hefty supply of our dermatologist-recommended Blue Lizard sunscreen  is a must-have. And the main reason we tend to check our bags vs. carry on.

25. An unflashy crossbody bag. I love this unisex crossbody bag from North Face with its sturdy strap and zippered pockets to safely carry essentials. Low-key bags like this avoid being targets, and their zippers make it more difficult for would-be pickpockets to be successful.

The bonus item I never forget to bring: Copies of all essential travel documents (e.g., passport, credit cards, travel insurance, etc.) and contact numbers . In case of an emergency, non-working bank or credit cards, or theft, I save all necessary documents and contact numbers to online accounts with passwords memorized. I also send copies to a family member. 

Related Reading

To further simplify your packing and the getting-out-the-door stage of your vacation—pair the above packing tips with these related articles below.

• Pack Faster & Better With This Universal Printable Packing List
• Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack 
• Itinerary Template for a Trip: Free Downloadable Examples & More Resources
• 49 Things You Need to Do to Plan Your Best Trip (Free Travel Research & Planning Checklist)
• The Top Travel Apps I Use for Better Travel
• 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research

Additional Trip Planning Resources

To further help you with travel planning, I share my go-to resources for every trip below. 

Google Flights. My first research stop for affordable flights for every trip. Learn why here . 

Google Hotels . Use its “ Where to stay ” button to discover the best neighborhoods to base your visit.

Booking.com. For hotel and rental bookings, I appreciate its flexible cancellation, candid user reviews, discounts, loyalty program, and easy-to-use interface.

Viator , Get Your Guide , & Airbnb Experiences . Quickly find and book highly-rated tours and activities on these sites.

Google Travel Things to Do & Google Maps . Find more things to do in your destination on Google Travel, then record where you want to visit on a custom Google Maps list. 

AllTrails . Love to hike? Me too. I religiously use AllTrails to discover hiking and biking trails and download its offline maps to manage my hikes.

Guide Along . 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible for US road trips and national parks. We loved the Glacier National Park tour .

Insure My Trip. I never travel internationally without trip insurance. Learn why here . My preferred place to shop and compare policies is InsureMyTrip.com . 

Plus, check out the 15 travel apps I use on trips, my preferred guidebooks , and my free customizable travel itinerary template , downloadable in four file formats.

About the author:  Janice Moskoff is a travel writer and blogger who loves hiking, exploring the world, and reading. She writes to inspire travel-loving families, adult friends, and couples on her blog,  Gather and Go Travel . Check out  her bio , learn how she became  a blogger , and discover how to  work with her . Sign up for her monthly  Discovery Newsletter  to get her latest travel recommendations and  how-to’s .

Love to travel? Sign up for m y monthly Gather & Go Travel Discovery Newsletter and get a free trip budget calculator .

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.

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18 responses.

These expert packing tips are a game-changer for travelers! Efficient packing is key to stress-free journeys, and these insights are invaluable. Thanks for sharing such helpful advice. Can’t wait to implement these tips and travel smarter on my next adventure

Thanks, Saurabh. Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for reading.

Your tips are awesome. You have shared in your blog how to pack a backpack and what to pack in it, which is very useful. Thanks for the blog!

Your blog post was informative and practical. I found the tips and advice you provided to be useful and easy to implement. To learn more, click here .

You are welcome, thank you for taking the time to read the article 🙂

“Thank you for the invaluable tip! Your advice about checking airline luggage requirements is a real lifesaver for hassle-free travel. Much appreciated! ✈️🙌

Thank you for taking the time to read the article and share a comment. Good luck with your packing!

Amazing advice! I’ve never been good at packing, but these professional tips make it so much simpler. I appreciate you sharing.

Thank you, glad to learned it helped!

I never thought about using dryer sheets in my suitcase to keep my clothes smelling fresh during travel! That’s such a clever tip. This article really opened my eyes to some creative packing hacks that I’ve never considered before. I’ll definitely be implementing some of these ideas on my upcoming trip. Thanks for sharing such valuable expertise!

Thank you for taking the time to read the article.

Thank you for taking the time to read it.

Thank you for reading.

Such a helpful blog! Your article provided valuable insights and tips that have helped me plan my travels more effectively and avoid common mistakes that can ruin a trip. I have been following your blog for a while now, and I am always impressed by the quality and depth of your content.

Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us. I am always confused, when it comes to packing and all. But really thanks to your article, it really helps alot.

nice information

Very helpful, keep sharing the good stuff.

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Welcome to Gather and Go Travel , a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, an experienced traveler to over 50 countries and a travel writer, book lover, and blogger. Learn more about me , read our story , and how to work with me .

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101 Best Packing Tips

Ever reached your destination and realized you left something vital at home—or found yourself lugging tons of extra items you didn't need? Are wrinkled clothes and overstuffed suitcases as much a part of your vacation as massages and mai tais?

Take heart, puzzled packers. This comprehensive guide offers packing tips and tricks for just about every travel challenge. You'll learn how to pack a bulky winter jacket, which fabrics make clothes that can be worn multiple times, how to keep charger cords from getting tangled in transit, and why you might want to slip a tennis ball into your carry-on.

See recent posts by Sarah Schlichter

Packing Strategy | Clothes and Shoes | Toiletries and Grooming | Personal Safety, Health and Comfort | Jewelry, Gadgets, and Other Valuables

Packing Strategy

1. Start your packing list several days before your trip so you have time to buy anything you’re missing.

2. Save your packing list on your computer or phone so you don’t have to create it from scratch before every trip. Consider saving multiple versions of the list for different types of trips (beach, ski, camping…).

3. If you’ve printed your packing list, tuck it into your suitcase right before you leave; that way, at the end of the trip, you can use it as a checklist to make sure you have everything before you head back home.

4. Throw a few plastic bags of various sizes into your suitcase. Larger ones can hold dirty laundry or wet shoes, while smaller ones can protect your phone or camera in case of rain.

5. Take photos of your checked bag and its contents. If it’s lost in transit, you’ll be able to show the airline what the bag looks like and provide a list of what’s in it for reimbursement purposes.

6. Love to shop? Pack a rolled-up duffel bag in your suitcase. On your way home, you can put dirty laundry into the duffel, leaving room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

7. Make sure anything that needs to come out of your bag at security—laptops, tablets, your bag of liquids/gels—is in an easily accessible place.

