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Home » Budget Travel » How To Pack A Backpack: Travel Hacks and Inside Tips For 2024
How To Pack A Backpack: Travel Hacks and Inside Tips For 2024
As world travellers, there are many diverse skills that we must all develop and refine in order to survive. These skills or arts even, include the art of blagging lifts across entire countries from total strangers. They include the art of driving impossible room rate bargains with unwilling guest house proprietors, and of course, the art of holding in ones poo for heroic lengths of time once the single squat toilet on the Indian train overflows.
But of all the skills a traveller must acquire, perhaps none has proven quite so elusive as the dark art of correctly packing ones backpack.
Indeed, effective packing can make or break an entire trip. It is the difference between having everything you need and not having it, between being able to find things in a hurry and not being, and between keeping packed valuables safe and valuables being at risk. Perhaps above all though, proper packing even makes the very difference between been able to carry your backpack, or not been able to carry it.
Today we are sharing the sum total of our collective experience with you our dear readers. Welcome our to epic How To Pack a Backpack For Travelling Guide!
Choose Your Stuff Carefully
How to pack a backpack with clothes, use packing cubes, get a toiletry bag, get a laundry bag, how to pack a backpack for travel, don’t over pack, top tips for packing a backpack for a trip.
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Before we can even think about how to pack a backpack for travel, we need to carefully examine what exactly we are intending to pack into it. Whether you’re looking at doing some one bag travel or taking a few different packs, you need to think long and hard.
Now, this is an exercise which you should take your time over and do in a relaxed frame of mind. Therefore feel free to pour yourself a glass of wine, get the tunes on, and even burn some incense.
To start, find an empty room with either a decent amount of clear floor space or a double bed (ideally one with nobody trying to sleep in it) and then lay out every single item that you are even thinking about taking. This includes travel documents, clothes, shoes, toiletries, electronics, first aid kits and skipping ropes – I repeat, if you’re considering bringing it, get it out!
At this point, you should have a big, sprawling ungodly mess of worldly goods and consumer items, which will incidentally serve as a pretty concise snap-shot of who you are and what your life is about. What we now do is identify all the items which you are going to take as carry on such as passports, laptops, a book to read, dynamite, and whatever else you want to take into the airplane cabin with you. Put these items to one side.
Always Try To Pack Light
From the remaining pile, it’s time to weed out every last bit of excess. For example, 2 pairs of shoes is usually more than enough for any trip. For my upcoming 2 month Goa/Bali trip I am bringing Converse All Stars for both day to day and dressed up wear, and my running trainers for running, and trekking. As you will presumably already be wearing one pair of shoes to catch to your flight, you only need to pack 1 into your backpack.
Any “nice to have” items such as a formal shirt, high heels or the collected world of Leo Tolstoy should be purged and removed from the pile. If there is any room left at the end, we can always bring them back.
In order to help you assess how much stuff you need, check out this epic backpacking packing list. As a rule though, one weeks worth of clothes is more than enough. Do bring some nice items for “best” wear, but try to keep them as versatile as possible – for example, short sleeved, nicely made Hawaiian shirts look equally ridiculous both for cocktails and on the beach alike so they’re a win/win! Ladies, note that hippy chic and trance wear is purpose made for travellers as it’s easy to dress up and dress down so can also be worn on the beach or at the/da club.
If you already have experience of backpacking then you will probably have learned that less is more and this pile of “prospective items” will be more or less ready to go minus a final edit. For beginners and first timers though, it is quite likely that your short list is ridiculously excessive. A rule some find useful is to try and cut your pile by 50% – yep, first timers have a tendency to try and bring twice as much stuff as they actually need!
How to pack a backpack with clothes? Well we will tell you. Now that the boring prep work is out of the way, we can begin the real magic – rolling things up!
In order to maximise space, roll up as many of your clothes as you can. Roll up those socks, those underpants, those trousers and those t-shirts. In case you have never rolled up a T-shirt before the process is simple;
- Fold the arms in so it takes on a rectangular shape
- Fold it in half across the middle and then fold in half again
- You will now have a long, thin rectangle
- Turn it round and roll tightly from one end to the other
Be sure to put as many rolled items inside of your shoes as you can, as this saves even more room. Shoes themselves however should not be rolled up…
Of course, most of you already know these tried and trusted techniques for packing a backpack with clothes. But… for the benefit of the 8% of you who don’t, here it is! Deepest apologies if I am teaching you how to suck eggs, but nobody gets left behind here (by the way, in case do not know how so suck eggs, then be sure to check out our epic Egg Sucking Guide!)
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And that’s all the minimising and culling we can do. Unless of course, by the time you read this, somebody has invented a shrinking machine, in which case this entire post will possibly be obsolete.
So from now on, the focus of this guide is on compartmentalisation and sub-categorisation.
And one of the smartest things you can do here, is to use packing cubes.
What Are Packing Cubes?
Packing cubes are zippered fabric containers generally made into a rectangular, “cube” shapes, purpose built to help you organise your stuff! They come in a myriad of different sizes (and sometimes shapes) and are usually sold in sets.
How To Use Packing Cubes
If you’ve never used Packing cubes before, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. They are a magnificent invention and a true game changer when it comes to how to pack a travel backpack. However, you may be wondering exactly how to pack with packing cubes.
You can use packing cubes to organise all manner of gear and they help you to sort and organise items together logically. For example, you could have a cube for socks, another for t-shirts and then one for electronics.
Packing cubes are great for many reasons. As well as making packing that little bit easier, they make unpacking a whole lot easier. For example, if you are looking for a particular t-shirt then you know it’s in the t-shirt cube ( as long as you packed it properly) .
Packing cubes can seem expensive at first flush – especially if you have just paid out $000 for a backpack and another $0000 for a one way ticket to Paradise. That said, we’ve found that good quality cubes last many years and they really are worth it to save space, and keep your luggage organised.
Choosing The Right Packing Cubes
There are a lot of different packing cubes out there. They do come in different sizes and sometimes different shapes, but the biggest difference between them is material, build and quality.
After working our way through countless different packing cubes, we strongly recommend this set of 3 compression packing cubes from Nomatic . Nomatic are fast establishing themselves as a leader in making top class travel gear and their cubes can help maximise storage space by 50%!
If you do decide to use packing cubes, put your belongings into the packing cubes and stop there for now. Don’t try to put the packing cubes into your actual backpack just yet.
Oh, and with all this cube stuff going on, do feel free to give the Tetris theme music a quick play. Your glass of wine may also be empty by this point so do feel free to replenish it.
Packing cubes are very handy and will make your life on the road so much easier. They are however, definitely not “essential”. What absolutely is essential though, is a toiletry bag so do not leave home without one!
In case you don’t know, a toiletry bag is a small(ish) bag used to house the hygiene, beauty and health products which you need when you travel. Typically, the toiletry bag will hold a toothbrush and paste, some soap or body wash, shampoo, hair styling products and maybe some feminine hygiene products. Some have extra zippered pouches on both the inside and outside which are great for storing things like paracetamol, condoms and rehydration sachets.
Ideally you should get a hanging toiletry bag one which you can hang from your bathroom mirror or hostel bed wherever you go. It is worth spending a bit of money on this as it will get twice daily use so please remember the old adage, “buy cheap, buy twice”. The last thing you want is for the zip to break or the cloth to tear because of water damage.
Note that if you are struggling to zip your toiletry bag closed, you’ve probably packed too much stuff. This means excess weight and also puts some undue strain on the toiletry bag which may result in damage. So if this is you, then go through it and have a wee purge – do you really need that coconut scented hair conditioner and bottle of Hugo Boss aftershave?
Which Is The Best Toiletry Bag?
There are loads of toiletry bags out there and choosing between them can be overwhelming. Most of them are very similar and the only meaningful differences are in the materials and build which ultimately impacts its lifespan.
Over the years, we have gone through loads of different toiletry bags and are proud to recommend the Toiletry Bag by Nomatic . It’s made from high-quality, water-resistant polyester to handle the roughest of travels. It has 4 sections to help you better organize your travel essentials.
Another great addition to your collection of bags within a bag is a laundry bag . These are great for keeping dirty items in and are easy to discreetly hand over to washer ladies. A word from the wise (or embittered) though, don’t buy a laundry bag that is too nice or you risk some unscrupulous swine swapping it for their own vastly inferior wash bag (yep, that actually happened to me).
You could simply use a packing cube for this function. However, note that it will sometimes hold very dirty clothes and you may also sometimes have to put wet clothes into it. This is why I prefer to use a purpose built washable, waterproof, fully sealable mesh laundry bag .
This is what we’ve waited for, this is it boys, this is war and it is now time to actually pack that backpack! By the end of this exercise, you’re going to be a certified expert on how to pack a rucksack for travelling and your backpack is going to be filled up with your worldly treasures, ready to rock and roll.
Let’s start…
- Pack From The Bottom
When packing, you should always start from the bottom up and from the inside out. If you are packing a sleeping bag, then put this in first. Depending on which backpack you use for travel , it may even have a dedicated sleeping bag section located at the very bottom of the back which opens independently with a cross zip and rope tie. These sleeping bag compartments are ideal for easily accessing sleeping bags – you can get it out each night and pop it back each morning without unpacking your entire bag.
If your backpack does not have one of these compartments, then it’s probably a smalish bag. Are you sure you have the right sized bag for your trip?
If you are not taking a sleeping bag, then you can use the lower compartment for other things. Maybe pop a pair of shoes in there or perhaps wedge your rain-coat or kagool in? Whatever, you’re the boss!
- Pack To The Corners
Utilise every gap you see and pack right to the corners. If there is a bit of space next to your sleeping bag or something, then get something stuffed in there; socks, t-shirts or towels are perfect for this type of task. Remember that your belongings don’t have feelings and they don’t need their personal space for the long journey (incidentally this is exactly how Ryanair view you).
