10 Vacation Packing Hacks

When traveling, especially when flying, you need to keep in mind weight and space requirements to avoid those extra luggage fees.  The following is a list of 10 vacation packing hacks that will not only help you pack to keep your travel bags within those requirements, but also help you keep your packing neat and organized.

10 Vacation Packing Hacks:

1.Plan ahead and lay out your outfits for each day. You can do this by making outfit stacks on a bed, table, or dresser.  Or if you have room, hang outfits in a row in your closet.  Add accessories, shoes, and undergarments last. If you are going on a tropical adventure, don’t forget your bathing suit and cover-up.  After assembled, snap a pictures of your daily outfits on your cellphone. This will help you plan your trip better without overpacking and will help keep your suitcase organized.

2. To save space and reduce weight, don’t hesitate to repeat wearing articles of clothing. Mix it up though, by pairing different tops with different bottoms.  Select a nice pair of travel pants that you can wear on your way to your destination and wear again on your way back, just change your top. For the ladies flying, select travel pants that are more tailored but comfortable.  For road trips wear your leggings or sweatpants instead.

3. Start by packing your suitcase with shoes.  Pack shoes in pairs together, toe to heal with the inner souls facing each other and placed in a shoe bag.  Place shoe bags at the bottom of your luggage. Place shoe bags on the left side of your suitcase so when your suitcase is upright, the shoe bags will be at the bottom.

4. When packing clothes, don’t fold them, roll them to keep your outfits wrinkle-free.  Start with the last outfit you plan to wear and roll the outfit together. Pack the outfit roll on top of the shoe bags.  Roll and pack outfits in the reverse order of which you plan to wear them, so the outfit for your first day of the trip will be on top.  Pack nightwear on the very top, so you can easily grab it on your first night at your destination.  When done, this vacation packing hack will keep your outfits organized with little or no wrinkles.

5. For the ladies, pack jewelry bags and undergarments in the little side pockets of your luggage.  Tuck curling irons within the outfit rolls and place your cosmetic bag on top.

6. Speaking of cosmetic bags, bring a hanging toiletry bag.  This type of bag can easily fold or roll up for packing, but they also have that nice hook on the top giving you that extra option to hang it which will provide you with some counter space in those small hotel bathrooms. Bags are available in many different colors and sizes to fit your preference. 

7. Pack travel size or small size travel bottles of shampoo & conditioner, lotions, cremes, etc. in a travel toiletry bag. 

8. Hairdryers are typically not necessary, as most hotels have them.

9. Pack Laptops, iPads, and other small electronic devices in your carry-on bags for security reasons when flying.  Small carry-on suitcases typically have pockets on the front that you can easily pack your devices in or a special laptop pocket on the side so you can slide the laptop in the back of the suitcase.  Roll electronic cords or organize in a Travel Cord Organizer and pack with your electronics.

10. If you are traveling to a colder climate, wear or carry-on large coats or jackets to save the space and the extra weight they add.

Conclusion:

If you follow these 10 vacation packing hacks, your luggage will be neat and organized making it easy for you to select outfits each day. At the same time, planning ahead will help prevent you from over-packing so you can keep within the airline space and weight guidelines. 

Looking for more vacation packing hacks read our article 15 Essential Carry-Ons for Overseas Travel Adventures.

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