Travel
8 Killer Packing Hacks To Make Traveling Easier
My tried and tested hacks to make packing (and traveling) way easier, and help you pack more in less space.
If you don’t have a system in place, packing can end up being a frustrating activity. Whether it’s for a well-deserved vacation or a last-minute business trip, packing can cause massive anxiety for almost anyone. For most women, it’s not the act of folding clothes that we hate so passionately, it’s the “selection” process – or should I call it, the “process of elimination.” The idea that somehow, in some way, something we may need while we’re away might get left behind is more stressful than we’d care to admit.
I’ve been traveling pretty much monthly since I was a teenager, and (aside from my first couple of trips) I have never brought more than a carryon and a purse — no matter how long I’m traveling for. It took me a while to learn how to pack efficiently — especially when I need to transition from a fancy dinner to cocktail party, to the beach.
See, like most women I know who like to travel, I prefer to do so in style, but let’s be real—not even one pair of Manolos goes famously with every outfit. Flats however, are much more versatile – and comfortable! And while having style dictates that you can’t wear the same outfit all day every day, slight variations are perfectly acceptable.
With so many airline-imposed limitations on luggage these days, long gone are the days of checking five bags without paying handsomely. And I don’t know about you, but I’d rather forgo a kidney than wait at baggage claim. Not to mention that $60 baggage fee I saved will buy me a few glasses of champagne when I arrive. While they blame inflated gas prices, I’m convinced the airlines are simply tangled in some conspiracy against fashionable travelers.
So how do you beat the system? Fortunately, I’ve learned a few tricks that can help you pack way more in less space no matter where you’re going. I’ve broken them down by my top tips, and then by destination:
My Top Packing Hacks
- Use packing bags. Get some clear vacuum-sealed packing bag (use the pump, a vacuum, or roll them to get the air out) or travel packing bags (if you’re not worried about fitting more in your suitcase). Fill each with a different type of clothing: dresses, tops, leggings, sweaters, etc. Clear bags are the best since you can see what’s in them. Then use a label-maker to label them (“shirts”, “skirts”, etc.). This way, instead of rooting around in your suitcase for a cardigan, you’ll know exactly where to look. It’s also nice to be able to put these in drawers because when it’s time to leave, you just need to place them back in your suitcase. It also keeps any bedbugs or moths from getting into your clothing and coming home with you.
- Roll your clothing tightly. When filling your packing bags, roll the clothing. It’s easier to see what you have when your clothing is rolled (if you pack everything flat, you can only see the items on the top and bottom of each stack). Rolling your clothing also magically prevents them from getting wrinkles. Plus, rolled clothing uses less space and somehow magically allows you to fit a lot more stuff. Just trust me on this one.
- Separate your shoes. If you can bear it, try to only bring one or two pairs of flats. Choose colors that go with all your outfits. If it’s winter, wear your boots and pack your flats. If you absolutely must bring heels, they should always stay at the very bottom of your bag, or in a separate bag altogether. If you place boots or heels on their sides lengthwise at the very bottom of the bag, you’re less likely to soil your clothes – particularly if you use travel shoe bags to keep items isolated. Once your shoes are in their rightful place, you can move on to the secondary essentials. These include smaller items such as socks and undergarments, which can be shoved into your shoes.
- Pick a color scheme ahead of time. Pick a couple of colors and one metal & jewelry tone, and try to coordinate everything based on that. This way, all your tops will go with all your bottoms, and you can mix and match. It also helps limit the number of shoes, bags, scarves, and jewelry you’ll need. I usually pick either navy/white/gold, or black/gray/silver and pack only clothing in those colors.
- Make a travel essentials pouch. Have a second set of multi-tasking makeup essentials ready to go. That way you save time and never need to worry about whether you forgot your eyelash curler. I love using my tinted SPF lip balm as a cream blush, and instead of my regular powder eyebrow filler, I got a small eyebrow pencil for travel. I keep them all in this small, soft-sided cosmetics pouch that’s just for travel. A soft bag will give you more flexibility to lay items flatter than you could if they were in a harder-shelled toiletry bag. Store it in your suitcase in between trips. If you’re bringing anything that could leak, put them inside zip-lock bags to prevent leaks and keep your liquids handy if the TSA asks for them. Pack your liquids at the top of your bag in case you’re asked to remove them during an airport security check.
- Don’t bring expensive stuff. Leave your precious jewels and Chanel bags at home and bring costume jewelry and an inexpensive (but chic, of course) shoulder bag when traveling. It’s too easy to lose things on the road (not to mention the TSA’s sticky fingers) and it’s not worth the worry.
- Bring an extra, compact and reusable bag just in case. Nobody wants to get stuck last minute without enough room to bring all their newfound goodies home. A bag like this takes up no space and can come in very handy.
- Plan your en route outfit wisely. What you wear on the plane can lighten your luggage and heighten your style. No matter where you’re headed, make sure to wear your jacket on the plane, rather than packing it. And leggings are ideal, but never wear yoga pants – instead put on a pair of pants you’ll actually wear when you get to your destination.