8. Put a luggage tag on your carry-on in case the airline forces you to check it at the gate. Make sure that any essential items you don’t want to check (such as prescription medications or pricey cameras) are near the top of your carry-on so you can quickly transfer them to your personal item if necessary.

9. Compression bags can help you fit more into your suitcase by squeezing out excess air. (Large zip-top plastic bags work, too.) Just be careful not to go over your airline’s weight allowance.

10. A digital luggage scale is an inexpensive tool to weigh your bags at home.

11. When packing your suitcase, place the heaviest items at the bottom of the main compartment (read: the side with the wheels), so your bag is less likely to fall over when you stand it up.

12. When packing a backpack, the heaviest items should be in the center of the bag, as close to your back as possible, to make the load easier to carry.

13. Stay organized by keeping related items together in baggies within your carry-on—such as snacks in one bag, sanitizing wipes and tissues in another bag, and sleep-related items (eye mask, ear plugs) in another.

14.  Pack the heavy and/or bulky things first, then fill in the gaps with smaller and lighter-weight items.

15. Keep a dryer sheet in your suitcase. This keeps the bag smelling nice between trips, gives your clothes a pleasant scent during your trip, and offers a little whiff of home each time you open your suitcase.

16. Pack a reusable water bottle . You can fill it at airports and hotels instead of paying for overpriced (and wasteful) bottles of water.

17. Planning to bring home a bottle or two of wine? Pack a few sleeves specially designed to carry them safely.

18. Stash a pen in your personal item to fill out landing documents on international flights.

19. To spare yourself some hassle at security, get a TSA checkpoint-friendly laptop bag so you don’t have to take your computer out every time you go through.

20. You probably rely solely on a mobile mapping app for navigating, but it’s worth packing an old-fashioned paper map, too, especially if you’ll be traveling to remote areas with patchy cell phone service.

21. It’s human nature to fill the space we’re given, so pick a small suitcase instead of a larger one to force yourself to learn to pack light.

22. If you’ll be spending time at the beach or outdoors, consider packing a microfiber towel that folds up small and dries quickly. This will also be useful if you’re caught in an unexpected rain shower.

23. Bring a roll of duct tape, which has a wide range of uses from mending a broken suitcase to removing lint from your clothes.

24. Consider a purse with theft-thwarting features such as RFID protection, cut-proof straps, and a cross-body strap.

25. When choosing a travel purse , look for one with thick, comfortable straps that won’t cut into your shoulders and that can be adjusted to suit your height and body type.

26. Consider carrying a diaper bag as your tote, even if you’re not traveling with a baby. Many diaper bags are surprisingly stylish and have handy pockets for staying organized.

27. Another good option for a day bag is one that does double duty— like a backpack that converts into a tote .

28. Instead of using a new quart-size zip-top plastic bag for each trip, reduce waste by choosing a reusable one instead.

29. Before you put your suitcase away at the end of a trip, give it a quick clean, vacuuming up any dirt or sand in the interior and wiping down hard surfaces.

Tips for Packing Clothes and Shoes

30. Do laundry a few days before your trip so you know you have enough clean shirts, socks, and underwear available to pack.

31. Consider investing in garments with antimicrobial technology that enables them to be worn multiple times between washes. One brand we like is Organic Basics , made with organic cotton and antibacterial silver threads.

32. Merino wool garments (such as those from Icebreaker ) are another good option for travel, as they wick away moisture and don’t absorb odors easily.

33. Save space by stuffing smaller items, such as underwear or balled-up pairs of socks, into your shoes.

34. Unless you’re hoping for painful blisters, never pack brand-new shoes on a trip. Break them in for a few weeks at home first.

35. Even in comfortable shoes, doing more walking than you’re used to can lead to sore feet midway through a trip. Moleskin and adhesive bandages will cushion blisters and take up very little space in your suitcase.

36. Pack garments in neutral colors that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits. Don’t bring any single-use items unless they’re for a special occasion.

37. Do laundry midway through a trip so you only have to pack half the clothes.

38. To easily wash delicates while you travel, use a portable wash bag or a large, zip-top plastic bag.

39. Throw a Tide to Go stick in your bag to cope with unexpected stains.

40. If you’ll be traveling in a cold climate, minimize your load by packing lots of lightweight layers that you can change daily while wearing the same heavier layers on top.

41. Wear your jacket and heaviest shoes onto the plane to save suitcase space.

42. If you’d rather pack your coat, place it (unzipped) at the bottom of your suitcase and stack other things on top of it, folding the coat’s arms around your other clothing and stuffing the pockets full of small items.

43. A warm coat can easily eat up half your suitcase space. Consider buying one that’s easily compressible, such as this parka that squishes into its own stuff sack.

44. Consider packing older clothes that you don’t mind donating or leaving behind to lighten your load throughout your trip.

45. If you’re checking a bag, make sure to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your suitcase goes astray.

46. If you and your travel companion are both checking bags, include some of your clothes in your companion’s bag and vice versa. That way you’ll both have options if one suitcase is lost or delayed.

47. Hang wrinkled clothes in the bathroom while you’re taking a shower; the hot, moist air will help relax away the creases.

48. Another option to quickly remove wrinkles is to pack a travel-size bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray .

49. If you’re sharing a suitcase with a companion, consider organizing your clothes in multi-colored packing cubes so it’s easy to spot whose stuff is whose.

50. Put dirty shoes in a plastic grocery bag or wrap the soles in a shower cap to protect everything else in your suitcase.

51. Pack each day’s outfit in its own plastic bag, packing sleeve, or packing cube; that way all you have to do each morning is grab it and go.

52. Save space in your carry-on by wearing a jacket or vest with lots of pockets, such as those from SCOTTeVEST .

53. Pack a reusable cloth bag for dirty laundry.

54. Or consider another option for dirty laundry that you already have at home: a pillow case.

55. Pack pajamas near the top of your bag since they’re one of the first things you’ll need when you arrive.

56. Wrap easily wrinkled clothes in tissue paper to help prevent creases.

57. Pack a scarf. It can keep you warm, dress up an outfit, and cover your shoulders when visiting religious buildings with strict dress codes.

58. Skip the hassle of removing your belt at security by wearing one with a plastic buckle .

59. When flying, consider wearing slip-on shoes that can easily be removed at security and on the plane.

60. To save space in your bag of liquid/gel items, consider solid forms of toiletries such as shampoo bars .

61. Leave bulky and/or uncomfortable heels at home; instead, consider a pair of foldable ballet flats for trips that require a little dressing up.

