Stress-Free Packing Tips

1. Start Planning Early

First and foremost, give yourself plenty of time to pack. It’s a good idea to start planning 2-3 weeks ahead of time. Whenever you think of something you’ll need, jot it down or make a list on an app. Even better, leave your suitcase where you can see it and throw things into it during the weeks leading up to your trip.

2. Research the Destination

Will there be cool evenings that require a light jacket? Is it the rainy season, necessitating an umbrella? Knowing these things beforehand can help you avoid overpacking unnecessary items or feeling out of place.

3. Place Necessities in Carry-on

Stow necessities in your carry-on. This may seem too obvious, but medicine, expensive tech equipment, jewelry and essential toiletries are things you don’t want to lose and should keep close at hand.

In the unfortunate case that your luggage is lost or delayed, having your essential items will ensure you can get by on your trip until your situation is resolved. Consider also packing a change of clothes so you have a clean outfit to wear while you wait for your bag to arrive.

4. Stay Connected With Chargers

Pack an extra phone charger and a portable power bank. It’s easy and fun to take photos for Instagram with your smartphone, but you can wear your battery down quicker than you may realize. And trying to find an outlet in a public place to charge your phone when your battery is at 4 percent power is almost impossible.

A portable power bank can give your phone a much-needed boost to keep you capturing your adventures throughout the day. Just remember to charge the power bank before you head out the door! 

5.Pack Light on Toiletries

Bring travel sizes of grooming items like toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant, or fill up little empties with your favorite brand to save valuable space in your suitcase. To prevent leaks during transport, be sure to pack your travel tubes in a sealable plastic bag. Consider using solid toiletries like shampoo and conditioner bars to maximize space and minimize spills.

6. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Method

Struggling with overpacking? The 5-4-3-2-1 method can help! This simple rule ensures you safe space by only packing what you need:

Five tops

Four bottoms

Three accessories

Two shoes

One swimsuit 

For maximum outfit creation potential, stick to a similar color palette for your clothing. This allows for easy mixing and matching throughout your trip

7.Wear Bulkier Clothes on the Plane

Airplane cabins can get chilly, especially if the air conditioning is blasting. To fight the cold and free up space in your suitcase, consider wearing your bulkier clothes onto the plane. This could include a sweater, a heavier jacket or bigger boots.

This method will keep you comfortable during your flight, but also allow you to pack lighter. Remember to choose clothing items that are easy to layer and remove as temperatures change during your journey to your destination.

8.Consider Packing Essentials for Young Children

Traveling with young children requires extra planning, from transportation to packing. While your itinerary is the most important, prioritize packing essentials to keep your little’s content and comfortable. Pack familiar items, like their favorite stuffed animal or blanket, for when they need to relax or take a nap.

9.Protect Your Valuables

There are a few ways you can actively protect your valuables, even after you hand over your checked bag at the airport: 

Utilize TSA-approved locks: If you must pack valuables in your checked bag, invest in a TSA-approved lock. These allow security checks while keeping your belongings secure.

Carry-on essentials: Keep important documents, medications and a small amount of cash in your carry-on for easy access and peace of mind in case of checked luggage delays.

Consider a Pacsafe: These travel bags feature slash-resistant materials and unique locking mechanisms, offering an extra layer of security in crowded areas like airports or busy cities.

AirTag or Tile your luggage: adding an AirTag or a Tile to your luggage can add peace of mind if the unfortunate situation occurs in which your suitcase is lost.

By following these tips, you can travel with confidence and know your valuables are protected.

10. Complete a Final Bag Check

Once you’re fully packed and weighed your luggage, take a few minutes to ensure a smooth departure. Run through your travel checklist to confirm all items are accounted for.

Review your planned outfits, making sure you've packed everything you need. Finally, pack any comfort essentials for your plane ride, like a travel neck pillow, earplugs or a good book. With a quick final check, you can confidently head to the airport, ready for a stress-free start to your adventure.