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I am excited to share these travel packing tips with you! This is the collaborative effort of over 50 of the best travel bloggers in the business! From travel wardrobe basics to practical tools and ideas, these expert packing tips reveal a treasure trove of information sure to make your trip planning easier. Pack light and pack smart!
60 Travel Packing Tips
Packing Tips for Comfort on Flights
If you travel regularly, keep the basics in your backpack. It saves a lot of time! Don’t forget earplugs, a light scarf, medicines, a sleeping mask, and little scissors! A World to Travel
Bring lip balm, ear plugs, a notepad, and panty liners for long flights. The liners help prevent yeast infections and doubles the life of your underwear. Green Global Travel
My friend From Zurich shares her top packing tips: Bring a scarf because they are so multifunctional! You can use it if it’s cold, if you need to cover up, to sit on, and more. On plane trips, I must have: a small toiletry bag with eye drops, moisturizer, sanitizer, aspirin, and ear plugs. The ear plugs can block out loud snorers in dorms.
If you’re facing an upcoming trip with an extremely long travel time, our readers share their best tips on how to survive long flights!
Packing Tips for Travel Organizers & Travel Bags
Use colored packing cubes to organize your clothes. That way, you can pull out the “shirts” bag quickly without searching and dumping out an entire backpack. Around the World in 80 Jobs
Don’t bother with those fancy, expensive travel towels. Instead, get a sarong. It’s cheap and multi-use: use it as a wrap, lay it out for picnics or sunbathing, or dry off with it. They’re super light and dry quickly, even in humid places. For packing, invest in packing cubes! They make packing and living out of a suitcase/backpack more organized and much easier. It’s one of my best packing tips. 1 Dad 1 Kid
Bring a range of see-through plastic bags with you. They are useful for keeping dirty or wet clothes separate from clean clothes, replacing lost cosmetics bags, storing souvenirs, keeping dirty shoes contained, and just generally keeping your backpack organized without needing to empty it every time you want to find something. Plastic bags are very useful if you like to compartmentalize, like I do. Vicky Flip Flop Travels
Always pack a few plastic baggies in different sizes. They are great for swiping food for lunch from the buffet breakfast or for saving the seashells your child collected. As a bonus, bring a small, collapsible cooler with a baggie filled with ice from the hotel to keep your lunch cold or to refrigerate something you pick up from the store for later. There and Back Again Travel
Always carry a huge garbage bag (clean, of course!) in your backpack’s top pocket. You never know when you’ll need to protect your backpack from a downpour or from wandering hands in your hostel. Solitary Wanderer
My best advice when it comes to packing: ziplocs! I keep everything in ziploc bags–from toothpaste to shampoo to sunblock–to prevent them from damaging my clothes or electronics. It’s a cheap and easy solution to make sure your face cream doesn’t stain your favorite jeans! Beatrice BP
I put together a five-part YouTube series showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use this specific packing strategy, they can also compress your belongings and travel capsule wardrobe. This is the secret to traveling carryon only!
I pack my daily supplements and vitamins in small ziploc bags to reduce bottle bulk. Geogypsy Traveler
It’s one of the often-repeated packing tips but seriously–a bunch of bags to separate out your clothes will prove invaluable. Compression sacks, packing cubes, or just stuff sacks–use them to keep things organized and smush clothes into a smaller bundle. Just make sure they’re not plastic! Chasing the Wild
Make sure all your liquid items are in bags or separated from the rest of your things. That way, if one of the bottles gets damaged, it won’t get all over your entire wardrobe! The Kay Days
Instead of plastic bags, use cloth hotel laundry bags for storage. They are reusable, washable, and don’t make that annoying rustling sound if you find yourself in a hostel in the middle of the night searching for something. Man on the Lam
Use compression bags to pack your clothes. Not only do they save space in your bag, but they also double as waterproofing for valuables when you’re out exploring. Flip Flops Abroad
Space bags are great, but don’t forget you’ll need to go through that process every time you open your bag. Is it worth it? It’s One World Travel
Here’s the best packing organizers for travel!