By the way, my girlfriend is always getting on my case for wasting valuable corners of space in my backpack. The reason I do it is because I know that if I save space in my bag she’ll only make me carry more and more stuff for her.
- Leave Essentials Near To The Top
If there is anything essential or anything you might hastily need to get out of your bag, then try to leave it near the top so that you can easily and readily access it. As I said earlier, anything immediately essential such as passports should be kept about your person and not packed away into your backpack. But what I mean here is things like a travel rain jacket /kagool or a sarong you may wish to whip out and use a blanket for an overnight train journey.
When I set off for India next week, I know that I will want to change from my UK winter clothes to my Goa clothes immediately as soon as I arrive (because a 5 hour bus Goan ride dressed in jeans and a jumper would probably kill me) . So, I will be sure to leave a pair of shorts and a summer shirt near the top of my bag so I can quickly change right at the airport.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
- Pack Heavy Things Near The Middle
Now we turn to the middle and this is where the benefits of our experience truly comes into fruition. Try your best to put any heavy items in the middle area, this doesn’t need to be exact but aim for the general mid-area.
This is because this is where you will carry most of the weight. Putting the heavy items here will make your backpack feel a lot lighter and it will be easier to carry.
Heavy items include things like hiking boots, camera’s, Lonely Planet tomes, and maybe that toiletry bag your overstuffed with bryl-cream.
Ideally, you should never put your heavy stuff near the top. This will make the backpack feel heavier and it will also pull back away you from making it pretty awkward to pick up and carry.
- Pockets And Straps
You may have noticed that your backpack has a few straps and pockets.
The hip pockets are primarily intended for things you may need to access when carrying it such as a lighter, a Swiss army knife or a buff. However, you can also cram a t-shirt or a vest in there if you need to do so. I keep an inflatable pillow in mine purely because it fits so well.
The straps are great for attachming things like tents, roll mats and yoga mats. Do make sure you attach them nice and tight especially if you are going to be checking the backpack in for a flight.
So how does the backpack feel and look? Ideally you should be able to comfortably lift it and walk with it for at least short distances. Ideally, it should not be too heavy to lift and carry, and it should not look overstuffed like it is full to the point of bursting.
If it full to bursting point then you run the risk of putting strain on the backpack and it eventually, erm, bursting. If this happens out on the road it it is a total fucking disaster.
Furthermore, you should also leave some left over space because you will most probably accrue more stuff on your journey. Even if your a minimalist and a tightwad, you will still most probably want to pick up some kind of souvenir. When I look back at my time in Nepal I wish to God (and the many Hindu Gods) that I had brought back more art and handicrafts but unfortunately my backpack was full.
You may also need to leave a bit of room so you can carry home that 10kg white-powder brick that the nice men in Colombia asked you to pass to their cousin once you get to London.
As well as souvenirs, you will also probably want to buy some new clothes at some point when you realise that the person who left home is no longer the person you are now and so you don’t feel comfortable wearing their western, “straight person” clothes. I’m been serious, this does happen.
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- Do a Dummy Run
One big piece of advice we will offer you is to practice packing and unpacking your bag and do a dummy run at least a week before your first trip. There are a number of benefits to doing these dummy runs;
- You get adept at packing and unpacking n a hurry. Something you will need to do a lot on the road.
- You can identify anything that you forget to buy (such as that toiletry bag we mentioned!)
- If you leave it to the last minute, you risk panicking and forgetting something.
So make sure you do that dummy run!
- Bring Duct Tape
For a full packing list, check out this post . However, one thing I will recommended here is to pack some duct tape. Duct tape has many uses, it can be used to patch up rips & tears and hold bits of your backpack together in the unfortunate event it begins to come apart. Keep it in a side pocket or in the top lid so you can retrieve it quickly when it’s needed.
- Bring Padlocks
There will be times when your backpack is out of your site and vulnerable to would be thieves. You can try to countenance this by locking the zips together using a padlock or padlocks. Note that not all backpack zips will allow you to do this but it can still be worth attaching a padlock so at least it kind of looks like your bag is locked at a first, casual glance!
- Get a Bike Lock
As well as padlocks, a bike lock is great for your backpacks security. Bike locks can be used for attaching your backpack to your hostel bed or to the overhead luggage rack on busses and trains. They can also be used for securing bikes, if you have a bike.
- Get Insurance
In case your backpack or the contents get damaged or stolen, why not obtain Insurance? We’ve put together a roundup of the best travel insurance for backpackers – check it out here , or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads , our favorite travel insurance provider.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts On How To Pack a Backpack for Travel
I hope you found that very helpful. Now you are fully equipped with my tips and tricks on how to pack a rucksack for travelling, it’s over to you fellow globe trotter.
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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
Chris Lininger
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I appreciate the emphasis on weight distribution and balance when packing a backpack. It’s something I often overlook, and then I end up with a sore back after a long day of hiking. The advice to place heavier items closer to the back makes a lot of sense. Can you suggest any specific exercises or stretches to help prevent back pain while carrying a loaded backpack?
Thank you for this article. This is wonderful advice for a beginner traveller like me. I was supposed to travel to Europe mid May but I had to cancel due to covid-19. I’m planning to reschedule though probably before the end of the year. I bought a new backpack that I can easily attach on my luggage. I’ll be packing light and bring a few personal hygiene essentials. The rest I can buy once I arrive at my destination.
Thanks for reaching out Drew. We hope you have an excellent trip once Europe travel is possible (and safe) again!.
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How to Pack a Backpack for Air Travel: 12 Must-Know Tricks
Hey there! Ever wonder how some folks just nail the travel game by sticking to a backpack? Let’s paint you a picture: You’re hustlin’ at the airport, bobbing and weaving through this massive crowd when bam – you spot someone smooth-sailing with just their carry-on. Shocking stuff, right?
Turns out, stuffing all your essentials in one bag isn’t an art – it shifts things up big time. Nowadays everyone seems to have cottoned on how handy backpacks are for zipping around airports. Think about flying past security checks like they’re no biggie or saying bye-bye to those pesky luggage fees while keeping all your loot within arm’s reach; Now that’s more than being good packers – it’s downright dominion over those pesky carry-on rules.
In our down-to-earth guide ‘ How to Pack a Backpack for Air Travel’, we’ve got something for everyone – whether you’re pinching pennies and want to dodge check-in costs, strive for that minimalist life, or tend to wander around with home on your back as a digital nomad.
So saddle up! We’re unlocking every trick in the book so packing doesn’t feel like rocket science anymore. Your journey should be as dope as where you end up going after all! It’s high time we learn how to zip it light, make peace with sparing ourselves from overweight charges, and live the dream of gliding along freely thanks to that trusty backpack.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Ideal Backpack for Air Travel
Getting ready to take a thrilling flight? One of the big choices you’ll be making is what backpack to bring along. Picking the right backpack can make your whole trip go smoothly, and help make sure you’ve got everything you need while soaring through the skies.
In this bit, we’re gonna guide you through all the important stuff to think about in the realm of air travel backpack packing, explore all kinds of different backpack styles, slip in a few insider secrets, and even chat about some sustainable options for those eco-smart flyers out there.
Key Features to Consider
Size Matters: When it’s time to jet off, you’ll want a backpack that fits the bill. Remember, size is everything when flying, so pick a carry-on bag that won’t give you attitude at the boarding gate. Smaller-scale means less stress and quicker check-ins – no more wrestling with those bulky suitcases.
Weight Considerations: Airlines are fussy about how heavy your bags can be–so keep things light! Choose a bag tough enough for travel but one that’s not going to weigh you down before you even take off.
Compartments Galore: No one likes playing treasure hunts while rummaging through their bag. An organized pack makes life easier – find pockets-a-plenty to put all your bits and bobs in order which would save your precious vacation time from turning into hide-and-seek episodes.
Comfort is Key: Your backpack will practically be glued to you during trips – make sure it’s comfortable! Hands-down winners have padded straps and supportive backs. Bonus if they’re adjustable too; nobody wants backache while sightseeing or trekking up airplane aisles.
Carry-On Restrictions: Different airlines = different rules on carry-on sizes (unfortunately!). To skip unwanted surprises at security checks, know what the bar is set at – choose a backpack compliant with these limits & breeze through border control!
Different Backpack Types
Travel-Specific Backpacks: If you’re always on the go, these backpacks have got your back! They’ve got cool compartments galore, are small enough to squeeze into overhead lockers, and above all – they’re comfy for those long-haul flights.
Hiking Backpacks: So maybe they’re not made especially for flying, but hiking backpacks tick a lot of boxes. They’re tough dudes that’ll last ages, with tons of space for your stuff plus they feel good even after you’ve had them on all day! Just make sure it’s cabin-friendly if this is your bag choice.
Convertible Backpacks: These bad boys can change from backpack to duffel bag or even shoulder bags in no time! This nifty trick has saved us more time than modern GPS when traveling around.
Pro Tips: Lesser-Known Features to Look For
Hidden Compartments: Some bags come with hush-hush pockets or hidden stashes – so clever right? It’s a sneaky way to hide away important things and outsmart any curious eyes.
Water Bottle Pockets: Don’t forget to drink water folks! Bags with outer water bottle holders let you grab a drink without much fuss. Keep sipping!
Lockable Zippers: Lockable zippers add that extra layer of “stay safe” particularly in packed places where sneaky hands might be about.
Sustainable Backpack Options
If being green is big for you (and hey why wouldn’t it be?), hunt down bags made from recycled bits’n’bobs or crafted by brands who care as much about our planet as we do. More and more guys are making awesome sustainable options; going eco doesn’t mean ditching style or quality anymore. Do something great for Mother Earth while exploring her beauty!
