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Read these secret travel packing tips & travel packing hacks before your next trip!
Seasoned travelers share top travel packing tips & travel packing hacks so you can say no to overpacking while still having every essential.
1. Make a check-off list before packing đ.
Itâs never too late to start a packing list before a trip! Your packing list should contain everything you need and what you may still need to buy. Try starting your list 1-2 weeks in advance to avoid forgetting any essentials.
Use an online packing template if youâre unsure where to start or download our printable international packing checklist!
âOne thing I always do to keep my packing minimal is make a list of what I need! I always think about how long Iâm gone and write out how many of each clothing item I need for the week. This way, Iâm careful not to overpack!â â Alli, Hip Sidekick
2. Avoid packing your bulkier items and wear them on the plane instead.
Make sure youâre wearing your biggest items to the airport! Yes, that bulky jacket and huge pair of sneakers are your new airport attire! You can also always tie your jacket around your waist if you donât want to actually wear it.
3. Rolling clothes is one of the ultimate travel packing hacks to maximize space!
Rolling your clothes maximizes the space in your suitcase and keeps things organized too. Consider rolling delicate clothes like satin or silk around other soft t-shirts to avoid wrinkles or creases.
Just keep in mind that rolling bulkier clothing like sweatshirts or jackets may have the opposite effect!
4. Utilize those packing organizers!
Packing cubes and organizers serve as the travel version of a drawer. It separates all your clothes while keeping them organized and theyâre lightweight and versatile. Plus, unpacking is even easier!
Consider Collinâs compression packing cubes to maximize your space.
âPacking cubes in general are super handy to have. They are lightweight and group various essentials together like toiletries and clothing. Since each category is in separate bags, itâs perfect for organization. I would keep swimsuits in one, cords for electronics in another, shoes in the next, and so on!â â Lina, Hip sidekick
5. A compression bag will give you more bang for your buck.
Compression sacks (as opposed to cubes) are another clever way to maximize your packing. This is especially great when youâre limited on the things you can pack like when traveling via airplane or hiking. This type of bag is usually more affordable and perfect for bulky items that would take up too much space otherwise.
Hip Tip:Â We shared over 30 of the best travel accessories to take before your next trip.
6. Plan around the weather during your trip and only bring the staples.
Donât let unexpected weather ruin your tripâcheck the forecast and plan daily outfits accordingly. Use layers and neutrals to mix and match effortlessly, saving space for souvenirs while making outfit planning a breeze!
âI always check the weather where Iâm going and plan outfits accordingly. Staple pieces are essential for me so I can mix and match. I aim to bring just two pairs of shoes, one jacket, and other clothing pieces I can wear multiple times. Doing this has helped me also avoid checking bags on flights too!â â Sara, Hip Sidekick
7. Hanging shoe organizers are travel packing hacks the whole family can benefit from.
This hack is a cheap solution to buying new packing cubes and is even more suitable for smaller kidsâ clothing too. Pack one outfit per pocket including underwear and socks. Plus, it will likely make getting them dressed on vacation a breeze too.
Walmart, Amazon, and even Dollar Tree have plenty of affordable options if you need a shoe organizer for this packing hack.
If you plan on using one organizer for everyone, consider allotting one row to each person and adding name tags. (Note that adults may need to use two pockets â one for a top and one for a bottom since they are bigger).
Get a visual of this hack on YouTube!
8. Freshen up your suitcase with some dryer sheets.
No one wants a musty-smelling suitcase or the chance of stinky shoes making your clothes smell dingy! Lay some dryer sheets out when traveling to have your clothes smell fresh and clean. You can also leave dryer sheets in suitcases to keep them smelling fresh while youâre awaiting the next trip. Paper perfume samples from magazines also make another frugal idea.
As a toxic-free or more sustainable alternative, you can also drop a few of your favorite essential oils on a piece of felt or paper and hide it somewhere it wonât rub on clothing.
9. Bring an all-inclusive first-aid kit!
Dollar Tree and Target have affordable first aid kits with Band-aids, gauze, antibacterial ointments, tweezers, and antiseptic wipes. Everyone has different medical needs, so you can refine them periodically by what you or your family need. Itâs always better to be safe than sorry. đ¤
Other things that may come in handy:
Hip Tip: We have a list of natural first-aid wellness products too!
10. Grab some Ziploc bags for packing away smaller items.
These are holy grails for storage! Whether you want to separate your items, bring snacks on the go, or put your electronic cords in one place, it can be extremely helpful to carry around some spare Ziploc bags.
Toiletries are likely to spill or overflow, especially due to the pressure if youâre flying. Ziploc bags can come to the rescue and avoid anything spilling on your other belongings!
These mesh waterproof bags in various sizes would make a great versatile and more eco-friendly option too!