Delsey Helium Aero Carry On Luggage
Travel Packing Tips and Tricks
Roll stuff, don’t fold it; it seems to take up less space, in my experience. Also, leave at least half of what you were going to take behind; you’re not going to need it. You won’t believe me and you’ll take it anyway, because everyone does, at least the first few times. Finding the Universe
I always roll my clothes because it takes up less space and makes them less wrinkly. I also bring an extra pair of contact lenses, no matter how short the trip. I pack my glasses and a pair of underwear in my carryon in case of delayed luggage. Monkeys and Mountains
Pack elastic bracelets as they can double as hairbands and can be used to hold small items together. Also, I’ve never regretted taking packs of mini tissues. Southwest Compass
I like to bring a few sheets of tissue paper along. I use it to roll up anything that is likely to get wrinkled. Works great. Bond Girl Photos
Use a suitcase where you can strap your clothes down tightly. It works like an iron. Boomeresque
Read these tips on packing cubes vs packing folders and find out what’s the best for you!
Shop Sizes XS-4X: J.Jill
Packing Tips for Fashionistas
Packing light provides you and your trip flexibility. Therefore, I pack mostly black or blue jeans and clothes and provide color with scarves and accessories. I am also a confirmed “roller”. Family Travel
Bring the jeans, leave the heels. Make sure you bring the right bras. When you’re stacked, it can be a real challenge to make sure the girls are locked and lovely. My fave combo is one everyday bra, one sexy bra, and one sports bra. A bunch of packing tips in one shot! It’s One World Travel
If you love your jeans, just pack them. No matter what else someone tells you—they take too long to dry, they smell bad wet, they are heavy—yes, they are all of those things…but they are also something you’ll likely wear every day on the road, just like at home. Oh, and use packing cubes! A Little Adrift
Our readers voted for the best black travel pants and these were their favorite styles!
Think twice about the hiking boots. Not only are they bulky and heavy, but I find that even when I’ve packed them in the past, I’ve felt more comfortable wearing a pair of Toms or Chucks. Unless you’re thinking about some serious hiking, you can get away with a much lighter (and more fashionable) shoe like this one. That Backpacker
Bring a black or brown dress and tops with you. I call it the “safe” colors. You can wear them anytime, anywhere. Bringing one stiletto or high-heeled shoe helps, especially if you need to attend a formal event. In terms of packing, bring cotton tops and if you’re going to a tropical country, avoid bulky clothes. Senyorita
Be conservative with shoes. Even shoes that you normally consider comfortable may pinch your feet or give you blisters. Go for the most comfortable yet neutral shoes you can find, and make sure they’re broken in. Bring cuter shoes for short outings or evenings. This is My Happiness
Wherever you are going and in whatever climate, always, always have a posh frock and heels in case you need to dress up. Escape Artistes
.Here’s the most comfortable and cute walking shoes for travel!
No matter the climate I’m going to, I always travel with at least one scarf. It takes up virtually no room, and yet can have so many uses. A scarf can dress up a boring travel outfit, give you a bit of warmth in chilly locales, help you cover up in conservative destinations, and can even serve as a pillow or sarong in a pinch. Dangerous Business
One of my top packing tips is to resist last minute urges to pack extras (like extra t-shirts). Allow 30 minutes extra time before you leave for the airport to edit what you’ve put in your bag. Aim to take at least three items out. 30 Traveler
I pack lots of scarves. They use practically zero room in a suitcase and are so versatile. They allow me to create multiple outfits from the same top and bottom by providing different colors and textures, and they also can serve as protection against the cold or sun. I have used a scarf as a picnic blanket and as something soft (or protective) to sit on. Also, I pick up scarves wherever I go so it turns into a travel moment, too! Misadventures with Andi
A little black dress, cute flats, and a shawl go a long way. Nomadic Chick
Here are eight different ways to wear a scarf when you travel!