Mastering Packing Essentials for Air Travel
Planning for air travel isn’t just about picking out the top-notch backpack; it’s all about nailing down the hack of packing a backpack for airplane travel in a smart way. In this chunk, you’ll get to discover cool ways of packing that help you squeeze more into your bag’s tiny quarters. Say hello to “Roll, Don’t Fold,” make friends with handy-dandy packing cubes, and conquer a bunch of other space-saving secrets! Welcome aboard onto smooth-sailing travels.
The “Roll, Don’t Fold” Method
This ain’t no new kid on the block! “Roll, Don’t Fold” has been an ace up many expert travelers’ sleeves since forever. It’s not only at war with wasted space but also fights away pesky clothes creases! Just start with biggies like jeans and jackets – fold ‘em lengthwise and then roll them tight from bottom to top. You’ll be left not just saving space but also being able to fish out exactly what you need without making a mess inside your backpack.
Packing Cubes: Organizational Wizards
Think packing cubes are mere dividers? Oh boy—you’d be wrong there! These zippered saviors come in different shapes and sizes and can bring order to the otherwise chaotic world of your backpack. Got tops? There’s one cube. Bottoms next, into another cube they go – even undies or accessories have their cozy corner sorted within smaller canvas condos! Trust us guys – invest in these babies; they won’t just keep your stuff trim and taut but will also speed up unpacking when you hit destination-awesome!
Compression Techniques: Maximizing Every Inch
Bet you didn’t know there’s an art to packing for a flight, and it’s all about getting crafty with squeezing stuff in. A cool trick? Use your clothes to jam-pack every inch of your backpack. Think about lobbing socks inside your shoes or coiling up belts and accessories into those sneaky empty spots. This isn’t just smart packing – it helps keep your backpack from looking like a hot mess too.
Unexpected Space Savers: Utilizing Every Pocket
Don’t kid yourself – You’ve ignored some potential payload places in that pack of yours; mesh pockets, hip compartments…heck even that awkward spot behind the zipper! They come in super handy when dealing with bits and bobs. Yeah, we’re talking accessories, toiletries or even chucking in a skinny scarf if it fits! It doesn’t only help stuff more things but also stops you from digging through everything when you need something real quick.
Because let’s face it- The whole aim here is not trying to cram as much garbage as possible (let’s leave that for Tetris), but being clever about what goes where. Think rolling instead of folding clothes, waving ‘hi’ at packing cubes (invest!), mastering compression hacks, and giving forgotten spaces some love is what makes this trip less stressful than last year’s Thanksgiving dinner!
By sticking these tips into practice next time around, trust us honey bun – Not only will an Airline-friendly backpack organization be on our side, but we’re bound to turn this travel shindig into an organized rather fun event!
Unlocking Advanced Air Travel Hacks & Hidden Gems
Traveling by plane can be pretty neat. But packing? Well, that’s a whole different story. We’ve got some secret tips and tricks up our sleeves to make your [flight-friendly backpack preparation] even smoother. Let’s decode the mysteries of flying together, from neatly packing all those gadgets we’re glued to nowadays, to mastering TSA’s tricky toiletry rules along with some hints on what you’d never think to squeeze in your carry-on for comfort during your sky-high journey.
Tech Essentials: Stay Organized on the Go
We live in a techie world where traveling without our devices is unthinkable. So how do you avoid a spaghetti-wire nightmare? Snap-up cable organizers – these babies will help you find just the right charger when you need it without having to dive into wire mayhem. Plus, stashing a portable phone charger will save your day especially if flight delays pop up – after all; nobody wants their lifeline conking out mid-adventure!
Toiletries & Liquids: Navigating TSA Regulations
TSA checkpoints might seem like they need a decoder ring but chill – knowing the inside scoop makes it smooth sailing. Start by swapping out bulky bottles for travel-sized ones for those must-have products–- fits snugly in compliance with TSA regulations AND gives extra room for goodies in your bag! Even slickers are solid toiletries like shampoo bars or toothpaste tabs that cut down liquids (no spillage horrors!) and leave less footprint on Mother Earth while still keeping you fresh as daisies onboard.
Unexpected Carry-On Items: Beyond the Ordinary
Did you know that packing a few out-of-the-box items in your carry-on is cool? If you’re high on sports energy, stick in your super deflated soccer ball or even that snug little yoga mat. Also, how about taking along a musical buddy like the ukulele or maybe the harmonica – they’re welcome too! But hey, do give a peek at what your airline has to say about these. Trust us, adding such funky stuff would surely jazz up your voyage.
Comfort & Wellbeing: Prepare for the Unexpected
Air travel can be crazy – lasting hours and jumping time zones. So why not pack smart for some comfort and health care? Maybe invest in this comfy neck pillow for napping tight; an eye mask to shut off those annoying cabin lights; also earplugs work wonders against noise pollution. These tiny things can bring loads of difference making sure you are all refreshed and ready for an adventurous experience.
While gearing up for a fun air journey, don’t forget the magic in small details – they matter big-time! Explore these essential air travel packing hacks for backpacks to elevate your travel game. Get systematic with all tech-necessary items; crack TSA rules by kitting out with sleek toiletries; lighten up by carrying along some quirky unexpected stuff; but most importantly safeguard your comfort level and take good care of yourself so hopping off that plane becomes more fun than ever!
Explore Bonus: Innovative Packing Strategies for Air Travel
Hey, if you’re gearing up to jet off somewhere nice, you know smart packing for air travel with a backpack isn’t just stuff in a bag – it’s an art! And getting good at it can make your trips way better.
Right here we’re going to spill the beans on some extra nifty packing hacks that go further than plain ol’ basic, making sure you’re ready no matter what comes your way and promises a smoother ride. From climate-switching smarts to wearable Swiss army knives and having a few surprises up your sleeve (or pant leg), let’s dive into super cool ways of jamming stuff into luggage.
Packing for Different Climates: Smart Adaptations
Whether you’re beach-bound or mountain-bound, knowing how to pack right based on where you’re headed is crucial for effectively organizing a backpack for airplane journeys…Cold resort? Hot retreat? Either way–you got this!
For those sunny getaways, light and breathable clothes are boss. We’re talking breezy cotton or linens – oh, and don’t forget the sunhat-plus-sunscreen package deal. Going someplace cold? Layers are gonna be your best buds. Choose pieces that can double-duty through temperature switches nicely without hogging all the space in your bag—an insulated jacket without bulk beats the chill any day!
Multipurpose Clothing: The Traveler’s Wardrobe MVPs
Yeah, so let’s talk about packing smart for your airplane trips. This is where multipurpose clothes come in real handy! Imagine wearing stuff that ticks more than one box – you’ll save precious cargo space and shed a few grams too!
How about taking along a scarf that doesn’t just look fab but can keep you cozy on ice-cold flights? Or those change-up pants that miraculously morph into shorts? Perfect when the weather flips its script! Top it off with shoes as chillaxed as your beachside stroll but hold their own at fancy places too. By stashing gear best suited for any kinda scene, you get to pack light without skimping on style.
Also Read: How to Pack Clothes in a Backpack
“Just in Case” Essentials: Ready for Anything
Let’s be honest here – travel surprises can pop up anywhere, anytime! That’s why having a stash of “just in case” essentials is diamonds (A heads up; we ain’t talking wonders like magic carpets!). Like this nifty rain poncho that packs away almost invisibly until—BAM—an out-of-nowhere deluge ambushes ya.
You’ll stay dry sans adding extra fluff to your luggage. Now here’s another goodie—a mini sewing kit—it may sound downright old school… until threadbare kicks in… trust me – better safe than sorry! Look ahead, foresee scenarios; rather have what ya don’t need than need what ya don’t have– I’m saying… play it safe, buddy!
Sustainable Packing: Minimize Waste, Maximize Impact
Hey Earth lovers, you know packing for a trip in an eco-friendly manner is not just rad but also feels darn great. So how about ditching those one-time-use plastics and swapping them out for stuff that can be reused ?
Like snapping up the coolest refillable water bottle that’ll keep you hydrated wherever your feet roam. And guess what’s next? It’s time to switch to planet-friendly tidbits like shampoo bars and toothpaste tabs – bye-bye pesky plastic tubes! As for clothes? Go for clever pieces that can survive many washes and wears. With these easy tweaks, we’re all geared to limit our carbon footprint while turning travel green.
Packing smart ain’t just about prepping well; it’s carving out greener journeys. So here’s wishing you happy (and safe) wanderings!
Also Read: How to Pack a Suit in a Backpack
Alright, pal. Here’s the lowdown on how to pack a backpack for air travel – and do it like a pro! First up, remember that being clever with how you pack can take the hassle out of traveling. You know the score; use techniques like rolling instead of folding, using those nifty little packing cubes, and squishing everything down to make maximum use of every inch. This will not only keep all your gear in order but also speed things up at security.
The next thing is adaptability. It’s always about expecting the unexpected, whether it be changing weather or other surprises along the way. Be smart with your clothing choices––pack pieces that work double time in multiple climates and scenarios (also known as “just in case” items). Keep looking ahead so that whatever comes your way won’t catch you unprepared.
And lastly? Think multi-purpose! Look for stuff that does more than one job – from clothes to travel essentials – and each piece adds value without adding weight to your bag. A well-chosen item can do several things at once making life easier on the road. You’ll find all this advice makes traveling by air just a tad bit less stressful and quite a lot more fun!
Going green even when packing is a thing now, you know? Choosing stuff that’s good for the planet, saying no to those nasty single-use plastics and not going overboard with what we buy can help make traveling more eco-friendly. When you pack keeping Mother Earth in mind, your trips are about more than just sightseeing – they’re about being kind to our planet too.
Knowing how to pack smart isn’t just about squishing as much as possible into your bag. It’s also about choosing wisely, being flexible, and thinking ahead for packing a backpack for airplane travel. So next time you’re jetting off somewhere cool, remember this: a well-packed bag isn’t just something you lug around – it’s the key to a hassle-free epic journey! Enjoy your trip!