62. Caught in the rain? Use your hotel’s hair dryer to blow-dry wet items before packing them, as damp clothes and—especially—shoes will build up a major stink after a few hours in an airless suitcase.

63. If you’re carrying a suit or fancy dress, consider a suitcase with a built-in garment bag.

64. Unpack your bag as soon as you arrive in your destination; hanging your clothes or putting them into drawers will prevent wrinkles and make you feel more at home.

Tips for Packing Toiletries and Grooming Products/Accessories

65. Save time by leaving a bag of travel essentials—such as a toothbrush and your most commonly used toiletries—packed at all times, ready to pick up and go.

66. Instead of buying travel-size versions of your favorite toiletries, it’s usually cheaper to get the full-size versions and pour them into reusable travel-size containers .

67. Save space by packing products that do double duty , such as shampoo/conditioner or moisturizer with sunscreen .

68. Check to see which amenities are provided in your hotel room before packing items like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and hair dryers; chances are, the hotel has you covered.

69. To keep toiletries from spilling in your suitcase, either stash the bottles in a zip-top plastic bag or put a little piece of plastic wrap between the bottle and the cap to create a seal.

70. Bring a hanging toiletry bag that you can carry easily from one hotel to the next without having to unpack.

71. As your lipstick tubes, eye pencils, or lip liners start to get low, put them in your travel toiletry kit instead of trashing them. Because they’re mostly used up, they won’t weigh much, and you can discard them at the end of your trip.

72. Never pack a full-size item if you can find a miniature version to reduce bulk and weight. Examples include mini-razors and folding hair brushes .

73. Use empty prescription bottles for cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other small necessities.

74. If you’re traveling with someone else, coordinate with him or her to share common items such as toothpaste or shampoo—that way you’re not wasting suitcase space by doubling up.

75. To freshen up your hair after a long flight, pack a travel-size bottle of dry shampoo in your carry-on or personal item.

76. Pack an oven mitt to put around your curling iron or straightener. That way you won’t have to wait around for your device to cool off before you pack it and get going.

Personal Safety, Health, and Comfort Packing Tips

77. While you can use pill organizers for vitamins and supplements, leave your prescription medications in their original labeled containers to avoid raising flags at customs or security.

78. When traveling with medications, pack a few days’ extra in case you lose a pill or your return home is unexpectedly delayed.

79. If you wear glasses, pack a spare pair in case your current ones are lost or broken during your trip. If you wear contacts, bring a few more than you think you’ll need.

80. It’s always a good idea to pack bandages, painkillers, and other basic first-aid items. Buy a travel-size first-aid kit or create your own.

81. Pack a tennis or lacrosse ball; you can roll it under the soles of your feet or along your back muscles to ease aches and pains during your trip.

82. Taking a long flight? Make sure you pack the following key items in your carry-on or personal item: earbuds or headphones , an eye mask to help you sleep, a travel pillow, and hand sanitizer to use before meals.

83. Create your own in-flight kit to stay hydrated with items such as lip balm , lotion, facial mist , lubricating eye drops, saline nasal spray, and sheet masks for your face.

84. If you have food allergies or intolerances, pack a few safe nonperishable snacks that you can eat in a pinch.

85. Short travelers whose feet dangle uncomfortably on airplane or train seats should consider packing an inflatable footrest .

86. If your back (or backside!) often hurts after long flights and car rides, it might be worth investing in an inflatable seat cushion .

87. Pack gum in your personal item. Chewing it can relieve ear pressure during takeoff and landing, and the minty flavor can help mask bad breath after an in-flight nap.

88. Taking a road trip? Pack an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a blanket, a tire pressure gauge, a selection of tools, and nonperishable snacks such as energy bars.

89. Consider packing a whistle or personal alarm for safety, especially if you’re traveling alone.

Packing Jewelry, Gadgets, and Other Valuables

90. Never put valuable or essential items in a checked bag. Things like passports, smartphones, tablets, computers, e-readers, cameras, house/car keys, prescription medicines, credit cards, and jewelry should all go in your carry-on or personal item so there’s no chance the airline will lose them.

91. Before traveling overseas, check your devices to be sure they will run properly on the voltage of the country you’re visiting. Most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and e-readers will; many hair dryers and curling irons will not, unless you buy one with dual voltage.

92. Pack a universal adapter with multiple USB ports so you can charge all your gadgets at once overseas.

93. If you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car, pack a multi-port USB charger that will keep your devices powered up using the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.

94. Use a hardside glasses case for items such as jewelry or charging cords.

95. Try to avoid putting breakable items in your checked luggage, either by putting them in your carry-on or having them shipped instead. If there’s no good alternative, wrap the items well with clothing.

96. Pack a sheet or two of bubble wrap so you can cushion any fragile souvenirs you might buy.

97. Use a pill organizer to keep your jewelry from tangling.

98. Loop each necklace you want to pack through a drinking straw and fasten it; this will keep it from getting tangled.

99. An electronics organizer can keep your charging cords and earbuds tidy and separate from each other.

100. Protect your most valuable items by keeping them in a money belt under your clothes.

101. Consider stashing extra cash in an unassuming container such as an empty lip balm tube or prescription bottle. Such containers are unlikely to be targeted by thieves.

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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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46 Amazing Airplane Hacks To Boost Your Flight & Travel Experience

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

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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.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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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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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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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What to pack for a trip: Why a packing list is the best travel hack

Sarah Pollok

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A good packing list can help a lot when preparing for a trip.

As someone who has travelled and written about travel for years, I can confidently say most TikTok hyped-up travel hacks are pretty average.

They’re either unrealistic (and ugly), unnecessarily paranoid , against airline/airport policy or legitimately dangerous .

There is, however, a small subcategory of tips that are tried, tested and truly helpful.

When it comes to a trip, whether it’s a weekend in Wellington or a week in London, I strongly believe that every bit of preparation done before departing saves more time, effort and energy once you’ve hit the road.

Of course, part of travel involves leaving space for spontaneity. Still, when I’m spending precious money and leave on a trip, I don’t want to waste it in a hostel trying to find accommodation for the next stop, or showing up at a closed museum because I didn’t check the opening times.

Instead, I’d far rather spend the weeks and months before a trip, in my hometown, doing the organising and planning.