Lay out all the clothes you intend to take…then put half of them away! I’ve never regretted not taking any piece of clothing on a trip but I have regretted packing too much. Take double the amount of underwear that you think you’ll need. A girl can never have too many pairs of clean knickers. Flashpacker Family
When in Asia, always travel with a scarf. It’s perfect for places that use a bit too much air conditioning (you can throw it over your shoulders) or wear it as a skirt if your clothing isn’t appropriate for temples. A scarf always makes clothing look a bit more put together. Asia Travel Tales
Bring versatile clothing that you can reuse in several outfits. I especially love wrap dresses that you can change from one-shouldered to halter to strapless and more! Christine in Spain
Want to look good while you travel? Bring the same clothes and styles you love at home as long as they’re reasonable and don’t take much space. I always travel with a skinny tie and skinny jeans (hipster essentials) because you never know when you’ll want to look good—even when abroad. Travels of Adam
Find out exactly why these two piece sets are the perfect addition to any travel wardrobe!
Packing Tips for Families
One tip that’s probably been mentioned a lot, but I live by, is this: lots of layering options for the kids reduces the need to pack lots of warm clothes. By layering, it’s easy to modify their level of warmth. Having multiple short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts are more space-friendly than carrying extra jackets, for example. Little Aussie Travellers
Your kids, especially toddlers, will ALWAYS need less than you think they will, especially when it comes to toys. An iPad or tablet plus a very small bag of favorite toys can get you to your destination, while the actual place you are visiting is often entertainment enough. With so many new sights and sounds to explore, you’ll find your toddler ditching that bag of cars you packed in exchange for every stick, rock, and leaf along the way. Walking on Travels
We are a family of four. When we pack, we roll everything (except jeans and thick pants); it does give you more space. The Q Family Adventures
Flying with a baby? Don’t stress! We have some awesome tips from a jetsetting mom.
Trunki Original Kids Ride-On Suitcase and Carry-On Luggage
Traveling as a family of four, we use vacuum-sealed, airtight, and waterproof space bags for each individual. They compress clothes by squeezing the air out, they protect fabric from spills, and they are an easy way to separate everyone’s belongings. They’re also great for bulky items like sweaters and ski gear for winter trips. The World is a Book
My best packing tips for families: make the kids pack and carry their own stuff. Whatever tempting cool clothing they want to buy along the way, they know they have to carry. This saves mom’s and dad’s backs. Also, dark fabric shows fewer stains, needs less washing, and shows less wear. The Nomadic Family
One of my best pet travel packing tips is to always bring your dog’s blankets and pillows and a few toys that smell like home. It keeps them calm in the car and lets them have a piece of home when sleeping in a different hotel every night. It’s the best way to have well-behaved, well-traveled pets. The Constant Rambler
Read this packing list for toddlers and babies to make traveling with a family a breeze!
Packing Tips for Everyone
Leave space in your backpack or suitcase. Use the extra room for souvenirs and purchases you make during travel. Awe Inclusive
When you’re taking a short trip, pack your old underwear and throw it away after you wear it. I also take clothing I’m tired of and leave it behind, too. I pack underwear and jewelry in my shoes. Edgy June Travels
Pack a spork to make your street food experiences easier and more enjoyable. Travel Gear for Men
Don’t forget the duct tape. You’ll find a million and one uses for it. My Itchy Travel Feet
Here’s a twist on an old standby in terms of packing tips: 3M has come up with a new type of Scotch Transparent Duct Tape. It comes in various strengths, but it is not yet available in convenient mini-rolls. Savvy Traveling
Take a look at these 25 random travel necessities and find out if they make sense for your next trip!