11. Have a portable power bank at hand.
Power banks are a more travel-friendly and convenient wireless charger. It will limit having to find an outlet in the airport or even while out exploring a new city.
Hip Tip: If youâre flying by plane, make sure you put the power bank in your personal carry-on and NOT in your checked-in luggage as they are prohibited in cargo transport.
12. Pack your toiletries last as you use them.
Utilize any full-size products you have and fill up empty containers. This way, you arenât buying mini versions of stuff you already own. You can keep these containers and repurpose them. If you have beauty boxes full of samples, you can use those instead, too!
Remember, all carry-on toiletries must be under 3.4 ounces.
âFor toiletry essentials, I always pack those right before I leave. As Iâm getting ready, I set aside each thing I used so I know I wonât forget it, and everything else stays.â â Sara, Hip Sidekick
13. Bring along an empty reusable water bottle.
When most domestic destinations have safe drinking water, save your money on buying a water bottle and fill up a packable reusable one instead. This packing tip is environmentally friendly and a great way to save.
I highly recommend this CamelBak collapsible water bottle that takes up minimal space.
âBefore leaving for the airport, I fill up my water bottle and drink it on the ride. I make sure I finish it before hitting the security line and fill it up right after so Iâm ready to go before boarding. This ensures I get plenty of water before the flight to avoid dehydration or headaches, and then I can avoid the $5+ water bottles at the airport shop. Itâs a win-win!â â Emily, Hip Sidekick
14. Use a carry-on to instinctively limit overpacking and make flying a breeze!
Only bringing a carry-on will zip you through your airport travels much quicker and it forces you to be mindful about your packing.
If itâs a short trip, my Hip teammate Alli mentioned that she always travels with a duffel bag since itâs even easier to maneuver and takes up less space. Thereâs only so much you can fit, so youâll think twice about stashing in that extra bulky cardigan you know you wonât end up wearing. đ
15. Putting carry-ons inside checked bags are genius packing tips for flying and bringing home souvenirs.
This packing tip is only for long trips where you intend to bring home goods and souvenirs. If youâre planning on grabbing a ton of stuff from your adventures, pack your belongings inside a carry-on. Then, pack the carry-on inside the checked bag, using the extra space around it for more must-haves.
Many international airlines will give you a complimentary carry-on space, so utilize it! This is especially great for week-long vacations or when youâre visiting a long-distance family member. Itâs basically two suitcases for the price of one.
âWhen I travel to Germany every year, I put my empty carry-on into my checked suitcase. On the way back, I have a full suitcase because my mother sends me home with things that I canât get over here.â â Chrissy, Hip reader
16. Use an envelope pillowcase to disguise more outfits without paying an extra baggage fee.Â
Some airlines will allow you to bring a comfy pillow without it counting against you. While these airlines are limited, others will let you bring one as long as it fits in your carry-on backpack or suitcase. If the airline youâre flying on allows you to bring a pillow, you may be able to bring those extra sweaters after all. đ A pillowcase with a zipper will keep your belongings from falling out and are among the ultimate travel packing hacks around.
17. Use an AirTag to track your checked luggage.Â
By placing an AirTag or another TSA-approved tracker inside your luggage you can conveniently keep tabs on your belongings even when itâs not in sight. Although our photo above shows it on the exterior, we do recommend placing your tracker inside your luggage for safety reasons.
18. Knowing the weight of each suitcase is a crucial packing tip.Â
Every airline has a weight limit if youâre planning to check a bag. Typically itâs 50 pounds, so weighing your suitcase before you leave is a great tip if you know youâve packed it full. This could save you from shuffling your belongings around in the middle of TSA or worse, being forced to throw something away.
A luggage scale is a sure way to make sure youâre staying within the airlineâs weight limits. Or as a free tip, weigh yourself at home, then weigh yourself while holding your suitcase and subtract the difference. Do it twice to confirm your scale was accurate. đ
19. Pack winter gear in a space bag if youâre hitting the road and need extra space.
My family of five recently went on a ski road trip and these space-saving bags are what allowed us to fit everything in my Thule. In fact, I was able to fit all of our ski gear (minus helmets & goggles) in just ONE bag! This year we brought my teen sonâs friend, so we were very limited on space in our car between the people, food, and all the gear we needed to travel with. Weâll never leave for a big trip again without these!
20. Use a shower cap to cover shoes.Â
If you donât have a travel shoe bag, using shower caps for used shoes is a great travel packing hack that will allow you to pack your shoes without the worry of them messing up your clothes. As a bonus, if youâre going camping, you can reuse the shower caps to enter your tent and keep it clean.
Hip Tip:Â Stuff socks in your shoes to utilize the wasted space!