Part of this involves ensuring I have the right gear in my suitcase or backpack.

The concept of a packing list is so old, that one could barely call it a hack. Yet, I continue to be surprised by the number of people I meet who go without. These travellers simply haul out their suitcase and move about their houses, tossing items in as they spot them or think of them.

It’s a popular system but one I will simply never understand. Largely because a general travel packing list takes around 15 minutes to create, doesn’t cost a thing, allows you to pack quickly and somewhat mindlessly but guarantees you will never forget an essential item.

What’s not to love? So, for the last eight years or so, I’ve had the same Google sheet packing list with 70 items I’ll almost always need no matter the type or duration of trip.

As mentioned, it’s so simple it’s a stretch to call it a ‘hack’ and yet, it does make travel easier.

I’m not alone in my love of Google sheet packing lists according to a recent TikTok which has gone viral.

In the video, which has been viewed almost 9.5 million times, 28-year-old Luke Scarpino shares his “extra” packing system.

“Everyone makes fun of me for how I pack but I think I’m just organised,” Scarpino told the camera before showing viewers his system.

@luke.scarpino Is how i pack for vacation normal? #travel #productive #excel #googlesheets #finance #packing #suitcase ♬ original sound - Luke Scarpino

The next clip shows a Google spreadsheet, with a list of items. However, unlike a standard packing list, each item has been assigned a bag to go in (tech pouch, toiletry bag, checked bag, duffle or on his person) and a check box.

As Scaripino ticks each item off, it is then reflected in a percentage box.

“I can see for each bag what percentage of that have I packed”, he said, adding that a filter function can then organise the list of items by their bag or alphabetically.

It’s at this point, that his background as a data scientist starts to make sense.

Scarpino said some people may see the system as “weird” but one of the most liked comments on the video was someone asking for a template of the list, which he now shares in his TikTok bio.

“This is so extra and over the top … where can I download it immediately” another person added.

Google and TripAdvisor’s official TikTok account even jumped in, describing his system as “so beautiful”.

In the comments, Scarpino made the excellent point that the list could be used at the end of a trip to ensure travellers don’t leave anything at their hotel.

Since I don’t take the same number of bags on every trip (sometimes I’ll check luggage but other times I’ll scrape by on carry-on), I’ll likely stick to my simple list.

However, Scarpino’s video is a good reminder that being a little extra organised can often pay off when it comes to making travel just a little bit smoother.

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The best packing cubes to save space and keep you organized

These travel cubes will keep your suitcase in order, whether you’re going on a short getaway or a round-the-world adventure.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or planning an around-the-world adventure, packing cubes can help streamline the packing process. Packing cubes are bags that come in different sizes in a set. They can help organize clothing and save room in your suitcase. Frequent traveler Kayli King uses packing bags daily to keep clothes organized in her van while traveling. “Honestly, after traveling so long, I can’t imagine not using them,” she says.  

After talking to King, we compared packing bags, looking for durable travel cubes with functional designs and a wide variety of sizes. Our top overall pick is the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes. Compression zippers, handles, and a low price tag make this set the best all around.

Our picks for the best packing cubes for travel

The best packing cubes for travel, best overall: gonex compression packing cubes.

Buy it now on   Amazon

Why we like it:   The Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are our choice for the best overall packing cubes. Despite being one of the more affordable travel cube sets on this list, these compression bags have plenty of features, including ripstop nylon, reinforced seams, and handles. They compress via double zippers that pull the edges of the travel packing bag together. The packing cubes can hold everything from socks to jackets and are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. They’re also available in over 10 colors.

Keep in mind:   These packing cubes unzip only halfway, so you have to stuff your clothes inside rather than lay them flat. Some reviewers note that the compression zippers are difficult for people with arthritis or reduced mobility.

Product details: Size: 4-piece set: 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (small), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (medium), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (large), and 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (extra large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon | Weight: 12 ounces (set)  

Best for traveling light: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set  

Buy it now at   Backcountry

Why we like it: At 4.2 ounces, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is half the weight of other packing cubes on this list, but they’re far from flimsy. They’re made of ripstop polyester and have “self-repairing” zippers—if a gap opens in the chain, you can slide one of the zippers over it to close it. Eagle Creek also offers a warranty that covers fabric tears and zippers. Because they’re lightweight and sturdy, these travel cubes are great for hikers and campers who want to organize their backpacks.  

Keep in mind: The set includes only three smaller-sized travel cubes. While great for backpacks and carry-ons, you may want bigger packing cubes for checked luggage.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 4.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches (extra small), 7.25 x 10 x 3.25 inches (small), and 10 x 14.25 x 3.25 inches (medium) | Material:   Ripstop polyester | Weight:   4.2 ounces (set)  

Best for overpackers: REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Buy it now at   REI

Why we like it:   The packing cubes in the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set are the opposite of compression bags. Each cube has a second zipper that, when unzipped, increases its width to six inches—double the size of other packing bags on this list. They’re designed to last with ripstop polyester treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. The packing cubes also meet the Bluesign criteria, the highest environmental standard for sustainable textile manufacturing.

Keep in mind:   REI Co-op recently updated its packing cubes, and some buyers believe the quality has suffered as a result. Third-party reviews mention thin material, unreinforced zippers, and mesh that snags.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 8 x 6 x 3 inches (small), 12 x 8 x 3 inches (medium), and 14.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches (large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon, polyester mesh | Weight: 8.3 ounce (set)  

Best upcycled option: Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle

Why we like it:   The brightly colored Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle is an upcycled option you can feel good about. The packing bags are made of 100-percent repurposed nylon and mesh. Kayli King likes that the mesh panels allow your things to air out and that you can hang them up by their handles.

Cotopaxi’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond its packing cubes. The company says that 94 percent of its products use repurposed, recycled, or responsible materials. They also offer programs to repair items and trade them in to avoid landfills.

Keep in mind:   Despite its competitive price, this bundle comes with only three packing cubes. The size range is small compared to other packing cube sets. However, King prefers this set for longer trips.