Besides the normal things like clothing and body products, I take a traveling natural health kit. One of the key ingredients is essential oils: they’re great for natural first-aid, to ward off germs and bacteria, and even for a bit of scent (smaller than any perfume bottle). I use lemon oil as my hand sanitizer wherever I go. It’s easier to carry and better smelling than most products on the market. Santa Fe Travelers
I always have a thread and needle. It’s one of the more classic packing tips. Not only can you patch up your clothing, you can exchange your services for free beer. Going Nomadic
The best day bag for travel is a dry bag like this one that can protect and store your valuables! We Heart Scuba Diving
String and cable ties–it’s unbelievable how many times they’ve come in handy! Magnificent Potato
I always pack a hypoallergenic pillow case (one that zips) to cover gross pillows, which often contain dust mites. And, of course, I pack a sleep sheet (some call it a “sack”) to protect me from bed linens I’d rather not touch. Chicky Bus
Buy a universal adaptor rather than one suited only for the country you’re visiting. It saves money in the long run and gives you more travel flexibility (especially during airport layovers). Inside the Travel Lab
I always carry earplugs and a headlamp. You never know when you will need them. Ordinary Traveler
Find out our top 10 travel essentials for backpackers!
Osprey Packs Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack
I keep a “quick fix” kit in my cabinet and grab it for trips. It contains earplugs, a sleep mask, lip balm, ibuprofen, and extra contact lenses. I also bring flavored tea bags to relax with a cup of tea no matter where I am. As for clothing packing tips, I keep it simple with lots of black. It goes with everything and is difficult to stain! Spanish Sabores
Buy a backpack that isn’t a top loader. Backpacks like the Berghaus Jalan and the Osprey Farpoint zip most of the way around and open like a suitcase, which makes getting to your stuff a lot easier! Gap Year Escape
Keep a list of all the items you need for a vacation overseas or a weekend trip, as each type of trip requires different things to pack, especially electronics– chargers, lenses, memory cards, etc. A list means it’s less likely to be forgotten. Kiwi Travel Writer
The best item I’ve found is a travel clothesline. If you’ll be hand-washing your clothes while traveling, it’s super convenient. SKJ Travel
Because we at Green Global Travel often venture to off-the-beaten-path destinations, it’s crucial that we pack light and carry clothes that can be washed and dried very easily. Green Global Travel
Have lip balm and your Speedo if you’re traveling in Europe. And always pack light is one of the golden packing tips! Dream Euro Trip
Want the ultimate guides for packing light? Read our Pack Light Stylishly book to get started and see our packing tips, and take our master class if you’re ready to Stop Overpacking!
A giant thank you to all the travel bloggers who shared their packing tips in this post!
If you have any travel packing tips to share, please add them in the comments below!
For more packing tips, please read:
- 75 Packing Tips that Will Make Your Travels So Much Easier
- This Video Will Change the Way You Pack
- Packing Lists for (Almost) Every Destination
- Think Traveling Carry-on is Impossible? Read this
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That’s quite an interesting article Alex, and I find it really useful, As a corporate traveller, packing things is literally hectic work, and I am going to follow your tips for my upcoming travels. Hope this parking trick could save some space.
Hi Gloria, thank you for your feedback, glad that you found the article helpful! Safe travels! 🙂
I found all the tips very useful, I use some of them. I would like to add a few I use. Packing bijoux jewelry, I pass necklaces through a straw to prevent tangling, put rings and earrings seperately in small ziplocks then all together in a small cosmetic pouch and into my suitcase. For expensive jewelery I put it in a small cufflink box which accomodates two diamond rings, a medium sized locket and a brooch. This protects them from being compressed. Then I carry it in my handbag in a small zippered compartment. Hope this may help somebody.
Hi, thank you so much for your comment! Thank you for sharing you great tips 🙂
That’s quite an interesting article Shari Melillo, and I find it really useful, As a corporate traveller, packing things is literally hectic work, and I am going to follow your tips for my upcoming travels. Hope this packing trick could save some space on air travel
Tips to save space in your suitcase
Roll the clothes instead of folding them. You can save your space and carry some extra items such as belt and pair of extra socks in your baggage.
Wear as much as you can rather than packing it. This doesn’t sound cool but it is one of the best trick. Wear extra clothes inside your over coat and later remove them once you are on your sear after boarding the flight. A little extra layer of clothes on your body will give you a lot of free space in your bag. Now you have some extra space in your suitcase to put some more items.
You can also use your pockets to hold small things rather than putting them in your luggage. You can even fold small clothing items and place them in large pockets of a jacket or cargo pants.
