Pull out your planned schedule and pack outfits based on the activities you will do. This saves you from overpacking, instead of winging it.

Pro tip: Pack clothing you can wear for multiple occasions, and mix and match pieces.

Having a grab-and-go travel-only bag with all of your essentials is one less thing to worry about when it’s time to pack; especially when you’re in a rush.

Pro tip: When you return from a trip, make sure to restock your toiletries so it’s always ready.

Check out my favorite toiletry bag.

Having some basic bandages, cold medicine, pain relievers, etc is helpful to keep peace of mind, even if you never use it. Just keep it in your suitcase.

Check out this fully stocked travel emergency kit

Whether you think you’re going to shop or disaster strikes and your main luggage falls apart, if you keep a foldable bag in your luggage you’ll always have it for emergencies. It can also be used as a day or beach bag. 

Pro tip: Keep a spare foldable bag for emergencies and also pack a foldable daypack for exploring.

Check out my favorite spare bag.

Here’s my favorite adventure daypack.

They work great for organizing your suitcase, but take care to fold your clothes efficiently within the cube. Getting a set that also compresses clothing will help you get the most out of your luggage space.

Check out my favorite packing cubes.

The weirdest and grossest thing is having to pack the shoes you took your adventure with in the your suitcase at the end of your trip. (Even if you have time to clean the bottoms, it still seems unsanitary to me.) Collect the shower caps, often found in your hotel’s bathroom, and use them to cover the bottom of your shoes.

The weirdest and grossest thing is having to pack the shoes you took your adventure with in your suitcase at the end of your trip. (Even if you have time to clean the bottoms, it still seems unsanitary to me.) Collect the shower caps, often found in your hotel’s bathroom, and use them to cover the bottom of your shoes.

Put in the center of your luggage and then protect it with the clothing around it. Even better, add a toilet paper roll to the neck of the bottle.

Stuff the middle of the hat with socks and underwear. Then place the hat in the center of the luggage. Pack all the other items around it.

Take a piece of plastic (which can be found everywhere, unfortunately), then place it over the mouth of your bottles. Then screw the top back on.

If you don’t want to buy a jewelry case, use a small towel or cloth, then add your earrings by piercing the towel and adding the backs on the other side. For necklaces, lay it flat on the towel, then fold it over, then repeat.

When you don’t need to wear your bulky jacket or coat, lay the coat with the back down. Then fold the arms in. Next, fold in half the long way. Now from the bottom, use compression to tightly roll the coat until you reach the hood. Now, push the rolled coat into the hood.

You will now have a compressed bundle, which can double as a pillow!

When loading your clothes in your packing cube or luggage, stay organized by placing the clothes in chronological order for how you will wear them. That way in cases where you are bopping around and sleeping in different places, you can don’t have to unpack everything to get what you need.  

It’s not only more sustainable but will save you from spending way too much on a bottle at the airport. Once on the other side of security fill it up. If you’re at an airport without a fill up station, be kind and ask one of the bars or restaurants.

Here’s my favorite travel water bottle 

What is the right bag for you? Well, it can vary depending on the trip. I tend to go for soft-sided carry-ons because they are more flexible to shape-shift, especially when I’m overpacked. I was also told by some airline staff that they can’t really tell the size of soft luggage - so you’re more likely to get away with being a little oversized and a little overweight.

But, when I have to check a bag, it will go for a hard case, which will be more durable to protect my things.

Whatever you choose, don’t go cheap. This is the case where you’ll want to invest in something that is battle tested and offers some warranty. The worst is traveling and then your luggage fails!

You’ll hear other experts recommend a safety outfit, but the truth is if you are without luggage due to the fault of your airline, you now have an excuse to get a few things, including clothing, to carry you over on your tip on the tab of the airline.

*Be sure to check with the airline on their policy and your spending limit.

But, what can be the most frustrating is not having a change of undergarments, which can be a little more challenging to find. 

Additionally, I recommend that you keep the most valuable and essential items in your carry-on to guarantee that it is always in your possession.

A way to pack light is to think about the things your hotel will have and leave them at home. Pack travel-sized products, and if you need more ask the hotel or buy more. It's often not worth bringing full-sized items with you.

Worth it! Just like having that emergency kit, you may not need to use it. But when you need it and have it, then you’ll be grateful. The investment in insurance is small, but can save your pockets thousands.

Fold and store in your luggage an extra and unused packing cube (or foldable bag), and as you continue your trip, load it with your dirty clothes to keep the clean ones separated and fresh. 

This hack is the easiest to execute. Grab a few fragrant dryer sheets and lay them between your clothes and in the mesh pockets of the luggage, and your things will smell fresh out of the wash your entire trip!

Opt for solid versions of your favorite toiletries and never have to worry about the 3-1-1 liquid allowance.

For example, you can bring bar facial soap, lotion and even shampoo!