Also Read: How to Pack an External Frame Backpack
How to Pack a Backpack for Air Travel: FAQs
How do you pack a backpack for a flight.
To pack a backpack for a flight, start by prioritizing essentials like travel documents, medications, and electronics. Utilize the “Roll, Don’t Fold” method to save space and minimize wrinkles in clothing. Invest in packing cubes to keep items organized, and pack heavier items closer to your back for better weight distribution. Consider the climate at your destination and pack accordingly. Opt for versatile, multipurpose clothing. Don’t forget “just in case” essentials like a rain poncho or a travel sewing kit. Finally, adhere to airline carry-on restrictions and pack thoughtfully for a seamless and stress-free journey.
What is the best way to pack a travel backpack?
The best way to pack a travel backpack is to prioritize essentials, use the “Roll, Don’t Fold” technique for efficient space utilization, and invest in packing cubes for organization. Pack heavier items closer to your back for better balance and comfort. Opt for versatile clothing and consider the weather at your destination. Utilize every available pocket, including hidden compartments, and pack “just in case” essentials. Follow airline carry-on restrictions for a hassle-free journey. Prioritizing simplicity and organization ensures a well-packed and functional travel backpack.
How do you wrap a backpack for air travel?
To prepare a backpack for air travel, start by removing any loose straps. Use a travel cover or a durable plastic bag to protect it from dirt and damage. Place a luggage tag with your contact information inside the bag. Secure zippers with travel locks for added security. Avoid overpacking to comply with airline regulations. Wrapping a backpack ensures it arrives at your destination in good condition, safeguarding it from potential wear and tear during the journey.
Can I put clothes in my backpack on a plane?
Certainly! You can pack clothes in your backpack for a plane journey. It’s a common and practical practice. Use the “Roll, Don’t Fold” method to save space and reduce wrinkles. Consider the destination’s climate and pack accordingly. Ensure any liquids adhere to airline regulations and place them in a sealed bag. Remember to include essential items like travel documents and personal necessities . Airlines generally allow passengers to carry a backpack as a carry-on item, making it a convenient and accessible choice for keeping your belongings close during the flight.
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60 Packing Tips For Travel From Expert Packers
Get ready for your next trip with our complete list of minimalist packing tips.
Maybe you got stuck paying for an overweight bag on your last trip or had trouble finding what you needed because it was buried in the bottom of your huge suitcase. Whatever the reason, you want to start your journey toward becoming a minimalist packer. But where to begin?
Well, you're in the right place! Here at Pack Hacker, we’ve been giving our community packing tips for years to help them on the road to smarter travel. There’s plenty to consider, from knowing how much clothing you need to pack for a week’s vacation to how to adapt your packing list for warm or cold weather travel. Plus, of course, there’s the gear you use to pack it all up. From a carry on backpack to packing tips for toiletries and tech, we can help.
Since this is Pack Hacker, our first set of packing tips, of course, focuses on finding the right bag for you, and we also have tons of packing tips for clothing since it will take up most of your bag.
So here is our most comprehensive roundup of all the great travel packing tips we’ve given over the years, all in one place. Whether you’re looking for help packing a carry on, packing tips for international travel, or even suitcase packing tips, we can help you. So sit down, relax, and get packing!
Packing Tips To Find The Right Bag
- Travel with a backpack: When choosing the right carry on bag for you, we prefer to travel with a backpack instead of rolling luggage when possible. No matter where you’re traveling, you won’t have to worry about wheels getting jammed with snow, dirt, mud, and salt or worry about them getting stuck in cobblestone streets. Also, when you travel with a carry on bag, you won’t have to wait at the carousel for your luggage, so you can get right to your trip (or, if you get in late, hotel).
- Consider size and weight: When looking for a carry on bag, try to find one that weighs less than four pounds, so you can pack more gear without going over the airline weight limit. There are plenty of travel backpacks out there that are packed with organizational features. Check the carry on limits of your preferred airline before you buy one, though, to ensure it will fit their restrictions. After all, no one wants to check their bag at the gate if they can help it.
- Choose your gear first: Decide what gear you’ll need before choosing your bag. Do you need specialized compartments to hold your camera kit ? Or are you a digital nomad who will pack a lot of tech gear? Some of the best tips for packing we have to share are to choose low-profile versions of the items you’re not sure you’ll need, like a packable rain jacket or hat, so you can travel with a smaller bag.
- It’s hip to be square: If you’re looking for packing tips for international travel, or airline travel in general, choosing square-shaped bags with good structure are easier to pack with more gear while still holding their shape. That’s because you can use packing cubes to hold your clothing, and they’re easier to fit into a backpack with corners than a more rounded shape. These are also great suitcase packing tips, because cubes help you stay organized no matter what type of carry on bag you prefer.
- Check the features: The ideas we share for cruise packing tips will differ from our packing tips for international travel because they'll depend on the weather at your destination. Nevertheless, one thing holds true no matter where you’re heading: know the climate of the place you’re shopping for. You may need additional weatherproofing features if you plan to hike a glacier during your Alaskan cruise or prioritize locking mechanisms if traveling to more sketchy locales in Southeast Asia.
- Consider the access points: Don’t forget about quick-access pockets when you’re looking for the right travel backpack. After spending time packing your bag just right, you don’t want to dislodge it to pull out your passport or liquid toiletries for inspection. However, if you’re planning to bring a hat or travel water bottle and your pack lacks special pockets, our travel packing tips include using a carabiner to hook them onto a bag strap. We also like using compression straps to hang onto larger gear like yoga mats and tripods.
- Watch your back: lf you’ll be carrying your bag for a while, whether through the airport to catch your connecting flight or several blocks to get to your hotel or Airbnb, ensure your backpack has extra ventilation. It’s no fun arriving at your destination with a sweaty back or overheating on the walk to the bus. More packing tips for travel include checking out duffle bags to keep your back open if you know you’re heading to a hot and humid locale or even using rolling luggage if you don’t need to worry about ground conditions slowing you down.
- Invest in your gear: No matter what your travel needs, our packing tips for travel always include investing in the best gear so it lasts for trips to come. You don’t want to find yourself on the other side of the globe when the zipper rips off your cheap backpack or the handle snaps off your suitcase, so it pays to pay a little more at the start to avoid mishaps. Our suitcase packing tips and carry on packing tips always include inspecting your gear before you go. You may have tossed your trusty bag in a corner one too many times or discover that it degraded from being stored in the sweltering attic since you last traveled.
- Bring a packable bag: Your travel backpack may be the right pick for getting you from home to vacation, but you never know when you’ll need a daypack or sling while exploring. Instead, grab a packable bag to load up for daily adventures or shopping trips to the local market.
Packing Tips To Lighten The Load
- Lightweight is easier for travel: When you’re packing for one bag travel, it’s easier to pull a carry on out of the overhead bin than wait for the plane to unload. Plus, if you’re carrying a backpack, it can get heavy to lug around while you wait for your check-in time. Most airlines limit a carry on to about 22 pounds (10 kilograms), though, compared with the 50 you can usually get in a checked bag, so it’s important to review the rules of the airline you’re flying before leaving home. If they don’t count a personal item bag toward your limit, you can use it for heavier items, like a laptop.
- Bring the essentials: Deciding what’s most important to you is one of our best packing tips for travel. While bringing a travel neck pillow on board could be nice, you may want to leave it behind and save extra space for more clothing or tech gear. If you can travel with a smaller version of what you need, like bringing a tablet or a smartphone instead of a laptop, you’ll save space and weight in your bag.
- Sweat the small stuff to save ounces: Every ounce counts, so optimizing your gear and going for packable versions to lighten the load are great tips for packing. Think compressible travel water bottles and packable rain jackets instead of full-size gear, and opt for a minimalist wallet instead of a bulky bifold. Our carry on packing tips always include going through your wallet and leaving cards you don’t need while traveling behind.
- Bigger isn’t better: Another item to add to our list of packing tips for travel is to reduce the size of your gear, whether it’s by bringing just the head to your razor or toothbrush so you can pack a smaller toiletry bag, or bringing lighter-weight travel tech gadgets . While you may sacrifice a little if you bring a smaller battery bank with a lower capacity, it’ll be worth it to save weight and avoid surprise fees at the airport.
Tips To Pack Strategically
- Save space in your carry on: When’s the last time you returned from a trip without some sort of souvenir? When packing, leave space in your carry on bag for the fun things you might want to bring home, whether it’s a T-shirt, a tchotchke, or a new snack. Or be sure to bring a packable bag so you can carry them on the plane as a personal item bag on your return trip.
- Share space with a friend: If you’re traveling with family or a friend, you may be able to share space in each other’s bags to carry less. For instance, you may be able to pack all your gear for the plane in one personal item bag and use your companion's bag for snacks.
- Get creative with your gear: Pack gear that works double duty, protecting your glasses from scratches in socks, for example, or using a hoodie as a neck pillow. If you’re staying at a hotel, you can leave a lot of toiletries behind since there’s likely to be soap and shampoo in the shower. As for tech, don’t bring chargers for each item. Instead, bring one universal charger to power up all your gear.
- Lay it all out: When you’re packing, lay everything out and then divide it into piles of what will be used daily, less frequently, and rarely. Then consider the gear you use rarely or less frequently and see if there’s anything you can ditch to save weight in your pack. Lying everything out also gives you a better idea of how to pack your bag properly since you can first organize it by category and type.
- Practice your trip: One of the best packing tips is to do it early. Pack for your trip in advance, and then try living out of your bag for a while. Carry it around the block for a trial run to figure out how it will feel as you walk from security to your boarding gate. That way, if it doesn’t feel good, you can figure out what’s poking you in the back before you’re on the streets of New York City or Singapore.