I just read this and must say, I should have done so a few weeks earlier 🙁
One thing I found interesting lately is to use tools for my packing. whattopackforatrip.com is one example but there are a few more. Can you do something like this too 🙂
Thanks for one marvelous posting! I enjoyed reading it, you are a great Writer. Keep up the wonderful works on. I’ve added you to my blogroll as well.
Glad seeing this kind of tips, make sure to bring a handy soap, roadeavour scented soap sheets is a must have!
I also think packing with capsule wardobe principles is also very effective.
Glad you agree! All of our packing lists are based on a capsule wardrobe: https://travelfashiongirl.com/packing-lists/
Great tips! I agree that rolling your clothes make them take up less space.
Thanks Andy!
Like one of your correspondents above said – practice pack and pitch. Any old clothes that are serviceable but may have a spot or are heavily worn get packed and pitched along the way. You can always tie a scarf so it covers a spot and you’re never going to see these people again. Your pitch will equal your stuff purchased. And stuff left in Peru, mark it trash bastuda, doesn’t worm its way back into your closet. I also just purchased an Elizabeth and Clarke unstainable tshirt and can’t wait to see if they work well.
Great tips! Thanks Marilyn!
when staying in a hotel, just below the peephole in the door, there is usually a sign describing protocol for emergencies. next to this sign is (usually) a card inserted with room prices, check-out times, etc. pull this card halfway out and use it to cover the peephole for privacy. this gave me peace of mind when my young daughter and I traveled alone. an alternative would be to cover the peephole with a small piece of blue painter’s tape. I also locked and bolted the door and placed the (empty) plastic trash can a few inches from the door before we went to bed. this would give us valuable seconds if someone tried to enter our room while we were asleep!
Thank you for your post. space while helping your bras maintain their shape by stacking them on on top of each other. You can even store you underwear inside of the cups.
Great tip Kyla!! Thanks for sharing!
A portable speaker is a great item to take with you. You can listen to music anywhere and even charge your phone with them.
That’s a great tip!
I always (always!) use a packing list for every trip and just tweak it each time based on where, when & how long the trip is. It’s divided into four sections.
Section 1 is for things I might need to have at the ready like passports, reservation paperwork, phone charger, antibacterial wipes, etc. This is basically my travel bag list.
Section 2 is for toiletries and rarely changes.
Section 3 is for planning outfits. I break it down with the itinerary for each day and what the expected weather will be, and then pre-plan out each outfit for each day/event, including belts, shoes and accessories. Keeping to this strict plan helps me from over-packing!
The fourth and final section is for anything extra, like a hat, gloves, undies, bras, etc. Also included in this section are little extras like small hand fans for hot & humid climates, a small baggie for the hotel remote control (one of the germiest things in your room), etc.
Great suggestions Pollyana! Thank you so much for sharing your method! Sounds like you’ve got packing down! Happy travels!
Traveling is a fun activity but doing it repeatedly can eventually tire a traveler down. Because of this, many frequent travelers have realized the importance of preparing luggage that allows one to carry necessary travel items without compromising comfort. Much of the challenges come from identifying the trip, choosing and prioritizing the items that will be brought according to the trip, and finding the right packing technique to ensure that the luggage that will accompany the traveler will not cause any discomfort.
Thanks for your message Lecitia! Great tips! Comfort is definitely most important when selecting what to bring and what luggage to bring it in. Thanks for reading! Safe travels!
So many people recommend rolling clothes instead of folding, and I’ve even tried the “military” style you can learn on YouTube videos. However, I still find correct folding (eg, the KonMari method) makes my suitcase so much more calm and organized. And fewer wrinkles.
It’s great that you’ve found the way that works best for you! Keep packing smart 🙂
My Husband and I are leaving for 90 days travel and I am keeping it to one roller thanks to a lot of the tips here.
Wow thank you Piccola 🙂 Have a wonderful journey!
I like to carry a backpack on the plane for all my stuff. Instead of dealing with a purse AND a backpack, I just put my necessary purse contents (wallet, smartphone, meds, etc.) in the backpack and pack my purse in my suitcase.
Perfect strategy!
