Packing & Travel Tips
- Pack Like a Pro
Use a dry-cleaning bag inside your suitcase: It reduces friction between clothes, keeping them wrinkle-free.
Bundle wrap instead of rolling or folding: It takes more effort, but you’ll be shocked at how much space it saves and how few wrinkles you get.
Pill organizer for jewelry: Keeps necklaces from tangling and earrings from disappearing.
- Airport & Flight Secrets
Book two one-way tickets instead of round-trip: Sometimes cheaper and gives flexibility to mix airlines.
Check the seat map 24 hours before: Airlines sometimes upgrade and release premium economy/business class for free at check-in.
Bring a collapsible water bottle and hydration tablets: Flights dehydrate you fast. Electrolytes help you bounce back quickly, especially after long hauls.
- Smart Hotel Hacks
Use binder clips to close curtains: No more slivers of light waking you up at 6 a.m.
Ask for corner rooms: They’re often bigger, quieter, and have better views.
Call the hotel directly after booking online—sometimes they'll upgrade you or throw in breakfast just for asking.
- Cruise-Specific Savvy
Bring magnetic hooks: Cruise walls are metal—maximize space with these!
USB charging hub without surge protection: Cruise cabins have few outlets, and some don’t allow power strips. A hub is gold.
Hang from your closet or on a hook toiletries organizer: Not just for toiletries but also sunscreen, accessories, or snacks. The possibilities are endless. You can even use these to organize kids small toys like cars.
- Tech & Safety Tricks
Scan your ID, passport, and itinerary: Email it to yourself and a trusted friend.
Use AirTags: Hide one in your checked luggage, purse, and even your kid's bag, shoe, or pocket.
Download Google Maps offline: Great for navigating cities without using data or Wi-Fi.
- The “Empty Row” Trick on Planes
Book a window and an aisle in the same row if you're traveling with a partner. Middle seats are least likely to get booked, and if it stays empty, boom—instant row. If someone does get assigned the middle, you can offer to switch so you still sit together.
- Boutique Hotels That Act Like All-Inclusives
In places like Portugal, Croatia, or Belize, some locally owned boutique hotels will offer "inclusive" perks like daily breakfast, a welcome cocktail, beach shuttle, or guided walking tours—but don’t advertise them online. Ask directly or have your agent email them.
- Cruise Cabin Vibration Check
Before choosing a cruise stateroom, go to YouTube or Reddit and search your ship + cabin number + vibration. Travelers post real cabin footage, and you can dodge noisy spots like above theaters, under the pool deck, or near engine rumble zones.
- Amazon Locker + Return at Your Hotel
Going somewhere long-term? Have your Amazon orders sent to an Amazon Locker near your hotel (especially in Europe), or even better: some hotels accept returns for you if you ask the concierge. Say goodbye to overpacking.
- Portable Bidet for Long Flights and Eco Travel
TMI? Maybe. But eco-friendly travelers and long-haul flyers swear by collapsible, travel-size bidets. They’re hygienic, reduce TP waste, and are clutch in places with, um, different standards of plumbing.
- Screenshots Are Queen
Take screenshots of:
Your boarding pass
The Google Map route to your hotel
Email confirmations
A photo of your passport and vax card
Don’t rely on Wi-Fi or flaky apps. Save them in a locked Notes folder or offline gallery.
- DIY Sleep Pods in Airports
If you're stuck overnight without a lounge:
Use an inflatable footrest pillow between two airport chairs to make a makeshift bed
Download white noise playlists
Carry a large pashmina or Turkish towel as a blanket or curtain
Use your carry-on as a foot locker or "headboard"
You’ll look like a genius instead of a wreck.
- The Sock Stash Method
Hide your emergency cash in clean, rolled-up socks in your luggage. It's a safe spot thieves are unlikely to check, even if you get pickpocketed or lose your wallet.
- The “Soft Lock” Hotel Strategy
Need flexibility without losing a good rate? Book the cheapest refundable rate available at your top-choice hotel, then check back weekly. If the price drops or a promo appears, rebook and cancel the original—no penalty. This is especially slick around holidays.
- Burner Email for Booking Sites
Create a dedicated “travel-only” email address. Why? Booking sites track your searches and may show higher prices if you revisit. A clean browser, new email, and incognito mode = better rates. Works shockingly well for flights and even car rentals.