Carry On Packing Tips
- Be strategic with placement: Where you pack your gear in your bag is just as important as what you pack. Keep heavy items in the center of your backpack that will ideally hit you between your hips and shoulder blades and as close to your back as possible for maximum comfort and weight distribution. Then make use of exterior pockets to keep travel essentials like a wallet, your passport, and an extra layer within easy reach.
- Add organization: If you don’t want all of your clothing to be in a messy heap when you reach your destination, use packing cubes and pouches to organize your gear. Not only can you keep your clothing sorted into different categories to be easy to find later, but you can make sure your rolls stay rolled instead of shifting and sliding around during your flight. If you're making multiple stops on your trip, pack everything in the same spot as you move around so you always know where to find it.
- Carry on wisely: Check the personal item limits of your specific airline because you may be able to use that to pack instead of paying for a carry on bag. If you get to the airport and find your carry on bag or checked luggage is over the limit, you can shift some items into your personal item bag to reduce the weight. And wear bulkier clothing on the plane since that will save space and weight, too.
- Organize and modularize your gear: If you switch between bags for different destinations, consider packing your gear in pouches. Then you can easily swap your tech accessories, from your travel backpack to your daypack .
- Stay secure: More packing trips for travel focus on security. Whether heading off the beaten path or to a busy metro area, you may want to invest in an anti-theft bag to keep pickpockets away from your gear. If you don’t, take extra precautions like packing your valuables innermost in your bag, and be sure to carry on sensitive gear (like medication) so it doesn’t end up on the wrong plane by accident.
Packing Tips For Clothing
- Know when to fold ‘em, when to roll ‘em, and when to bundle up: The clothing you pack will dictate how you pack it. Rolling will make your clothing more compact but can cause more wrinkles, so we don't recommend it for delicate fabrics like silk or linen. The Marie Kondo KonMari method of folding—where your items are folded lengthwise in thirds, then halved top to bottom, and in thirds that direction again—is faster and produces fewer wrinkles. Still, it works best in clamshell bags, cubes, or a traditional suitcase. For delicate fabrics, roll an entire outfit together. It causes fewer wrinkles, and then you won’t have to search for that one missing piece of your ensemble.
- Aim for versatility: Pack a capsule wardrobe by bringing pieces that can mix and match with each other so you can bring less. If you’re unsure of the weather or heading to cooler temperatures, more packing tips for travel include bringing items that can layer together for warmth. Also, pack gear that can serve double duty, like shorts you can swim in or a one-piece bathing suit that looks like a tank top when paired with bottoms.
- Mind your materials: When choosing items for a capsule wardrobe, one of our best packing tips is to opt for breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or Merino wool , which naturally regulates your body temperature so you can get more uses out of one piece between washings.
- Prepare for Mother Nature: Even if you check the forecast in advance, it may not be right! So be sure to bring a packable rain jacket in case of sudden downpours, a packable travel jacket in case of cooler weather, and a travel towel in case it’s warm enough to hit the beach.
- Consider compression: If you’re looking for packing tips to fit bulky sweaters, jackets, and scarves in your carry on bag, we have one word for you: compression. While compression cubes and pouches are overkill if you’re only packing T-shirts and shorts, they work well for gear that takes up a lot of space, especially if you have to pack extra layers for colder weather.
- Space out: For the ultimate in compression, use a vacuum to suck the air out of space bags. Just realize that it will take more effort and leave your clothing more wrinkled—plus, you’ll have to find a vacuum at your destination to repack for the journey home.
- Dressy clothing is delicate: When you’re looking for packing tips for a dressy destination, we recommend using a garment folder to keep your clothing as neat as possible. They take up more room in your carry on bag, but some companies make ones that fit in larger travel backpacks. Or if it’s just a weekend trip for a wedding, use a garment bag as your carry on bag. You can usually fit shoes and a toiletry bag at the bottom; some even have extra pockets for organizing other small gear.
- If the shoe fits: Wearing bulkier shoes or boots on the plane is one of our best packing tips for travel, but if you do have to find room in your pack for travel shoes , you can use the inside to hold socks, chargers, souvenirs, and other small gear to make use of the otherwise-wasted space. And don’t forget a shoe bag, or even a plastic grocery bag, to keep the residue on the bottom of your shoes from dirtying the rest of your clothing and travel gear.
- Keep your gear dry: Bring a pack liner or a dry bag in your carry on bag so that you can stick any damp or smelly clothing inside for the return trip.
Packing Tips for a Road Trip
- Plan before hitting the pavement: Download entertainment and maps to prepare for the chance of losing a signal on the drive. We also recommend packing your car the night before. You’re more likely to forget something if you’re rushing at the last minute. Our other packing tips for travel on the road include aiming to leave before the sun sets. Seeing where you’re going will help you get off to a good start.
- Pack a car bag: Since you’ll want to pack your travel backpack or duffle bag in the trunk to save room for your passengers, fill a daypack or travel tote bag with the gear you’ll need on the road, like your ID, snacks, gum, and entertainment.
- Keep your dashboard tidy: Finding a place for everything will help you feel calm when you reach your destination, so use the center console for things like spare change, receipts, and snacks that don’t fit in your road bag. Making sure your travel mug fits in the cup holder and grabbing a small bag for trash before you leave home are more great road trip packing tips .
- Pack your vehicle strategically: Keep the items you’ll need on the road, like a travel neck pillow, extra layer, and your road bag, in the backseat so they’ll be within easy reach. Pack everything else in the trunk to prioritize legroom.
- Dress for the drive: A road trip is not the time to be on trend with your fashion (unless you’re going the athleisure route). Instead, opt for stretchy, comfortable clothing that won’t dig in when you’re seated for hours at a time. Plus, flexible fabrics are less likely to wrinkle in the car. And don’t forget to pack sunglasses . You may start when the light is dim, but you’ll be happy you have them after a few hours.
- Take care of your passengers: Packing tips for a road trip include packing for your passengers, as well! Ensure they’ll be comfortable with extra layers, snacks, and a travel neck pillow. Or use a packable jacket or packing cube to save space.
- Get your car cuisine on point: Packing healthy foods will sustain you for miles instead of junk food, which will make you feel sluggish and hungry faster. We like using soft-sided small coolers because they take up less room, and you can use one to pack snacks or a lunch, plus your drinks.
Minimalist Packing Tips For Summer Travel
- Stay hydrated: Nothing will ruin a trip faster than a headache brought on by dehydration. Stay ahead of the game when you travel with a collapsible water bottle since you can fill it when you need a drink, and it will take up less space when you don’t. If insulation is important to you, make space for a bottle that will keep your drink cold for hours, like a YETI or a Hydro Flask. Most travel backpacks have a water bottle pocket, so fill it up! If you plan to hike, outdoor packing tips for travel include looking for a daypack that can hold a water bladder.
- Don’t get burned: If you’re looking for cruise packing tips, listen up. You’ll probably be spending a lot of your trip in the sun, whether lying by the pool, on the beach, or exploring the destinations you stop at. Packing sunscreen will save you from paying inflated prices on the ship or at tourist destinations, and you can also save your skin by packing a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves. Look for a crushable hat and minimalist sunglasses so they won’t take up extra room in your bag.
- Find fantastic footwear: While some people can wander all day in flip-flops with nary a blister, we think vacation packing tips should include finding supportive sandals that will get you through a day’s adventures. And if you’re planning to be more active, wear moisture-wicking socks with your shoes to stave off sweaty feet. Breaking in the shoes or sandals you plan to wear before you leave home is a must, too, so you can relax comfortably on your trip.
- Stay fresh and clean: If you’re traveling somewhere that’s much warmer than you’re used to, be sure to pack some cleansing wipes and a packable towel in your travel daypack. Then you can wipe down to feel fresh and clean as you explore without feeling like you’ve melted by the end of the day.
- Expect the unexpected: If you’ve packed well in advance of your trip, checking the weather right before you leave may allow you to leave some gear behind. Of course, if you’re heading somewhere the forecast is unpredictable (hello, Florida), pack an extra layer or rain jacket just in case of a cold snap or an afternoon downpour. You can always use it as a travel pillow on the plane!
Budget Packing Tips
- Find freebies: Looking for budget packing tips? One of the best is to bring home free toiletries from the hotel and refill the bottles on your next trip. They’re likely the right size for your 3-1-1 bag, and you won’t have to purchase specific containers.
- Reuse household containers: Look around your house before buying travel bottles . Tic Tac canisters, pill bottles, and bead organizers can all be put to good use organizing your tiny tech, toiletries, and jewelry when you’re on the road. You can also use a hard glasses case as a DIY tech kit for small accessories and secure cords with hair ties or a rubber band.
- Mind your money: You don’t have to spend big bucks on a minimalist wallet. A binder clip works quite well to hold your cash and cards together, although it may feel slightly bulky in your pocket. Of course, you can also hold them together with a hair tie or rubber band, as well.
- Avoid laundry fees: If you are traveling for a while, we have some long-term packing tips for you. Don’t pay to send your clothing to the cleaners. Instead, hand wash your gear in the hotel sink with laundry sheets, a detergent you bring from home, or the hotel soap. Stick a dryer sheet in your travel backpack to keep your gear smelling fresh.
- Loc it up: If you haven’t invested in packing cubes, keep organized with a Ziploc bag! They work great as budget packing cubes, and you can even label them to make it easy to find your favorite tee when you get to your Airbnb. A pillowcase or a laundry bag can also work well.
- Make it personal: Here’s a suitcase packing tip for you. If you have to check a bag, personalize it with a ribbon, duct tape, a pin, or a patch to tell it apart from the rest on the carousel.
Tips For Packing Tech
- Carry space-efficient gear: Look for space-saving versions of tech accessories you can’t live without, such as a smaller wall charger, a silicone keyboard that rolls up, and a universal cord.