Product details: Size: 3-piece set: 7 x 8 x 2 inches (2-liter bag), 6 x 11.5 x 3 inches (3-liter bag), 10 x 11.5 x 5 inches (10-liter bag) | Material:   100 percent repurposed nylon and mesh | Weight: 9 ounces (set)

Best style: Calpak Packing Cubes Set

Buy it now at   Calpak

Why we like it:   While many packing cubes seem to favor function over fashion, the Calpak Packing Cubes Set balances both. The packing bags come in over 20 colors, with patterns like “cheetah” and “lime viper.” They’re durable, with thick polyester sides and mesh covers that let you see inside. Each packing cube has a zippered pocket for smaller essentials and an ID tag to write down the contents. If five travel cubes aren’t enough, you can buy additional Calpak travel organizers, like shoe bags and laptop totes.

Keep in mind:   The Calpak Packing Cube set is by far the heaviest and most expensive option on this list. You may want lighter packing cubes if you travel with just a carry-on or are concerned about overweight luggage.

Product details: Size:   5-piece set: 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches (envelope), 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches (small x 2), 5 x 11 x 3 inches (medium), 17 x 12 x 3 inches (large) | Material: Polyester and mesh | Weight: 1 pound, 12.8 ounces (set)  

Best set: Tripped Checked Bag Set

Why we like it:   The Tripped Checked Bag Set has a travel cube for almost every packing need. The set includes seven packing bags, including two extra large sizes, a slim cube, a shoe bag, and a roll-top laundry bag. Mix and match the travel cubes to fit your suitcase and packing needs. Most of the packing cubes in the Checked Bag Set also have a compression feature. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and an illustrated set featuring national parks.  

Keep in mind:   While the packing cubes are made from a ripstop blend, reviewers mention that the material and stitching feel thin and flimsy. Some of the travel cubes don’t unzip all the way, making packing more difficult.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 12.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches (shoe bag), 12.5 x 4.5 x 3 inches (slim cube), 21 x 11.5 x 0.1 inches (laundry bag), 10 x 7 x 4 inches (small), 14 x 10 x 4 inches (large), 16 x 12 x 4 inches (extra large x 2) | Material:   Ripstop nylon-polyester blend | Weight:   15.5 ounces (set)  

Best budget: Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes

Why we like it: The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes come with six packing cubes, including a laundry bag and a shoe bag. They cost less than half the price of most other packing bag sets on this list. The low price doesn’t mean low quality, though. The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes are made of thick polyester, with sturdy zippers and mesh panels to help keep clothes fresh. Plus, they come in 12 colors.  

Keep in mind: The laundry and shoe bags are small. The polyester is not ripstop and can melt if dried on high heat.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 4.7 x 17 inches (shoe bag), 14 x 20 inches (laundry bag), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 17.5 x 12.15 x 5 inches (extra large) | Material:   Polyester | Weight:   10.4 ounces (set)  

How we chose the best travel packing cubes

We weighed the following qualities when curating the best packing cubes:

Third-party reviews:   We considered reviews from sources other than company websites and spoke with seasoned travelers to find out what they liked.  

Brand reputation: Anything you use for traveling should be functional, long-lasting, and, preferably, good for the planet. We looked for brands that value high-quality gear and sustainability.

Quality of material:   We chose travel cubes that were made to last, with durable materials like ripstop nylon and polyester, reinforced seams, and strong zippers.

Size range: Different-sized packing bags make for an easier packing experience. We chose packing cube sets in a range of sizes, from extra small to extra large.

Compression options: Some packing cube brands offer compression bags, which can be a nice feature if you’re tight on space.  

Tips for buying packing bags

Here’s what to consider when picking your own packing cubes:

Brand reputation  

Choose a trusted brand with a proven reputation. Brands with zipper and fabric warranties or repair programs will also help you get as many vacations as possible with your travel organizers.

If you only use carry-ons or smaller luggage, choose a packing cube set with fewer, smaller travel cubes. If you prefer to use checked luggage, go for a packing cube set with more travel cubes and bigger sizes.  

If you travel with just a carry-on or want to use packing cubes for hiking, choose an ultralight packing cube set. Every ounce counts when packing light, and some travel cube sets are nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than others.

Packing cubes are typically made of polyester or nylon, both strong synthetic fabrics. If you need something even more durable, look for ripstop nylon or polyester, which has extra threads to prevent tears from becoming bigger.

Some brands offer compression bags, which can save space. However, King finds that compressed bags can be awkwardly shaped, making them harder to fit together in your suitcase. If you are a heavy packer, travel cubes for shoes or laundry can help keep the rest of your luggage clean.

Frequently asked questions

Are packing cubes worth it?

Packing cubes can help save space in your suitcase and improve organization, reducing stress while traveling.

Does TSA allow packing cubes?

Packing cubes are TSA-approved, provided everything inside is within the regulations. Check with your airline on what is allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

How many packing cubes do you need for a suitcase?

How many packing cubes you need depends on the length of your trip and the size of your suitcase. Four to six packing cubes is a great starting point. You can adjust the number as needed.

How much does a packing cube cost?

The packing cube sets recommended here cost between 20 and 70 dollars. Some companies may sell individual packing cubes for less.

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How to Pack Light When You're Only Traveling With a Carry-On

By Karthika Gupta

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Packing for a trip always feels like a dance between art and science—and attempting to pack light complicates things even further. As a travel journalist, I often find myself on the road several times a month—sometimes for weeks at a time navigating various modes of transportation. This means being self-sufficient with my luggage is key. I also don’t want to be concerned about lost luggage when I travel, so I opt to bring only a carry-on whenever I can. My mantra while packing for any trip, whether it's a domestic weekend getaway or a weeklong international adventure, is that every piece of gear has to be multi-functional to maximize space. Below, my tried-and-true tips for packing light with only a carry-on.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Our best tips for packing light:

Choose the right luggage, don't skip the packing cubes.

• Opt for multi-functional fabrics

Pick versatile pairs of shoes

• Adjust your body care routine

Travel hacks are a game-changer

A key consideration for any trip is choosing the right luggage to fit all your essentials without weighing you down. If you're traveling with just a carry-on-sized bag, you want it to be lightweight yet roomy—expandable options are always helpful. My go-to is the Monos Carry-On Plus, a 7.8-pound hard-shell suitcase sized to fit in overhead bins. The wheels have a 360-spin, making it a breeze to maneuver in tight spaces, and the side handle makes it easy to lift into the overhead bin and in a rental car. The padded front compartment fits my 15-inch laptop, a scarf, and a book in there easily. The suitcase comes with an antimicrobial laundry bag and two shoe bags that further help with packing and organization.

