Pack for Travel like a Pro (2023)

15 Packing Tips for Stress-Free Travel

Packing for travels can be such a frustrating part of an upcoming trip.  In fact, it can be so frustrating that I used to procrastinate until the very last minute before my flight. I’ve done this so many times and waiting until the last minute only made me more frustrated, and left me feeling so rushed to get to the airport.   Running late or feeling rushed to get to the airport isn’t the best way to kick off your travel and missing a plane is something you don’t want to risk – especially at the beginning of your trip.

Packing for travel is one of the most effective ways to get your journey off to the right start, It can reduce the amount of stress throughout your trip too. So here are some helpful hints that I hope will make you a better packer and eliminate one of the more stressful aspects of any Journey.

Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of it. It’s helpful to ask yourself the five W’s before you get started with your packing. For example, Who is going? Why are you going? Where are you going? What are the temperatures? What are the methods of transportation? All of these questions will get you into the right mindset for the kinds of items that you need to collect in preparation for packing.

Here are 15 Packing Tips for any type of travel. Let’s go!

Tip #1: Make a list

Now I really do recommend making a list of items that you would like to pack before you start  scurrying around the house  to grab the necessary items. 

Making a list is one of the best ways to quickly get organized and focus your thoughts.  Not only will it help you prevent wasted time pulling out unnecessary items for your travel but it will help you dial down the amount of things you’ll try to stuff in your suitcase later.

When making the list, you absolutely need to ask yourself the questions above.  Where am I going?  What is the weather like?  These questions will allow you to be as prepared as possible with clothing for inclement weather.  I’ve been traveling for my career for two decades and believe me when I say, you don’t want to get stuck in hot/humid Indian summer with nothing but long pants and long sleeve shirts.  It’s so easy to get caught up in the weather in your region of the country and forget that some states don’t really experience fall or winter,
for example. 

Check the weather apps or Weather.com . I always add the city/cities I’m going to on my weather app on my phone so I can look ahead for the days I’ll be traveling to that place.  Just because it’s 30 degrees in Cleveland, doesn’t mean it’s 30 degrees in Chicago…even though they generally do follow the same seasons/temperatures. 
So check ahead to make sure you will have the clothing you need.  

Sometimes you just know it’s going to be cold but you might need to know HOW cold. For example, I recently went to Alaska and while I had a winter jacket (because I live in the northeast USA), I didn’t have a jacket that was rated for THAT level of cold.  So I did need to go out and purchase another jacket as well as layers to put under my coat. I took me over a week to find the right jacket for the Alaskan interior in February lol . Here’s the Columbia extreme cold coat I brought to Alaska … it has a reflective thermal liner >>. Not sure I would have survived those temps without it!

I also brought this gorgeous white Michael Kors coat for milder days (haha and by milder I mean minus 7 degrees Fahrenheit. It proved to be extremely warm with two lighter layers underneath. Here’s a link to my fashionable yet extremely warm Michael Kors coat >> I love the little thumb loops. Who knew this coat would be so warm and still look so fantastic!! #snowBunnyVibes haha

Tip #2: Prepare ahead for travel

We recently went on a trip to the Caribbean and needed our water shoes.  However, we had just moved and many of our things are still in boxes.  Now I know I have 2 pairs of water shoes already but because I wasn’t thinking about this when I was moving, I didn’t set them aside and ultimately had to buy new ones when we traveled for our cruise.  You probably haven’t just moved, however if you already have items you know you’ll need it’s a good idea to start looking for them now and have them ready. Since I have a wider foot, I ended up buying something that didn’t fit quite as well as my favorite water shoes (which are available up to a ladies size 16!! >>

Tip #3: Set Out Your Suitcase/Items

The first thing I do after making my list and doing my research is to start setting all of my items onto my bed or dining room table in a pile.  I will also put my suitcase/backpack or bag out. Sometimes the right bag/suitcase can make all the difference in getting organized and maximizing space.  

Tip #4: Edit Your Travel Items

Now that you’ve placed everything out that you want to take….cut it by 30-50%. That’s right…you probably won’t need it! Many places offer laundry services and you can always wash items in the sink and air dry in a pinch.

Seriously – cut it down.  I used to be so afraid that I would need something on my trip and I would pack way too much stuff..  Nowadays, if anything I end up buying something I ended up needing.  Strip it down.  What you spend on that extra sunscreen or flip flops, you will end up saving on fees for overweight bags or a trip to the physical therapist.

Tip #5: Pack using Fold vs Roll Technique

To Fold (Marie Kondo way) vs roll your clothes to utilize the most space in your suitcase.