- Pillow Spray = Sleep Hack
Your body associates smell with safety and sleep. Bring a familiar lavender or eucalyptus pillow spray from home to help fall asleep faster in hotels or unfamiliar places. Works like a mental teleportation device for anxious travelers.
- Resort Fee Flip
Ask the hotel or resort if the daily fee includes anything you can use as a credit—like free bike rentals, drink vouchers, or airport shuttles. Then use the value Intentionally each day to get your money’s worth. Many guests don’t even ask.
- Use Google Translates Camera on Menus and Signs
This isn’t just a known feature—the hack is to screenshot foreign menus ahead of time and scan them offline. Bonus: create your own mini phrasebook of must-know words, like “milk,” “allergy,” or “bathroom,” with phonetic spelling for flash learning.
- Chain Hotel Point Swaps
Marriott, Hilton, and IHG sometimes have internal partner properties (like independent resorts in Asia or South America) where your points go way further. Ask your travel advisor to check the conversion value per region—it can triple in your favor.
- Elevation vs. Distance Trick
Hiking or exploring new cities? Apps like AllTrails or Komoot will show you the elevation gain, not just the distance. That “3-mile walk” might include 800 stairs and 200 feet of incline. Total lifesaver for tired knees, sandals, or stroller travelers.
- Ice Bucket as Mini Fridge
No fridge in your hotel room? Fill the ice bucket, toss in a Ziploc or reusable bag with perishables or drinks, and boom—DIY cooler. Refresh the ice from the hallway machine once a day. Great for meds, snacks, or picnic items.
- Choose Flights by Aircraft Type
Instead of just sorting by time or airline, filter flights by aircraft model. For long hauls, a 787 or A350 offers better air pressure and humidity—less jet lag and skin dryness. Pro move: check out SeatGuru for exact seat advice by plane model.
Bonus Tips
- Duct tape (mini roll): Temporary luggage repair, blister prevention, or childproofing a hotel room.
- Binder clips: Keep curtains closed, hang wet swimsuits, or manage cords.
- Ziploc bags (quart & gallon): Snacks, wet clothes, ice packs, or hotel remote covers (germ alert).
- Pop-up laundry hamper: Keeps your hotel room tidy and makes packing to go home a breeze.
- Dryer sheets: Toss one in your suitcase to keep clothes fresh (bonus: repels bugs in tropical spots).
- Mini surge protector with USB ports: Hotel rooms never have enough outlets—this saves fights and charges everything.
- Photo of your luggage & contents: If your bag is lost, showing the airline a photo speeds up recovery or reimbursement.
- Pack a small power bank…and charge it before you go: Especially critical on long travel days or when airport outlets are all full.
- Add your travel advisor’s card or contact info in your bag: Lost luggage or last-minute hiccup? Make it easy for someone to help.
Packing Hacks You Won’t Find on Pinterest
- Pre-pack an “Arrival Kit” in your carry-on: Includes a change of underwear, toothbrush, chargers, meds, and a swimsuit (especially for cruises—so you can hit the pool before your luggage arrives).
- Use a shower cap to wrap your shoes: Cheaper and easier than bulky bags—and keeps dirt off your clothes.
- Pack by outfit, not by item: Lay out full outfits (top + bottom + undergarments + accessories), then take photos before folding. You’ll pack less and get dressed faster on the trip.
- Color code your family or group: Use colored packing cubes or duct tape to ID whose stuff is whose at a glance.
- Bring a flat-folding tote bag: Use it for dirty laundry, shopping finds, or as a backup carry-on if your suitcase explodes on the way back.
TSA-Proof and Airport-Savvy
- Pre-load your boarding pass as a screenshot: Don’t rely on airport Wi-Fi. Save a copy you can access offline.
- Keep all liquids in a separate pouch (not buried in your carry-on): Saves time and stress at security—especially when traveling with kids.
- Pack a “plane comfort kit”: Includes lip balm, hand cream, face wipes, gum, an empty water bottle, earplugs, and a sleep mask in one pouch you can grab in-flight.
- Secret Hotel Discounts via “Split Stay” Booking
Booking a hotel for 5 nights straight? Try splitting it into 2 or 3 separate reservations (even with the same hotel and room type). Rates fluctuate per night, and this trick can drop your total cost by $50-$300 — especially on sites like Booking.com or Expedia.
