7 Helpful Travel Packing Hacks

Over the years, traveling has become an activity that you don’t need to wait for specific holidays or occasions to hop in the car or on a plane and go. In fact, in 2023, American travelers spent $1.3 trillion, generating $89 billion in state and local revenue.

We’re traveling for leisure, work, and, most importantly, for some, health and well-being.  We’re also exploring all modes of transportation as well as accommodations that fit our lifestyles.

Whether you’re loading your trunk for that weekend road trip or stowing luggage into that tiny overhead bin, in matters of both cost and convenience, knowing a few travel packing hacks is an absolute must. 

To help ease your packing pains, we’ve compiled a list of seven tried and true packing hacks to get you out of the house and on to your next adventure.

1. Get Organized

What’s the weather going to be like?  What activities do you have planned?  Make a list of each day that you plan to be away and next to each date write the forecasted temperature and any planned or likely activities.  This will provide a practical base from which to strategize your outfits, shoes, and even your hairstyle for every day you’re away.

2. Pack Light

In the wise words of Erykah Badu, “pack light.” Depending on the length of your trip, it may be entirely possible to skirt extra fees and avoid baggage claim all-together by packing as efficiently as possible. Packing light will save you money, time and precious energy.

3. Consider a Capsule Wardrobe

Once you’ve made your list, think through your wardrobe choices. Consider selecting mixable, matchable pieces with coordinating colors and textures.  With a bit of layering and a little creativity, every piece of clothing can lend itself to several different looks.  This also makes it easier to leverage a couple of pairs of shoes and a few accessories across several outfits.

4. Roll it Up

Instead of folding clothes into your suitcase, try rolling them. Folding your garments long ways and rolling them into tight little buns allows you to fit more items into a smaller space and makes it easy to stack, pack, and utilize every little section of your bag or suitcase.

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5. Vacuum Bags Are Your Friend

I get it. Sometimes you just need options. If you are going on an extended vacation or just want to flex several different looks on your trip, consider purchasing vacuum storage bags. Reasonably priced and widely available in general merchandise stores, these reusable plastic wardrobe bags allow you to compress your wardrobe into airtight, waterproof containers to fit as much as three times the stuff into your luggage.

6. Remember the Golden Rule

If you are flying, remember the 3-1-1 rule. TSA lets you bring liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the security checkpoint if packed in 3.4-ounce containers. All these liquids must fit into one quart-sized bag, and you can bring one bag per traveler. Three-ounce containers of liquids, gels, and pastes, packed into one bag per person – 3-1-1.  Remember this golden rule and save yourself a hassle.

7. Max Your “Personal Item”

Most airlines allow for one free carry-on bag and one personal item. Now that you’re fully equipped with travel packing hacks to make the most of your carry-on, don’t underestimate the power of a well-strategized personal item. Play your cards right and your backpack, purse, or laptop bag can stow all your necessary sundries, toiletries, and whatnots, leaving more room for clothes in your carry-on.

Applying these helpful travel packing hacks helps to ensure you’re ready to go and have one less thing to worry about, putting the focus on having a good time and memorable moments.