Perfect for travel:
Beach
Whether you’re headed to a Caribbean resort or a wild Bali escape, it’s easy to fall into a fashion slump while lounging in the hot sun. The key to staying stylish is to pack glam Coolibar SPF-protection pieces that will transition from sand to sangrias. And make sure to pack a dress that you can throw on over your bathing suit during the day, then pair with a fab necklace and cute flats for dinner.
Exotic
Hiking up to Machu Picchu or discovering the ancient ruins of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat? There’s no reason why you can’t do any exotic trip while still looking Instagram-worthy! If you’re heading outdoors for an exotic holiday, I suggest bringing pieces that layer well. A cardigan, light coat, and scarf are not only functional, they also allow you to look pretty great in a selfie!
City
Walking on the cobblestoned streets of your favorite European capital or shopping on 5th Avenue, your city excursion of choice requires a selection of high-fashion pieces. Look up the trends in the city you’re planning to visit so you’ll be as stylish as the locals. Depending on where you’re headed you may want to pack a special outfit that only ‘vacation you’ would wear. When I’m in Paris, I wear hats. Barcelona? I wear bright colors. NYC? Black, black and more black. Pack your basics that mix and match well, but also throw in a fantastic outfit for a special night out.
Weekend
For a quick bed-and-breakfast trip close to home, you need the essentials plus a little something extra; all of which can fit into one luxury weekender. If you’re just getting away for the weekend you’ll want to pack light. Lay out your three favorite tops and a pair of pants that goes with all of them (or skirt). Now add a few accessories and voilà – you are done!
What are your packing tips? Tell us below!
Deborah Lansing
I love that you included your favorite products. It’s so fun browsing them. You have such great style!
Sharlene Robinson
Thanks for these helpful tips! Packing is an art form, a challenge, and adventure!
Catherine White
I am constantly packing and repacking in my mind! I wish I could stop! I packed lightly for our Turkey trip last Sept. and Oct. But this trip has days in the Alps. Not easy with a RS rolling carry-0n. I live in CA. I wear sandals year round. Wearing enclosed shoes is difficult for me. I have my jacket figured out but not the shoes.
Magdolna Beiler
My solution for packing light is this; Get yourself a smaller-than-regulation-carryon-size, convertible bag and a really huge, rolling suitcase. Put into the convertible bag everything you absolutely have to have when you get there. Then put into the suitcase anything that you don’t absolutely need but might want. Then assume that the suitcase will get lost/delayed anyway and leave it at home.
Hilary Rowland
LMAO
Agatha Underwood
My mother always asks: “What new clothes are you buying for the trip?” Ummm…none, mom. I take tried and true, known to fit and be comfortable clothes. I do occasionally add an extra top or sweater if the weather is likely to be cooler. I just prefer to shop for new clothes while I’m travelling.
Nathalie Winchester
I remember what happened in Mexico back when I was in my early 20’s. I checked a small suitcase at the bus terminal and it never came off at my destination. All I was left with was the blouse/skirt on my back and a shoulder bag with a few things. Believe it or not, that is how I traveled the next 2 1/2 months! An English girl gave me one of her 7 bath suits, I bought a hammock in the Yucatan that squished into the bag somehow, and that was that. When I took a shower, my clothes got washed, too. I LOVED the freedom of not being weighed down!! Meanwhile, my traveling partner continued to be saddled with this ridiculously large bag.
April Wagner
Before I put my clothes in the suitcase, I lay everything out and take photos with my iPad, of the various outfits I can put together. It’s helps to ease my mind when I get to my destination and panic because I think I haven’t brought enough stuff. By the time I get home, I’m sick of my clothes and wearing the same thing every day, but it’s worth it not to have to haul around too much stuff. The first time I went to Europe I took a 26″ suitcase that weighed about 40 pounds… never again!
Isabel Patrick
…. Laughing because this morning I was just starting a packing list for a trip this Fall and was reviewing my list from last fall. My notes to myself right after I returned included…. Do not pack jewelry! You think you will wear bracelets but you never do and they are heavy. I am guilty of previously packing 3 novels for a 2 week trip…. after having run out of reading material on a long ago trip to the Abacos where it rained the whole time. Now with an iPad I’ve got plenty on my Kindle app. I do find weighing things on a kitchen scale can help jolt me in to reality as well. This tactic may work on the necklace problem! Or not….
Amirah Mifsud
I do make a list and mostly stick to it. For me the key is that I also do a test pack a couple of weeks ahead after laying everything out that is on the packing list, including toiletries. I try things on if I’ve got pieces that are new to the “travel team” so to speak. At that time I can check to see that every thing is in good repair, too. I do find if I am rushing to pack at the last minute I tend to have a less critical eye and therefore a lower threshold for adding stuff that’s not on the list.
Alexiane Verdito
Very good tips, you must be very organized! I really need to make efforts about that too, because every time I’m traveling, something is missing in my luggage and I’m frustrated… LOL
Claudia Nainggolan
I just keep reminding myself I need the suitcase space to buy all new ‘goodies’ while we are there 🙂 Seriously, I just buy what I forget, if I really need it when I’m there.