There you have it! My list of 40 tips, packing hacks, and things you aren’t going to just Google or find on Pinterest! I hope you find some useful!!
Wait, before I go, one more tip! That duct tape, take a piece and wrap it around a pen. It can be used as a Band-Aid in a pinch!
AND!!!
What are travel tips without a packing list?! I hope you find this one useful!
Super Bonus-Packing List
Documents and Essentials
o Passport (valid for at least six months beyond travel dates)
o Real ID for flying
o Birth Certificate if no passport
o Visas (check requirements for your destination)
o Travel Insurance (so important!)
o Booking Confirmations (flight, hotel, rental car)
o ID (government-issued)
o Credit/Debit Cards (notify your bank of travel plans!)
o Emergency Contacts (family, friends, embassy)
Personal Items
o Clothing (versatile outfits suitable for destination’s climate)
o Underwear
o Socks
o Pajamas
o Swimwear
o Shoes-comfortable walking shoes
o flip-flops
o dress shoes-if needed
Toiletries
o Toothbrush
o Toothpaste
o Deodorant
o Shampoo
o Conditioner
o Soap
o Razor
o Personal hygiene products
Health Essentials
o Prescription medications
o Pain relievers
o Vitamins
o Basic first aid kit
o Glasses/Contact Lenses
o Cleaning solutions
Technology and Gadgets
o Phone and Charger
o Power Bank
o Camera (extra batteries and memory cards)
o Laptop/Tablet (chargers and protective cases)
o Adapters and Converters (check voltage requirements)
o Headphones (noise-canceling)
Comfort and Entertainment
o Travel Pillow
o Blanket (lightweight and compact)
o Books and Magazines
o Games (travel-sized board games or cards)
Safety and Security
o Locks (TSA-approved)
o Money Clip
o Personal Alarm
o Copies of Documents (passport, visa, travel insurance, ID)
o Flashlight (small with extra batteries)
Special Items
o Seasonal Gear (summer: sunscreen, insect repellent, umbrella, sunglasses; winter: gloves, scarf, hat)
o Sports Equipment (hiking, snorkeling, skiing gear)
o Cooking Supplies (portable utensils, snacks, reusable water bottles)
o Travel Guidebooks and Maps
o Souvenirs (space in luggage for items purchased)
Specialized Lists
Beach Vacation Essentials
Clothing:
o Swimsuits (2–3)
o Cover-ups
o Lightweight tops and shorts
o Flip-flops or sandals
o Sun hat or cap
Beach Gear:
o Beach towels
o Sunscreen (reef-safe)
o Sunglasses
o Beach bag
o Snorkeling gear (if applicable)
Toiletries:
o Aloe vera gel
o Lip balm with SPF
o After-sun lotion
Extras:
o Waterproof phone pouch
o Reusable water bottle
o Books or e-reader
Winter Travel Must-Haves
Clothing:
o Thermal base layers
o Insulated jacket
o Waterproof boots
o Gloves, scarf, and beanie
o Wool socks
Accessories:
o Hand warmers
o Snow goggles or sunglasses
o Moisturizer for dry skin
Toiletries:
o Lip balm
o Sunscreen (for snow glare)
o Travel-sized humidifier (optional)
Extras:
o Travel umbrella
o Portable charger (cold can drain batteries faster)
o Travel insurance documents
Family Travel Essentials
For Kids:
o Favorite toys or comfort items
o Snacks and drinks
o Extra clothing changes
o Diapers and wipes (if applicable)
o Portable entertainment (tablets, books)
For Parents:
o First aid kit
o Travel documents for all family members
o Emergency contact information
o Itinerary copies
Shared Items:
o Reusable water bottles
o Travel-sized laundry detergent
o Stroller or baby carrier (if needed)
Cruise Packing Guide
Clothing:
o Casual daytime outfits
o Formal evening wear
o Swimwear
o Comfortable walking shoes
o Light jacket or sweater
Cruise Essentials:
o Lanyard for cruise card
o Power strip (non-surge protected)
o Seasickness remedies
o Waterproof bag for excursions
Toiletries:
o All necessary personal items
o Sunscreen
o Insect repellent
Extras:
o Travel documents and identification
o Cash for tips and purchases
o Guidebook or maps of ports of call