13 Smart Travel Packing Tips for Your Next Adventure

Packing for a trip can sometimes seem like a daunting task, especially when trying to balance space, weight, and the need for essentials. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, have a structured packing approach. It can make all the difference in ensuring you have everything you need without the hassle. To help streamline your packing process and make your travels as smooth as possible, here’s a list of helpful travel packing tips. These will help keep you organized and prepared for your journey (or honeymoon!) ahead.

Travel Packing Tips for Your Next Trip

A list: I hate forgetting some crucial item. A (male) friend forgot to pack pants, so he had to wear jeans on the first day of an important conference. I started a list several years ago and still refer to it, occasionally adding a few things.
Bubble wrap: Protective wrap holds space in your suitcase for your purchases along the way. You can discard what doesn’t fit or use what’s available to protect valuables.
Extra day bag: Pack a small, empty bag in your suitcase that you can use as a carry-on to hold goodies you buy on the trip.
Roll, roll, roll your clothes: Fold your clothes like you would put them away in a chest of drawers, then roll them up. That way, you can fit a lot more in your suitcase. Better yet, wrap a whole outfit together. Place undergarments and socks in the middle, then the shirt in the next layer, followed by pants on the outside.
Colorful handle or tassel: I thought I was smart to buy a red suitcase. On one trip, there were four nearly identical red suitcases on the baggage carousel. A flight attendant walked off with my husband’s suitcase once. He caught up with her, and thankfully, it had a luggage tag with his name on it.
Index card with your name, address, and telephone number INSIDE the suitcase: Name tags fall off. Suitcases get misdirected. If you have no identifying info in your suitcase, it can end up in the vast storehouse of lost luggage.

“Having a structured packing approach can make all the difference in ensuring you have everything you need without the hassle.”

Shoes as storage: Put fragile items, such as a shaver that can accidentally get turned on, inside your shoes. Put all your socks inside your shoes – it’s wasted space.
Scarf: A scarf or wrap is a great multi-use carry-on. It can serve as a pillow, a shawl, or a sarong.
Baggies: I once had a bottle of cough syrup leak all over a shawl I brought home from Ireland. In addition to protecting liquids, baggies are perfect for leftovers in countries that don’t encourage “doggy bags” and for liquids you may carry home.
AC adapter for other countries: Don’t assume you can buy one when you get there. My husband spent two days in Finland without a phone charger. The airport stores were closed when his flight arrived. Then, he had to travel another hour to his destination in a small town.
Eyeglass/Contact Prescription: I lost a pair of glasses at the start of my vacation. I went for a romantic, moonlit walk along the beach and put my glasses in my pocket. The tide came and went before I realized it, and I had to spend the next ten days without my glasses.
Carry-on: Consider a backpack. It will save wear and tear on your shoulders, fit neatly under the seat in front of you, and can carry an assortment of snacks, reading materials, a small blanket, and a pillow.
Garbage bag: A bag will keep your clean and dirty clothes separated, especially if you’ll be moving from hotel to hotel. When heading to the beach, it can be a lifesaver to keep sand at bay.