- Your phone can do everything: Most smartphones can do just about everything, from helping with navigation to keeping you entertained and recording your memories. So leave the camera, GPS, music, and game systems behind. You can even eliminate a minimalist wallet if you get a case with a pocket for cash and cards.
- Clean up your cables: Wrap up your cables and cords with cable ties, VELCRO, or gear ties. It will ensure nothing gets tangled in your tech pouch and let you see everything else inside at the same time.
- Downsize your pouches: More tips for packing tech include downsizing the case you carry it in. Whether it’s for tech, toiletries, or other gear, it will force you to be creative and pack less. Then you’ll save space and weight in your bag.
- Find a brand you love: If you like one or two pieces of gear by one company (it’s no secret that’s Apple for us!), you’ll likely enjoy most of their products, and when you go all in on one ecosystem, you’re more likely to be able to leave extra adapters and chargers behind, since they may all use the same equipment to power up.
- Bring backups: This goes double if you’re looking for packing tips for international travel, but if there’s a piece of gear you can’t live without, bring a backup. If you must have a certain cord, camera, or charger to work remotely, don’t take a chance of not being able to find it when you’re living the digital nomad life on the other side of the world.
Packing Tips For Travel To Cold Destinations
- Layer up: Packing layers for your capsule wardrobe is even more essential for cold weather. Our tips for packing cold-weather clothing include bringing a moisture-wicking base layer, a thermal shirt, and a mid-layer sweater or hoodie to keep you warm under an outer layer, like a packable puffer jacket. Top it off with a rain jacket, and you can take on almost anything. Plus, all those pieces work well solo when the temperature climbs.
- Invest in a rain jacket: They’re not just for spring showers. A good rain jacket will help buffet the wind, sleet, and snow, too, and since they’re usually pretty packable, it’s worth making room for them in your carry on bag.
- Don’t forget the accessories: You’ll be cold if you forget to cover your extremities, so be sure to bring a pair of gloves, a hat, and maybe even a scarf with you when traveling to colder climes. Our packing tips for travel include bringing a buff for its versatility. It can act as a scarf, a hat, a face mask, and an eye mask in a pinch, and it takes up so little space it’s worth bringing along wherever you go.
- Stay dry: You’ll be colder if moisture seeps in than you would in the same temperature when you’re dry. So invest in weatherproof pieces to keep precipitation at bay and moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry if they start to sweat in your warm boots.
Now for a bonus packing tip—get creative! If you follow all of these tips, you’ll have room for some of the extras you prefer to bring along. Being a minimalist packer doesn’t look the same for everyone, so customize our list to you and happy travels! And if you want to learn more, be sure to check out our YouTube channel for all of our minimalist packing tip videos.
June 6, 2023
Author: Kristyne Defever
Kristyne loves theme parks, tropical islands, and hitting the road in the camper with her family. Whether running through Walt Disney World, walking the shores of Lake Michigan, or hiking the Smoky Mountains, she's happiest exploring the outdoors. She enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband, daughter, dog, and cat.
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37 Packing Hacks: The Best Travel Hacks For Packing
Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .
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
With our packing hacks for travel, you will be a packing pro in no time! Get started right away with your FREE Packing Checklist!
Start planning your next trip ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing ! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !
We Want To Know: What are your best travel packing hacks? Give us your tips and advice in the comments below!
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Complete Guide To Backpacking Hacks | 70+ Tried & Tested Backpack Hacks & Travel Tips to try now
Like with most things in life, there’s an easy way and a hard way to do something. Packing for travel is no different. To date, I have travelled to well over 50 countries, each time picking up new backpacking hacks and travel tips that help me travel, stress-free. And today I’m sharing this with you.
Of course, you could find out the best travel hacks yourself, by learning through your own mistakes. Or you could save yourself the hassle by following a travel checklist like this.
This extensive list is filled to the brim with over 70 of the best backpacking tips that you can put into action, right now . I’ve refined the way I travel over the years, mostly based on trial and error and then learning from my mistakes. Now, you can learn to pack like a pro whether you’re going on a short city break or a full-blown round-the-world trip.
Not a backpacker? no problem. Many of these backpacker hacks will give you ideas on how to pack for many other styles of travel. I guarantee, whatever your travel style, you will discover some absolute gems in this article.
Some of the links on Meet Me In Departures are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Table of Contents
At A Glance – My Top 10 Travel ACCESSORIES
It’s time to delve into the best backpack hacks for travel. Because this list is so extensive, at the top you’ll find my top 10 travel hacks. The main list of backpacker hacks has been divided into categories, so you can scroll down to the relevant section
71 Awesome backpack hacks for you to try
Travel tips & backpacking hacks on gadgets.
1. Noise cancelling headphones – I’m rubbish when I don’t get enough sleep, whether it’s on a plane because of a baby screaming, or in a dorm room with what sounds like King Kong snoring the place down.
Earplugs are one option, but I don’t like the feeling of something inside my ear. So, I’ve opted for a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Hellloooo peaceful sleep.
I can 100% vouch for these noise-cancelling headphones by Sony. I don’t travel without them! Don’t believe me? Check out the reviews here .
Check the reviews and price on these noise cancelling wireless headphones from Sony here.
2. A portable charge bank – This is invaluable as a backup plan for every gadget owner to have an emergency power source. Not all aeroplanes or buses have charge points and sometimes at an airport, all the charge points are in use or you just don’t have time to wait for charge.
There are loads of charge banks on the market, but it’s best opt for a power bank with a high capacity and with multiple charge ports.
You might like this portable power bank from Amazon.
3. Utilise an offline map app – There are loads of off-line maps out there, heck, even Google does it. My personal favourite is Maps.me for any overseas navigation. It’s free and super easy to use, just download the app on your phone in a wifi area, add the maps of the specific area you are going to, search for your destination and then drop a pin. You can even add personal notes to the pins you drop. I’ve used this app so many times when I am outside of a wifi area. Give it a go!
4. Universal power adapter with multiple sockets – Every seasoned traveller’s been there. A dorm for 8 people, but with only enough power sockets for 4! Thankfully, lots of the newer hostels are cottoning on to this and if you’re lucky you’ll get your own personal socket next to your bed. Backpacker Bingo! However, with multiple things to charge, it’s a ball ache only being able to charge one thing at a time.
Get around the problem with a worldwide power adapter with multiple USB charge points on it.
Opt for a universal power socket like this.
5. A Lightweight mini-tripod – As much as I love solo travel , it can be kinda annoying when I want to take photos of myself in locations. But if I don’t want my arm in the photo, then what? If there is someone else about to take a photo, then easy, ask them. If you’re on your own, makeshift props using a bag, a wall, rocks etc, has to make do…or not.
A great backpacking hack is to use a portable tripod with bendable legs so you can mount it on any surface.
The JOBY GorillaPod series are the best quality ones to go for. They come in a range of sizes, even mini tripods that support up to 3kg of weight! Twin this with an app linking that links your camera to your phone, and voila, who needs a photographer?!?
You can check out the full Joby Gorillapod range here.
6. A clothes peg to stop headphone cables getting tangled – Although I love my wireless noise cancelling headphones, sometimes I still opt for my old-skool style ear bud style ones, with the cables on them. Yes, I know they aren’t super cool but, bear with me, they are perfect to take to the beach, or anywhere near the sea. I don’t mind them getting covered in sand, saltwater and suntan lotion. Plus, no one’s going to nick a pair of old skool headphones if I leave them lying about.
My biggest pet hate with them is that the cables get tangled. A super simple backpacking hack to wave goodbye to those tangled up cables is a single humble clothes peg. Clip the ear-bud section into the peg, wrap the cable around the peg, and then clip in the jack. It’s the perfect solution to keeping them tidy!
7. High Capactiy SD Cards – I love my adventure sport and soon realised that travelling with a GoPro and recording every scuba dive, white water rafting, a climbing experience that my SD cards were constantly out of space. After two months in Costa Rica, I’d filled over three SD cards. Buying them at airports cost me a fortune!
Order them from your home country in before your trip. I use a high capacity SD card like the Class 10 SanDisk 128GB card . It comes with an adapter, so I can use the cards in any of my cameras.
You can order your high capacity SD card here
8. Make use of free wif i – If you’re reliant on wifi, then international go-to’s for decent and free wifi are Starbucks and MacDonald’s. It’s also worth checking out some of the bigger hotels, town squares, cafes, museums also allow you to connect for free.
9. Organise cables in a sunglass case – No doubt you will be taking electronic items with you which means the potential of having to carry lots of different cables. A top backpacking hack and handy way to keep these organised is by packing them into a sunglass case (either the hard case or soft zip-up pouch). You’ll always know where they are and this will stop them getting tangled up and damaged.
TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON FOOD & DRINK
10. Take a food container and travel cutlery – There’s nothing worse than being stuck out on a day trip or on a long journey with overpriced and uninspirational food.
Pack a food container and travel cutlery. Perfect! This bento box style container is a great option and I’m actually a little bit in love with this beautiful rose gold reusable travel cutlery set .
11. Book hostels or accommodation with a kitchen – This top backpacker hack is great for anyone with dietary requirements, as well as saving you a mini fortune. Cooking your own meals takes a little bit of time for sure, but think how much money you’re literally devouring each day, everytime you eat out. For long term travel, you’ll become a whiz at knocking up quick, cheap and nutritious meals.
12. A portable coffee maker – If, like me, you’ll understand the NEED for your daily caffeine fix before you’re even capable of facing the day. If you’re lucky, your accommodation might supply you with some sachets of brown granules they call ‘coffee’. Frankly, it tastes like piss and certainly does nothing towards hitting the spot.
I’m happy to admit that I’m a bit of a coffee snob and I’m ok with that. This travel coffee press by Bodum is a must for if you want fresh coffee on the go .
