Packing Tips for Travel

7 Packing tips and recommendations for easy travel

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I prefer to avoid checking bags since the worst way to start a trip would be with a lost bag. Plus, in locations with small streets and stairs, it can be a pain to lug a huge bag around.

Here are some items to help fit your items into a carry on:

1. Packing Cubes. These totally changed my packing game and are essential for longer trips when digging through your bag to find one thing and then having to repack everything is highly annoying! I have used an Eagle Creek Packing Cube Set for years. At a minimum, I recommend bringing one Eagle Creek Dual Compartment Packing Cube for dirty clothes.

2. Shoe bags. No need to contaminate your suitcase and clothes with dirt and grime from your shoes. These Clear Shoe Bags are perfect for keeping your shoes contained but easily identifiable. For light color shoes you might even put each shoe in bag individually so that the shoes don't scuff against eachother in transit.

3. Travel sized toiletries. Required for carry-on only travel since larger liquids must be checked. For anything that doesn't come in a travel size these Refillable Mini Storage Jars are perfect for brining a small quantity of your favorite lotions and cosmetics.

4. Just because you plan to carry-on doesn't mean that will actually happen. Especially if you are not boarding in one of the first groups, you will have to check your bag if the carry-on storage is full. So don't forget to place a bag tag on your carry on! These Bag Tags are bright and colorful which will help distinguish your bag in the baggage claim area.

Traveling can be stressful! I am not someone who sleeps well on planes and you always want to keep track of your important items.

Here are some items I recommend to bring to make your travel experience more pleasant:

1. A portable charger. You never know when you might need some extra juice and you want to be able to use your phone to take photos etc without worrying! This portable charger 2 pack has multiple different kinds of charging ports.

2. Traveling can make sleep a challenge. Just a few items can dramatically improve your chances of getting some rest. This Sleep Mask is breathable and inexpensive. I also recommend ear plugs and playing white noise on your phone to reduce noise. It may seem like a splurge, but noise-cancelling headphones like these Sony WH1000XM4 are worth it. Finally, it is worth it to invest in a good travel pillow. People tend to be very picky and specific about their preferred pillow type. This Travel Pillow has high walls to keep your neck propped up and comes with a sleep mask, ear plugs, and a bag!

3. Keeping all your important things reduces so much stress when you are asked to present a document or need to grab your passport. In my experience, bigger is beter when it comes to these organizers and you rarely are going to just have a passport and might pick up important items along the way as you travel. This Travel Documents Organizer comes in a bunch of colors and has space for more than just a passport.