I always bring a few wooden clothespins. I need the room very dark to sleep and the clothespins sometimes are perfect to hold a drape together. Of course they can be used in the obvious ways hand clothes to dry off a hangar or towel rack.
good tip! I’ve met travelers with plastic ones but wooden plastic it’s all the same 🙂
I try to lay out everything I want to pack, including cosmetic bag, etc., then live with it, at home, for the amount of time I’m going to be gone. Anything that doesn’t get used doesn’t go in the suitcase, and it’s an easy way to see if everything fits together. Takes discipline to do this, but it’s a good reality check.
That is dedication but if you do it once, you can keep reusing the same things for future trips. Great tip!
Alex, can you give me few tips regarding packing fine jewelry on business trip
great timing! have an article publishing on July 9th with your answer – stay tuned!
Great tips from everyone this is really going to help me this summer other thing when you make a list make sure you check off the important things first like start off with carry on luggage essentials any way this is my favorite site to go to when I’m having trouble packing oh almost forgot make your luggage noticble by putting ribbons and shoelaces so that way you would not have to worry when you get to the airport
I am not so sure if I shared this compilation on my page before, but I’m glad to see my tips and advice on this post now 😛
When going on a vacation where swimming is involved, I pack a lightweight, cheap or well used towel. Then, if I want to swim after the noon checkout time, I give away the wet towel at the end of the day.
Another useful and small, lightweight item is a little sponge (the little pink, yellow or green ones). They are incredibly useful, take almost zero room, and save towels if the floor gets wet.
I’ve been looking everywhere for a blog like this… finally 🙂
Glad you found it!
Thank you!
Great list – I thought I’d add that I always travel with a black and a grey tank top. They are perfect for layering if you are cold, sleeping in OR for modesty.
I agree, great to have some basics. Thanks!
Awesome tips! I am leaving for London on Wednesday for two weeks with my school, and these tips will help me pack and lower my anxiety over it! (: Thanks so much for this blog post, I really appreciate it! (:
Thanks Kelly! Glad to help 🙂
You also might find this post helpful: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-london-on-your-trip-to-the-united-kingdom/
Loads of helpful stuff there – thanks. Glad to know that I am amongst fellow rollers and ziplockers!
Thanks Bernie! Rolling is the way to go 🙂
Thanks for including my duct tape tip. I’ll be linking to this list in our February newsletter.
Thanks Donna! Duct tape has endless uses – I especially like to use it to help prop up the massive universal adapters/converters into the outlet. Thanks again!
I am a first time visitor. I enjoyed your blog some great tips.
Thank you 🙂
What a great round-up post! Bookmarking this and will be using a few of these tips for the next trip. Thanks for including my tip 🙂
Thanks! Thanks for the tip 🙂
This is the best post on packing I’ve seen! (and not just cuz I got a nod, either) I especially love the last point made: “pack clothing you feel good wearing”
Thanks Laura! I hope I can get enough tips to make it to 100 🙂 high goals!
Thanks for including my tips! A bunch of great advice here from others.
Thanks Talon! What color is your sarong of choice? 🙂
Brilliant list! Thanks for including my tip!
Thanks Bethany and also for sharing your tip 🙂
I love these tips! I find an iphone invaluble for all of the language apps and google!
Thanks Stephanie. Hopefully you could use a few for your upcoming trip 🙂
Same here! Thanks and congrats for the article! 🙂
Thanks again! Great collaboration 🙂
Thanks for featuring my tip here, I love seeing what all the different range of travelers feel is important when packing! 🙂
Thanks for contributing Shannon! Great tips from everyone 🙂
Great tips! I have already bookmarked this for future reference. Thanks for including mine 🙂
Thank you! No matter how experienced you are, it’s still possible to pick up new tricks from others 🙂
I enjoyed reading your post full of great tips. Thanks for including mine. I’ve already tweeted your post.
Thanks Lisa! I’m happy with the turn out 🙂
So many great packing tips from knowledgeable travelers!
Thanks for including mine 🙂
Thank you so much for contributing! 🙂