If you’re a coffee snob, you’ll love this travel French press .
13. Eat the street food – Ask the staff at your accommodation for the best non-tourist places to go for authentic food.
The main worry people have is, particulalry with street food is, ‘is the food safe?!’ On the whole, yes! A good indication is that if there are a lot of locals eating there then the food is cheap, safe and tasty.
14. Use a water bottle with an intergrated filter – The world does not need more plastic waste, however, this can be difficult in countries where you can not drink the water. To combat this invest in a water purification filter bottle .
These ingenious bottles filter out 99.9% of waterborne pathogens and allows you to drink the water from taps or freshwater sources like rivers!
You can read more on how water purification filter bottles work here.
15. Take some Herbs and Spices with you – Hostel kitchens can be basic. Sometimes all you’ll find is a few old pots n pans, a chipped plate and a bent fork. If you’re lucky you might find an old box of salt to add some seasoning. To be frank, you’re more likely to find a lump of unicorn poo in a hostel kitchen than some decent herbs and spices!
There’s only so much bland food I can tolerate on a long-term trip. A handy trick is to put some spices and dried herbs into little pots or zip bags. A bit of basil or chilli powder can turn a bland dish into something super tasty.
16. Carry a dietary information card – Whether it’s an intolerance, an allergy or a dietary requirement, it’s handy to have the phrase ‘I cannot eat……’ written in the local language. Ask the staff at your accomodation to help you if you are struggling with Google Translate.
Alternatively, pictures of items you cannot eat with a cross through (a bit like a road sign) can also be really useful if you are unsure of the language and want to avoid certain items.
17. Discount drinking – Backpackers love to drink. However, drinking out at bars can be expensive, unless you can find a decent bar that offers a happy hour. A great backpacking hack is to suss out the local shop and drink elsewhere, like the sunset on the beach. Just remember to check street-drinking rules for the country you are in! Don’t forget to pack a little bottle opener too!
18. Free breakfasts – Everyone likes free food right? Some hostels offer amazing breakfasts, others are minimal (white bread or toast, bland jam and watery coffee). It’s also just more convenient.
Set this as a search option when you are booking your accommodation.
TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON GETTING ABOUT
19. Use incognito mode to get the cheapest flight deals – Skyscanner is my go-to for cheap flights. When you’re searching make sure you do it in ‘incognito’ or secret mode. You know when you look at a flight and it’s one price, then go back later to check it and it’s going up – that’s because of the algorithm your device is sending to Skyscanner. Searching in secret mode stops this from happening. There are other easy things you should be doing to get the best deal on flights too.
20. Book your flights at the optimum time This is usually at around 6-8 weeks before departure, often on a Tuesday or Wednesday at mid-afternoon.
21. Avoid using taxis hailed down off the street – This is a sure-fire way to an expensive journey. Depending on where in the world you are, there is a multitude of ‘taxi’ apps, Grab (Asia), Bolt (Baltics) and Uber are all much cheaper than the regular cabbie.
22. Lift-share – Put a notice in reception or check-in desk or simply mention it to the staff at a hostel that you’re interested in lift sharing.
Lift sharing is also a great way to meet likeminded travellers. Who knows, you might even stumble across some off-the-beaten-track place on your journey and with comfort in numbers, go explore someplace you’d never considered.
23. Don’t dismiss public transport – Sometimes, the quickest and cheapest way to get around is via the public trasnport system.
Depending on which country you are in public trains and buses can range from budget to full-on luxury. Unfortunately, pickpockets exist everywhere. Just be careful to keep an eye on your stuff on certain routes by using a anti-theft secure bag, like the options here
I love this cute PU Leather anti theft bag ! Find out more here
Check prices on this USB charging anti-theft backpack
TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON MONEY
24. Notify your bank that you are travelling overseas – During my trip to Austrailia, I was locked out of my cards. It was the most frustratingly infuriating thing ever.
A big phone bill later from calling UK help-lines, I did manage to get my card unlocked but I could have saved myself the frustration if notified them I was abroad.
25. Set a budget – Depending where in the world you are travelling, this will vary big time! For example, in most of South East Asia, I can get by on about $20-30 a day to cover my accommodation, food, travel and activites. However, switch the destination to Europe, I struggled with keeping within $50 a day limit.
It’s a sensible idea to set a daily or weekly budget before you go, and really try to stick to it. It’s great to have the credit card as back up for unexpected costs or impulsive purchases, but just be aware of the mounting cost.
The worst thing after coming back from an epic trip is checking the dwindling bank balance and a huge debt to pay off.
26. Don’t be scared to Flashpack once in a while – For the bulk of the time, I travel on a budget – for food, accommodation, transport. If I can find a way to be thrifty, you can bet I’m doing it.
Unless you’re in the fortunate position of having some big funds behing you, most long-term travellers are on a budget. BUT it’s exhausting.
Just once in a while, you’ll feel backpacker burn out. It’s times like these when it’s ok to splash out a little bit and get a tiny bit of luxury in your life for a couple of days to recoup.
To keep in budget, offset your splurge days with a few days either side of spending next to no money at all. Chilling on the beach is a good way to achieve this.
27. Use a currency converter app – So, there are easy currencies to work with, for example, Dollar, Pound Sterling and Euro. The currency comes in fairly small denominations.
On the other hand, Vietnam and Cambodia, just HOW many zero’s on their bills?
I found it so confusing having to count up the number of zeros on the end of a number to discover it was actually only worth a couple of pounds!
But it’s this confusion, that makes tourists a prime target for being short-changed when instead of paying the equivalent of $2 for something, you pay $20!
Use a simple currency converter app on your phone to stop this happening.
28. Stash some emergency cash – It’s a good idea to keep a bit of emergency money with you and keep it hidden somewhere safe in case of emergencies. You might lose a bank card, or be stuck somewhere with no ATMs.
29. Don’t be afraid to haggle – As a tourist, regardless of how skint you think you are, you will be seen as a walking money bank. In a lot of countries, the whole concept of travel is a pipeline drea.
Because of this, you’ll learn quickly that there is what’s known as the ‘local price’ and then the ‘tourist price’.
As a rule of thumb, the first price you’re offered will be at 10x its actual value. Learn the art of haggling.
An Ethical Note on Haggling
If you are haggling for something which has been handcrafted (as in it’s not been mass-produced in a factory and has a ‘made in China’ sticker on it) do take into account how much time and effort has gone into the piece.
As a traveller, you’re already better off finacially than a lot of others in the world.
Regardless to whether it’s a rug, scarf, bag, artwork etc. That extra dollar you are trying to bargain down could mean the difference between a meal for a whole family or not.
So yes, do haggle, but just be ethical about it.
30. Use clips to separate and organise money – If you are on a multi-destination style trip you will come across lots of different currencies. To keep them all organised, use a money clip, but paper-clips work just as well.
31. Make the most of free stuff in each location – Pretty much every city I’ve been to offer a free city walking tour. Not only a great way to meet other travellers, but also to get the lo-down on the layout of the city and some insider nuggets of information.
These tours do operate on a tip basis, so if you enjoyed it or found it of some value then don’t forget to tip the guide!
Other things to look out for are free museums, live music and public events happening.
Hostels staff or the local tourist board (either tourist information shop, or online) are usually pretty good at divulging this type of info.
TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON CLOTHING
32. Use Packing-Cubes to keep stuff organised – Looking back, I don’t even know how I managed without the use of these amazing packing cubes .
Not only do they add an extra layer of protection to keep your clothes clean and dry, but they are also amazing for keeping your stuff organised. They also have a handy zipper round the outisde which squishes everything down, so you can fit loads more stuff into your luggage.
If you take away just one backpacking hack, let packing cubes be it!
33. Roll your clothing – Rolling your clothes actually takes up less space than folding it, according to research it also helps to keep clothing more crease-free. A win-win situation!
34. Co-ordinate your packing – If you are limited by how many items you can pack into your rucksack, then make sure you pack items with colours or patterns that can easily be mix and matched . Likewise, try and pack multi-purpose clothing; a casual beach dress by day can be smartened up for the evening by twinning it with a pretty shoal and strappy sandals. Accessories are also a good way to add diversity to a bland outfit.
35. Invest in a large sarong …and know how to use it
- A large sarong is less bulky than a towel for trips to the beach, a sarong can be made into a quick fix sun dress to wear until you get there.
- Temples often require you to cover up your shoulders or knees, a quick fix is to tie your sarong over your shoulders, or wrap it over your shorts so it covers your knees.
- On chilly flights and long bus journeys, your sarong can be used as a lightweight blanket.
- If you are going camping, a sarong can be bundled up and used as an emergency pillow.
- You can make a privacy curtain if you are staying in a dorm room on a bottom bunk.
- A pretty sarong can be knotted, twisted and tucked in a multitude of ways to make a funky dress, top or skirt.
36. Dress for the culture – This goes for guys and girls. Do a little research on the dos and don’ts in a country. For example, my trip to Jordan. Despite it being hot, it’s not as culturally acceptable to walk about in a mid-drift top and little denim shorts.I packed clothes suitable for the middle east .
Likewise, in Thailand , you can not enter a temple unless you are appropriately dressed.
Wear what you like, yes – but just remember how you dress at home could be seen as incredibly disrespectful, or promiscuous to people in other parts of the world.
37. Pack light – You won’t need as many clothes as you think. Trust me.
Before you go, lay out everything you’re planning on taking on the floor. Go through everything with the aim of ditching at least 1/3 of it. If you can get rid of a 1/2 then even better!
Be strict with yourself. Having to lug a 15kg backpack around, when it’s a 30minute walk in the scorching heat isnt fun.
38. Use shower caps as shoe covers – I’m not sure who uses shower caps for their actual purpose BUT they are fabulous for putting around the bottom of a pair of dirty shoes and keeping the contents of your backpack muck free.
TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON HEALTH & FITNESS
39. Take basic loo kit – In many countries around the world, public amenities such as toilets aren’t up to the standard we’re used to in the west; especially on long road trips in lots of Asia, Africa and South America. I highly recommended you keep a little ‘loo kit’ in your day bag – toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitizer – you’ll thank yourself when nature calls.
40. A washbag with a hook – Frequently, bathrooms in hostels lack hooks. You’ll be tasked with the balancing of finding somewhere dry to put your towel, clean clothes, dirty clothes and any toiletries you might be using.
Take care of one of these problems by opting for a travel toiletry organiser bag with a hook to keep everything off the floor.
Shop for a travel toiletry organiser bag with a hook here
41. Keep hairpins in an old mint container – Hairpins get everywhere. If bobby pins are part of your daily hair routine, then keep them organised in an old mint tin.
42. Go miniature with toiletries – Do this for any toiletry you can not get in a solid block form. Decant your liquids into miniature bottles like these cute silcone ones.
Shop for mini silcone travel bottles on Amazon
43. Use solid shampoo instead of liquids – Bottles of liquid are heavy and bulky, pluse can be prone to leakages. Solve all three of these problems and use solid blocks of shampoo and conditioner instead .
44. Take a mini first aid kit – Most towns will have a shop that ‘might’ sell some basic first aid stuff but it’s handy to carry some essentials with you.
Take a basic first aid kit and add to it antihistamines, paracetamol/ibuprofen, diarrhoea tablets and rehydration powder, bug-bite cream and travel or sea sickness tablets. This gives me a pretty comprehensive travel first aid kit which comes on all my trips.
45. A compact travel towel – If you’re staying in hostels, most likely, you’ll have to provide your own towel.
Go for a microfibre one which are light weight and quick drying. Not only that, they are super soft on your skin and take up next to no space.
They also come in a range of colourful fun prints. The perfect travel towel!
Opt for a light weight and quick drying travel towel like these
46. Use a bulldog clip over the end of your shaver – Probably the most annoying of all cuts are shaver cuts on your fingers as you are rummaging about your toiletry bag. If your shaver doens’t have a protective cover, then use a bulldog clip over the blade instead. You fingers will forgive you.
47. Use headscarf or bandana for bad hair days – Granted, there are going to be some days when your hair looks like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards. Use a multifunctional headscarf to transform your bed-head look into something more presentable.
Messy buns and a headscarf, that’s backpacker chic you know!
48. Go minimal with the make-up – Humidity, sweat and makeup never bode well. Save the hassle, bulk and weight and just take the bare minimal with you. For me, that’s a little bit of concealer, a neutral shade of eye shadow, waterproof mascara and lip balm.
TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON SAFETY
49. Always keep your day bag in sight – Busy areas are prime territory for pick-pockets. If your back isn’t secure, then carry it on your front. Better still, use an anti theft backpack.
Also, try to get out of the habit of leaving your bag slung over the back of a chair or sat on the floor when you’re sitting at a table. These places make it easy for someone to walk past and grab it. Instead put your rucksack on the floor in between your legs, with your own leg or the chair/ table leg hooked through the strap. If it’s a smaller bag, keep it on your lap.
50. Use a decent quality lock – The majority of hostels or hotels will proveid somewhere safe to keep your things. In hostels, you ususally have to provide your own lock. Buy a decent quality padlock before you go. Hostels will often sell them, but cheap nasty things at a hugely marked up price.
51. Hide your valuables on your body – If you’re out and about in a busy area and don’t want to take a big bag with you, then to keep your valuables safe by using a money belt or a hidden zip scarf .
Shop Now: Scarf with a hidden zip pocket
52. Don’t flash expensive stuff about – I always think this is a common sense travel hack, however, I’m always amazed by how much bling some people take travelling with them. If you’re going to walk about looking like a jewellery shop or a designer clothes horse then expect to be a target to thieves. This includes if you have gone shopping and are walking about holding a carrier bag with a designer brand on it, you’re a walking beacon to would be thiefs.
The same goes for technology, be sure you know exactly where your phone and camera are. They can be easily snatched out of your hand.
TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON PACKING & ORGANISATION
53. Use a travel organiser wallet with LOTS of compartments – Most things, thankfully come in a digital format now. However, you will always have important documents which you’ll need to keep to hand, such as your passport.
Keep your important documents in order with a multi-compartmented travel organiser .
Stay organised with a travel document organiser like this
54. Bring a small laundry bag – Any small and lightweight bag will do. Canvas tote bags are perfect for keeping your dirty stuff together and squishing into your backpack. When you need to do washing, just grab the whole bag and drop it to the laundry.
55. Reuse plastic bags – I’m not a fan of single-use plastics, so keep hold of any plastic bag you use, and reutilise it. For example, the ones that your blanket on the airline is wrapped in is perfect! You never know when you might have wet or muddy clothing to pack away. It gives a second use to a would-be landfill item.
56. A foldable duffle bag – Use this to overflow into, espeically if you’re planning on travelling long term. Naturally, you will a few bits along the way.
These foldable bags are so compact and lightweight, they fit easily in your regualr bag. They can also double up as a pillow to use on a long bus ride – stuff it with a jumper and voila, you have a great place to rest your head.
Check prices on foldable duffle bags here
57. Wrap tiny items in tissue paper – Stop your jewellery getting tangled and lost by wrapping them in tissue paper.
58. Pack the heaviest items first – Bigger items like shoes, can be filled with smaller stuff before being packed. Pack the big items first and then fill in any little awkward and annoying gaps with small squishable items.
59. Take a carabiner – These super little handy clips are worth their weight in gold and have a whole host of uses. Essentally, you’ll be able to clip pretty much anything to, err…anything.
TRAVEL TIPS & BACKPACKING HACKS ON BACKPACKING ESSENTIALS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
60. Bring a small notebook journal and pen – As much as I love my phone and laptop, sometimes it’s nice to have an electronic detox and to be able to sit and write down my thoughts and feelings on old fashioned pen and paper.
If the idea of a totally blank note book scares you then why not go for a Travel Journal with sections and prompts to help you plan and document your whole adventure.
Shop for Travel Journal by Moleskine here
61. Pack a length of cord – Super useful if you have wet stuff after getting caught in a downpour, or done some emergency washing in a sink. Sometimes there is just no-where to hang stuff up. Tie a length of cord between the posts of your bed, between a trees, wherever, to give yourself an instant washingline.
62. Take fishing line and a basic sewing kit – If you only have to do a basic repairs on clothing, then regular cotton thread is fine. However, for anything that’s weight-bearing, like your rucksack straps, you’ll need something stronger. Fishing line is your answer.
63. A head flash light – The torch on your phone is great, but a head light is even better. I’ve used my head lamp so many times when needed to he hads free like in caves or on night hikes.
Shop for LED Headlamp Flashlight here
64. Research before you travel – Although I love the spontaneity of exploring somewhere new, it can be useful to know just a little bit about what’s in the region.
This is particularly the case if something needs to be booked in advance, or there are limited opening hours.
65. Mingle with the locals – For a more authentic experience, be sure to hang out where the locals go. The vast majority of people you’ll meet can’t want to show off and tell you about their country.
Who knows, they may tip you off about a delicious locally known restaurant or somewhere that the tourists don’t venture too because it’s not advertised. Even just saying hello and a smile goes a long way.
66. Get a waterproof phone case – Although most phones are somewhat waterproof now, I’m still not convinced of how well they are.
Also having an additional water proof case for your phone is handy for slightly wet boat rides, days at the beach when you want to go for a swim or even taking pics while you’re snorkelling.
You might also be interested in this article on choosing the best SIM for using your phone aborad
67. A pack of cards – As rubbish as I am at playing card games, they are a universal way of interacting with other travellers you meet.
There’s nothing quite like bringing a group of strangers; great for long journeys, drinking sessions at the hostel or staying in the middle of the jungle.
68. A sleeping bag liner – Sometimes, hostel bedding isn’t quite up to scratch and the cleanliness can be questionable.
A sleeping bag liner will be a much needed barrier between you and those suspect looking stains on the bedding.
Check Prices at Amazon: Sleeping Bag Liner
69. Travel insurance – I know it’s an added expense, but it really is worth it. Protection against theft, cancellations and illnesses is priceless.
I never go away without having a fully comprehensive travel insurance. I reccomend True Traveller and World Nomads which both offer competative prices and great customer service.
70. A universal sink plug – I know it’s not very exciting, but a simple item like the humble universal plug for the sink can feel like a luxury commodity in some countries. Often, they are non-existent. If you plan on being on the road for a long time and need to wash clothes, you will 100% need one of these.
71. Don’t forget your sense of fun and adventure – For many, the chance of travelling the world is a pipeline dream. If you are privileged enough to be able to travel, make the most of every opportunity. Head off the beaten track, try new stuff and open your mind to every new experience possible.
WOW! You made it to the end! That was a pretty epic list of backpacking hacks, well done for persevering. Now ypu know exactly how to pack like a pro, you’ll be totally equipped for every eventuality.
- If you’re a bit tech-savvy, then check out these awesome gadgets for travel
- Thinking of upping your photography game? You’ll love this detailed article on the 14 best cameras on the market right now.
Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed DIY travel addict and experience connoisseur!
In other words, I’m a solo traveller on a mission to experience the best adventures our fabulous little planet offers. I love creating my own itineraries that focus on unforgettable experiences, from climbing mountains and scuba diving to spotting wildlife and exploring ancient ruins.
When I'm not on an adventure, you'll probably find me sipping coffee or with a glass of wine in hand, planning my next journey.
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.
This manual vacuum sealed bags are an easy and light option to travel.
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, the ones with various compartments are great.
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.
This highly rated one is also used by many of our guests.
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 personally use 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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