Another smart carry-on option is the Cotopaxi Allpa Roller Bag. The hybrid look of a hardcover back and adjustable softcover front brings the right amount of support and expandability of a traditional carry-on suitcase. It only has two wheels but when I saw how easily the bag moved on different surfaces, I was hooked. Cotopaxi’s fun and vibrant colors also make these suitcases easily identifiable among a sea of like-looking bags at the airport.

Next up: choosing a functional personal item . I paired my suitcase with the Chelsea Backpack from Antler. As a professional photographer, I always travel with my gear and I find the Chelsea is spacious enough to pack my camera, an extra lens, and in-flight essentials: snacks, my Otterbox 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station that helped cut down on extra cords, and my insulated Camelbak water bottle . It even has a zipped, padded laptop area with a separate slip pocket for a tablet. The backpack’s trolley sleeve is a lifesaver, slipping onto my rolling suitcase and allowing me to keep one hand free. And I always pack my Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole tote as an extra bag (for souvenirs or as a daypack for a quick hike). It folds down into a small pouch, making it both packable and functional.

Anyone who struggles with optimizing space when traveling knows that packing cubes are the ultimate solution. Not only are they perfect for organization, but compression ones like these from Monos and Béis save space in your bag. I routinely use about three to five cubes and organize my essentials by category. The bigger cube is for bulky items like jeans, pants, and sweatshirts, the medium is for shirts, and the smaller one is for undergarments and socks. The clear-view window on the Monos packing cubes allows me to see what's inside at a glance, making it easier to get ready. I also carry an extra one to separate dirty laundry on my return trip home.

Opt for lightweight, multi-functional fabrics

I will admit that choosing the right clothes for a multi-week trip is the most challenging part of packing, especially when dealing with different climates. My Duer jeans are my favorite denim. With the right amount of stretch, softness, comfort, and a water-repellent fabric, I wear them on planes, around town, and even hiking. My top picks are these fleece-lined relaxed Girlfriend fit for flights, and the mid-rise performance slim straight for backup. Another new favorite is the Freeflex Roll-Up pants from Kühl. The roll-up feature quickly converts it into a capri, increasing the usability. Plus, they are quick-drying, moisture-managing, and water-resistant.

For daily wear, I pack a few classic, mix-and-match pieces from Prana in neutral colors. Foundation rib tanks and simple short-sleeve tees are versatile, comfortable, and perfect for layering. I recently discovered hemp fabric, a natural fiber that is breathable, antibacterial, and seems to get softer with every wash. Adding Jungmaven tees to my travel wardrobe was a no-brainer because it wicks moisture away from the skin keeping clothes odor free longer so you can get more wear from your tees. A few moisture-wicking UPF 50+ bras that double as sports bras, merino wool breathable natural briefs from Ibex , and Comrad compression socks complete my essentials.

As a runner from the Midwest, I can never pass up the opportunity to tackle trails wherever I go. My Hoka short-sleeved performance tee and multi-pocket jogger tights from Oiselle are ideal because of their quick-drying fabric, which means I don’t need sweatshirts to keep me warm while running outside.

Keeping up with the theme of packing multi-purpose clothing, I chose between two outerwear pieces depending on the season—the Stretchdown light vest from Mountain Hardwear or a Silent Down Jacket from Patagonia. The vest is a lightweight layering piece that packs down to a pouch for convenience. The jacket, which I wear on the plane (another tip: don't pack your bulkiest pieces; wear them in transit), is incredibly soft, warm enough for 30 to 40-degree Fahrenheit weather, thanks to the down insulation, and not too technical—the perfect outerwear for a nice dinner.

Deciding on what shoes to bring on any trip is always a bit tricky, but generally, you want to go classic and neutral. Because of space restrictions, I opted for a white walking shoe that would go with any outfit (worn on the plane) and packed my lightweight gym shoes as a backup. Clae’s white vegan leather sneakers have traveled with me across continents and continues to hold form even after hours of walking everywhere. For my running and training routines, I lean on my Agility Peak 5 running shoe from Merrell. It performs flawlessly on gravel and concrete and after getting caught unprepared in a sudden downpour one too many times, I always choose the Gore-Tex waterproof style. A cute pair of lightweight Tevas sandals that are also waterproof and breathable round out my footwear choices.

Don’t sacrifice your body care routine—just adjust it

After a lot of trial and error over years of extensive travel, I finally curated just the right selection of products for my Dopp kit . The key is to trim down your routine (and packing list) with multi-purpose products that still get the job done and leave you feeling refreshed. Everist plant-based waterless shower travel essentials are a game changer and the travel-size tins save a lot of space. I also recently switched to waterless moisturizers and lotion bars for travel after having to ditch many creams and bottles at security because of liquid restrictions. My go-tos are Glow Face Stone solid face moisturizer and Forest Sone lotion bar from Kate McLeod. And all this packs away in my carry-on-friendly Monos Metro toiletry case.

After traveling thousands of miles with just a carry-on, there are a few hacks I always rely on that make a huge difference to my overall outlook on traveling as lightly as possible. I always clip a few carabiners to my backpack or suitcase (if possible). In a pinch, these hold nicknacks like an extra jacket, a water bottle, or my sandals if I am running out of space. A buff is a must and an easy way to protect your face, neck, and head from the elements. It also acts as a neck warmer and mask on planes. And my Sea to Summit inflatable two-ounce camping pillow has been a lifesaver during many unscheduled airport overnights thanks to cancellations and delays—I never leave home without it.

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8 Plane Habits That Really Annoy Your Flight Attendants — and the Travel Accessories That Solve Them

These travel accessories ensure you’re not “that” passenger.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

Flight attendants play an important role in ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of all airline passengers. Between preparing the cabin for takeoff and liaising important updates with the pilot and passengers, they serve as emergency responders in the air. Above all, flight attendants warrant your consideration and respect before, during, and after takeoff. 

At Travel + Leisure , we aim to offer travel guides , inspiration, and tips to guarantee the safety and comfort of travel professionals, such as airline crew members, who work tirelessly to ensure our comfort. In fact, one of our contributors delved into the minds of flight attendants to compile a list of what passengers do that annoy flight attendants, and ever since, I’ve been dedicated to finding solutions for these easily avoidable flying faux pas.

I’ve gathered a comprehensive list of accessories that you should consider adding to your travel bag that address common annoyances. Below, you’ll discover why you should bring a reusable water bottle onboard and a legroom hack that’ll keep you from inconveniencing others. And the best part? All of these items can be found at Amazon starting at just $11. 