I used to roll all of my clothes to put them into my suitcase but now my folding/rolling technique really just depends on where I’m traveling and what I’m carrying on my travels.  For example, if I’m going to be hiking across Iceland, I’m likely going to be carrying a backpack and not bringing a suitcase at all.  In such cases, I’m going to roll my clothes because it’s easier to see them if they are rolled vertically in your backpack  (lengthwise).
Here’s the Marie Kondo packing video on Youtube >>

Tip #7: Use Packing Cubes

Did you know you could use packing cubes (even for food/snack items)?

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love packing cubes.  I mean I literally use them for everything.  When I travel for work, I sometimes bring food (if it’s a road trip) and I will put my snacks in my packing cubes.  Not only is this great for carrying things (I hate when a paper or plastic bag breaks and my groceries fly all over the place.  It also keeps bugs and pests out of my food items since these cubes tend to be a little more durable than other options. 

Here are my favorite packing cubes for travel >>

Tip #8: Toiletries You Need

The essential items are all I really pack anymore.  I bring my stick deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste and a travel-size facial cleanser and moisturizer/sunscreen combo.  I do not bring shampoo and conditioner anymore unless I’m going camping and there won’t be any of those items available.  In that case I would just bring a travel sized set.  The truth is most places have these things.  I recently traveled on a cruise and even the cruise cabins had FANTASTIC high end body wash, shampoo and conditioner. 

Tip #9: Pack items inside of shoes

Yes, You can even use the space inside of your shoes!!  I place my shoes on the outside edges of my suitcase with the soles facing away from my clothes.  Then I place all my socks inside my shoes.  If your shoes are particularly dirty or smelly, you can put the socks inside a protective bag and then place them inside the shoes.   Try to place each shoe inside a ziplock bag to keep any dirt/debris contained.  

Tip #10: Bring a swimsuit – even if you’re going to Alaska in the winter

I know.  This sounds ridiculous but I’ve been traveling to so many places where I didn’t think I would want/need to go swimming and I’m proven WRONG! Lol I actually went swimming in Alaska in February.  Even cold climates have hot springs (in fact you should seek them out because not only are they relaxing but super healthy for you).   We visited Chena Hot Springs and Fairbanks Alaska (let me know in the comments if you have thought about going to these places and would like me to write about my travel experience to this GORGEOUS place.

Tip #11: Maximize the space! Pack clever alternatives

We already saw how packing your shoes in a specific way can help you to save space in your suitcase/bags.  Another way to get the most out of your bag when traveling is to bring smaller items that serve the same purpose.  For example:  Going to Seattle? Don’t bring a bulky umbrella.  Bring a rain poncho instead.  This rain poncho from Amazon will save space in your suitcase and has over 10,000 reviews/ratings >>

You can also bring a sweater that can doubles as a scarf or can be worn in many variations.  This clever travel sweater converts to a scarf, a wrap and so many other styles!! >>

Bring a multipurpose charging cable instead of bringing 5 different cables >> 

Tip #12: Avoid Security Searches

These common things will delay your trip through security line so try to avoid packing as they will save you both time and aggravation.

Do NOT bring water or beverages of any kind if you’re flying.  Without fail, every time I go through the airport there is a hold up because one or more travelers has to open their bag at the security scanners.  Why? Because they have a water bottle in their bag.  I know it’s annoying and expensive but just buy your water inside the airport after you’ve cleared security.  Other items that will cause security issues is nail clippers, lighters and some types of batteries, swiss knife or multi-tools.  All of these items are prohibited on the plane so try not to bring those items or put them in your checked bags (except the lithium batteries as those cannot be stowed in the cargo hold of the plane). 

Tip #13: Use up your gift/sample-size products

This is the time to make use of those sample creams and serums you get from so many sources like Ulta or your IPSY bag items.  These are perfect for short travels and then you’re not letting them expire. (Yes beauty care products have an expiration date – typically 3-6 months).

Tip #14: If you think you probably need it…you really don’t

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve brought extra clothes, toiletries, cameras, etc thinking I would need it or use it.  One of the best things I learned is not to bring my laptop.  If I’m on vacation, my focus is on the scenery in the area I’ve traveled so far to see…NOT my work/computer. Don’t get into the habit of taking a “working vacation”.  Please take care of yourself and give your body/mind/soul the luxury of some time off.  You deserve it!!

Tip #15: Ziplock Baggies for Wet/Dry Items

Bring those gallon size ziplocks to keep wet items away from your other dry things when you’re traveling.  For example, I always keep my damp stinky socks in a zip lock bag when I travel to places where I will be hiking or walking a lot.  Sometimes you don’t have the luxury of letting that swimsuit dry completely before you have to pack up and travel home or to the next spot.  Large ziplocks or zipper pouches are great in these instances. These will handily enclose all your wet swimsuits, dirty unmentionables and even protect things that need to stay dry.

I have learned that taking time to effectively pack before you travel will make a huge difference in your experience.

I hope you found this travel information helpful.  If travel content is something you are interested in, please let me know what topics you’d like to see on my blog. 

Take care and travel often. 

Love,
Jacqueline!