Don’t: Ask for Water Immediately After Boarding

Do: Bring a Reusable Water Bottle 

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle 

One flight attendant told Travel & Leisure how frustrating it can be when passengers request water upon boarding, not realizing that they “only have a few minutes to get everyone seated and buckled up so that we can close the boarding door." If you anticipate being thirsty as soon as you sit, consider bringing a reusable water bottle like this insulated Hydro Flask one. The water bottle is a stellar choice for travel since it features a leak-proof flex cap and double-wall vacuum insulation, which means it’ll keep liquids hot or cold for hours. 

Don’t: Stretch in the Middle of the Isle

Do: Get an Airplane Footrest 

Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Hammock

A flight attendant expressed how frustrating it can be when people stretch their legs in the aisle. And we get it: Being crammed on a plane is far from the ideal way to start any trip. But there’s a solution to get more leg room without upgrading your seat: the Basic Concepts Portable Foot Hammock at Amazon. The footrest comes with an adjustable strap that can be wrapped around the seat tray in front of you for quick assembly. In fact, one frequent flier gushed that “they have no idea how I managed to travel without these in the past.” They continued, writing, “I usually have swelling when I fly, and this [footrest] helped alleviate any discomfort and allowed more space for my legs." 

Don’t: Demand Snacks or Food After Service is Complete 

Do: Pack a Snack 

KIND Minis Dark Chocolate Nuts and Sea Salt Caramel Pack

If you sleep through snack time or refuse meal service, you might not be able to get food  later. Rather than go hungry, opt to pack a few extra snacks, like these mini KIND granola bars that are studded with nuts and won’t take up too much space in your bag. 

Don’t: Ask for Headphones

Do: Bring a Bluetooth Connector

Isobel Store Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver 

As important as in-flight entertainment is to a comfortable flight, it is not a prerequisite for a safe one. And with more people carrying cord-free Bluetooth headphones to watch movies during the flight, it’s a smart idea to bring a Bluetooth connector. To pair the two devices, simply power them both on and pair them to connect. It’s that easy. This device is also rechargeable and can hold up to 10 hours of playtime. 

Don’t: Ask for a Pillow or Blanket

Do: Pack Travel-sized Versions of Your Own

Pavila 2-in-1 Travel Pillow Blanket  

We promise you’ll become the most popular passenger if you take the time to properly prepare for your flight. This includes bringing your own pillow and blanket. Opt for this innovative two-in-one pillow and blanket set that comes with a compact pillow and ultra soft blanket. When neatly packed, it measures in at just 11 inches by 12 inches and comes with a convenient strap that effortlessly attaches to your suitcase. 

Don’t: Put Your Backpack in an Overhead Bin

Do: Get a Compact Backpack or Underseat Carry-on

Matein Large Travel Backpack

Overhead bin space is precious and designated for larger carry-on suitcases and duffels — not backpacks. If you’re struggling to fit your backpack underneath your seat, take that as a sign that it’s time for an upgrade. Opt instead for this $32 backpack that I refuse to travel without . It’s equipped with plenty of spacious compartments, is easy to carry, and features proactive padding for personal belongings, all while remaining compact enough to tuck under your seat. 

Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-on

Another great lightweight option that fits under your seat is this Amazon basics carry-on bag. This soft-side rolling carry-on is specifically designed to fit under airplane seats, making it an excellent option for business travel, short weekends, and more. At roughly 13.4 inches by 9.5 inches by 14 inches, this carry-on bag is designed to hold plenty of items, yet remains compact enough to slide under the seat. 

Don’t: Ask Your Flight Attendant to Help with a Bag That's Clearly Too Heavy

Do: Get a Lightweight Carry-on Instead

Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Spinner 20-inch Carry-on

Flight attendants don’t get paid until the aircraft takes off , so if they get injured during the boarding process they are not eligible for workers’ compensation. It’s important to pack a bag that you can lift yourself, and that begins with a lightweight carry-on. Claiming the highly coveted spot as one of Amazon’s best-selling carry-on suitcases , this under-$50 suitcase weighs less than 6 pounds and is a mere 20 inches in size, so it’s easy to lift. In addition to its convenient size, this suitcase boasts an organized, lined interior with multiple pockets, leaving plenty of space for your personal belongings. 

Don’t: File or Clip Your Toenails During Your Flight 

Do: Wear Compression Socks to Avoid Temptation and Relieve Tension 

Charmking Compression Socks

Even though we have the utmost trust in our readers to know that you would never clip your toenails on a flight, I’ll use any opportunity to gush over how much compression socks make long travel days more comfortable. Wearing a pair of compression socks will not only wade off any temptation to clip or file your nails mid-flight, but the socks will also relieve tension by stimulating circulation in your legs and feet to reduce swelling in the air. These socks come in a convenient pack of three and are available in a plethora of colors including black , nude , and white .  

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Breaking news, these are the best places to stay in the world for 2024, according to tripadvisor.

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Choosing your next vacation isn’t just about where you visit, but where you stay.

To help travelers book the vacation possible, Tripadvisor , one of the biggest online travel agencies, revealed its  2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards  — including the list of the world’s best hotels .

The list ranks destinations that received a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over the past year — out of 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieved the milestone.

New York City is still one of the top tourist destinations in the world, so it’s no shock that three of the top stays in the US are right here in Manhattan: The Luma Hotel in Times Square, The Bryant Park Hotel and Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection, also in Times Square.

But although many people agree NYC is the greatest city in the world, none of its hotels made the list for the best stays on a global scale.

The top hotel in the world is the Hotel Colline de France in Brazil, according to Tripadvisor.

The luxurious stay was highly rated for its “sophistication and comfort” shown through its glamorous rooms and luscious spa.

The live piano music played at breakfast and complimentary sparkling wine were also nice touches.

“The hotel’s sensational design and warm atmosphere make it a unique choice for an elegant, yet cozy, getaway,” Tripadvisor said.

Best hotels in the world

• Hotel Colline de France, Brazil
• OBLU SELECT Lobigili, Maldives
• La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa, Vietnam
• Adiwana Suweta, Indonesia
• Iberostar Grand Packard, Cuba
• Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, Maldives
• La Siesta Classic Ma May, Vietnam
• Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Mexico
• Padma Resort Ubud, Indonesia
• Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, Mexico

The top hotel in the US is the Shore Hotel in Santa Monica, California, according to Tripadvisor.

The pet-friendly hotel stands out with its beautiful view of the ocean and eco-friendly but slick design — its proximity to the Santa Monica Pier also helps to attract guests.

Travelers also raved about the variety of food options, including the in-room breakfast options and the poolside bar.

“A stylish atmosphere and attention to detail ensure a fab stay for you and your furry friend,” Tripadvisor said.

Best in the US

• Shore Hotel, Santa Monica, California
• Luma Hotel Times Square, New York
• FivePine Lodge & Spa, Oregon
• The Bryant Park Hotel, New York
• Hotel Emma, San Antonia, Texas
• The Loutrel, South Carolina
• Lotte Hotel Seattle, Washington
• Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, Illinois
• Ironworks Hotel Indy, Indiana
• San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk, Texas
• The Lodge at Woodloch, Pennsylvania
• Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection, Hawaii
• Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection, New York

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The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin & the Environment

Enjoy the sun and the water this earth day with these sunscreens that are good for you (and the ocean)..

We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like them at these prices. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

• Overall Best: Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen , $17.99 $15.29
• Best Budget-Friendly: BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen , $18.99 $14.42
• Best for Kids & Babies: Thinkbaby SPF 30 Sunscreen Stick , $11.49 $9.38
• Best for Sensitive Skin: California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion , $18.99
• Best Non-Greasy: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion , $17.58

If you're planning a trip to a place with water and sun, of course you want to pack sunblock to protect your skin . But, some sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to the delicate ecosystem of the ocean. So, if you want to protect your skin, and the environment, it's important to look for products that contain certain ingredients. That's why we've rounded up a list of the best reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreens that you can feel confident wearing on your next vacation. Let's break down what you should look for and get shopping

What does "Reef-safe" or "Reef-friendly" Sunscreen Mean?

Sunscreens that are called "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly" typically do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common UV-blocking chemicals which have been shown to cause damage to coral reefs, and the state of Hawaii has even banned the sale of sunscreens containing these ingredients. 

However, these terms are not regulated or managed by any organizations, so you can't always trust products that say they're "safe." Reports have shown that additional chemicals, like octocrylene , homosalate, avobenzone and oxybenzone , may also contain damaging effects, so read your labels. None of the picks below contain any of these ingredients.

What Else to Consider When Choosing a Sunscreen

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, according to the American Association of Dermatology, so it's important to reduce your risks and look for sunscreen with an SPF 15 (at least). Additionally, consider the water-resistance of your sunblock. A sunscreen  that stays on your skin longer is less likely to wash off when you're swimming.

So, keep on scrolling for the best reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreens that will have a positive impact this Earth Day and beyond. Protect your skin (and the ocean, too), and enjoy your time in the water.

The Overall Best Reef-Friendly & Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Badger reef safe sunscreen.

According to the brand, Badger's reef-safe sunscreen is made with just 4 ingredients: zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E. It's easy to apply, will moisturize your skin while it's protecting it from harmful UVA and UVB rays, and it doesn't contain any synthetic ingredients.

• Size: 2.9 ounces
• SPF Level: SPF 40
• Water Resistance: 80 minutes

The Best Budget-Friendly Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Blue lizard sensitive mineral sunscreen.

A whole 5-ounce tube of Blue Lizard mineral sunscreen costs just $14, making it the best budget-friendly pick on our list. It's also free of active chemical ingredients, protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, and it's fragrance-free.

• Size:  5 ounces
• SPF Level:  SPF 50
• Water Resistance:  80 minutes

The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen for Kids & Babies

Thinkbaby spf 30 sunscreen stick.

It's not easy applying sunscreen to kids and babies, which is why I love using this Thinkbaby sunscreen stick . Not only does it make application less challenging, it also offers UVA and UVB protection without harmful chemicals and ingredients, and glides on easily.

• Size:  0.64 ounces
• SPF Level:  SPF 30

The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

California baby super sensitive sunscreen lotion.

Designed for sensitive skin and those with allergies,  California Baby sunscreen  is free of irritating chemicals and fragrances. It'll protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays and reviewers report that it goes on thick, but it's effective in preventing sunburns.

• Size:  1.8 ounces

The Best Non-Greasy Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Babo botanicals sheer mineral sunscreen lotion.

Formulated with 24 plant-based ingredients, including soothing and moisturizing shea butter, Babo Botanical's sunscreen is non-greasy for your face and body. One reviewer broke it down: "applies easily, doesn't irritate my skin, isn't greasy, doesn't transfer to clothes, and doesn't have a noticeable cast. This sunscreen checks all those boxes."

• Size:  3 ounces

The Best Moisturizing Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Raw elements face and body all-natural mineral sunscreen.

Containing hemp seed oil, beeswax, sunflower oil, and more, Raw Elements is a solid pick if you want your sunscreen to give you a little moisture. It even comes packaged in a bio-resin tube that's made from sugarcane waste, so it cuts down on plastic use.

The Best Smelling Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Suntegrity mineral sunscreen for body.

Not only does Suntegrity apply easily to your skin and keep it moisturized, it also smells like fresh oranges. Plus, it's free of UV blocking chemicals and packed with certified organic ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, green tea extract, and more. 

• Water Resistance:  Recommended to reapply every 2 hours

The Best Hawaiian-Made Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Maui surfer honey all natural sunscreen lotion.

Initiatives for reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreens originated in Hawaii, so having a sunscreen that's made there and formulated with Maui grown essential oils, is a plus.  Maui Surfer  protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, smells like fragrant rosemary and lemongrass, and includes natural oils that moisturize your skin at the same time.

The Best Lightweight Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Coral safe reef safe sunscreen travel lotion.

According to Coral Safe , its sunscreen is approved by Hawaii and Mexico for eco-friendly sun protection. The lightweight formula is free of harsh chemicals, packed with organic ingredients, and reviewers report that it leaves your skin feeling silky smooth and moisturized.

• Size: 3 ounces

The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen That Comes in a Travel-Friendly 2-Pack

Reef repair reef safe sunscreen, 2-pack.

If you're planning a trip, you'll want to pack these travel-friendly sunscreens . They won't leave a white cast, will protect your skin from UV rays, and having a 2-pack means you'll always have an extra on hand.

• Size:  1.7 ounces
• Water Resistance:  40 minutes

Looking for sunscreen that you can wear over your makeup? Check out these picks .