21 Genius Travel & Packing Hacks for a Hassle-Free Trip!
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. Use the TSA app to check wait times in real time!
The TSA app (free to download) provides 24/7 access to airport security information, including wait times, delay information, which items to bring, and more!
2. Make a check-off list before packing 📝.
It’s 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 you’re unsure where to start or download our printable international packing checklist!
3. Avoid packing your bulkier items and wear them on the plane instead.
Make sure you’re 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 don’t want to actually wear it.
4. 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!
5. 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 they’re lightweight and versatile. Plus, unpacking is even easier!
Consider Collin’s compression packing cubes to maximize your space.
“Packing 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, it’s perfect for organization. I would keep swimsuits in one, cords for electronics in another, shoes in the next, and so on!” – Lina, Hip sidekick
6. 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 you’re 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: We shared over 30 of the best travel accessories to take before your next trip.
7. Plan around the weather during your trip and only bring the staples.
Don’t let unexpected weather ruin your trip—check 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!
8. 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 kids’ clothing too. Pack one outfit per pocket including underwear and socks. Plus, it will likely make getting them dressed on vacation a breeze too.
HIP TIP: 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 – one for a top and one for a bottom since they are bigger).
Get a visual of this hack on YouTube!
9. 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 you’re 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 won’t rub on clothing.
10. 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. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. 🤕
Other things that may come in handy:
Hip Tip: We have a list of natural first-aid wellness products too!
11. 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. Plus, these can be a lifesaver to avoid anything spilling on your flight!
These mesh waterproof bags in various sizes would make a great versatile and more eco-friendly option too!
12. 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 you’re 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.
13. Pack your toiletries last as you use them.
Utilize any full-size products you have and fill up empty containers. This way, you aren’t 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.
14. 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.
15. 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 it’s a short trip, my Hip teammate Alli mentioned that she always travels with a duffel bag since it’s even easier to maneuver and takes up less space. There’s only so much you can fit, so you’ll think twice about stashing in that extra bulky cardigan you know you won’t end up wearing. 😉
16. Putting carry-ons inside checked bags are genius packing tips for flying and bringing home souvenirs.
For long trips, pack your items in a carry-on and place it inside your checked bag. If you bring home souvenirs, you can use the carry-on on the return — basically two suitcases for the price of one. ✈️🧳
“When 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 can’t get over here.” – Chrissy, Hip reader
17. Use an envelope pillowcase to disguise more outfits without paying an extra baggage fee.
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 you’re flying on allows you to bring a pillow, you may be able to bring those extra sweaters after all. 😉 A pillowcase with a zipper will keep your belongings from falling out and are among the ultimate travel packing hacks around.
18. Use an AirTag to track your checked luggage.
By placing an AirTag or another TSA-approved tracker inside your luggage you can conveniently keep tabs on your belongings even when it’s not in sight. Although our photo above shows it on the exterior, we do recommend placing your tracker inside your luggage for safety reasons.
19. Knowing the weight of each suitcase is a crucial packing tip.
Every airline has a weight limit if you’re planning to check a bag. Typically it’s 50 pounds, so weighing your suitcase before you leave is a great tip if you know you’ve packed it full. A luggage scale is a sure way to make sure you’re staying within the airline’s weight limits.
HIP 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. 😉
20. Pack winter gear in a space bag if you’re 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 son’s friend, so we were very limited on space in our car between the people, food, and all the gear we needed to travel with. We’ll never leave for a big trip again without these!
21. Use a shower cap to cover shoes.
If you don’t 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 you’re going camping, you can reuse the shower caps to enter your tent and keep it clean.
Hip Tip: Stuff socks in your shoes to utilize the wasted space!
We traveled to Portugal and Spain for 6 weeks. We just brought a carryon and a backpack. We packed some things we didn’t need. We plan on going to eastern Europe for 3 months when it opens up. I plan on taking the same luggage but with less stuff. The trick is stay at BNB’S with a washer, take washable and comfortable clothes, small containers of products you use. Train travel is essential over there and it is easier to hop trains with less stuff. Your tips are all spot on.
For super long trips (talking months here!) I pack clothes I’m ready to part with. When we’re getting ready to fly home, I leave the cleaned and washed clothes on a nearby park bench. They always seem to get recycled very quickly by someone else.
I am totally a “personal item” convert. It started as a way to avoid baggage fees (looking at you spirit airlines), but ultimately I like how mobile it makes me. Going through the airport is a breeze when you aren’t wrangling multiple bags, taking a bus/train/uber after getting off the plane is easier, and it forces you to be very diligent about what you’re packing.
You’d be surprised how little you actually need on vacation if you only pack in a backpack! (and those packing cubes are an absolute godsend if you choose to pack this way)
Packing cubes changed my (traveling) life! I personally like eBags and buy them only on sale (25-30% off). Each person in our family of five has three medium cubes in their favorite color. We can pack everything we need for 10-14 days in one checked suitcase and a small backpack for each person. Thanks Delta Amex for the free checked suitcase. When the mister and I are traveling alone, it’s a backpack and carryon for each of us, and packing cubes save the day. Also, my mom taught me this trick- if you travel with a neck pillow, take the foam out and stuff your neck pillow with clothes! I did this on our trip to Norway and fit a couple of sweaters in the neck pillow.
Thanks for the great tips! My favorite travel tip I’ve used for 20 years now is pack old clothing. You know the under-garments that really need to be tossed because the elastic is worn or that “painting” shirt that has too many holes or even pants with a hole in the back pocket. After I wear those old items or sleep in that old shirt, I throw the item away. I get to declutter my closet and I have less laundry when I return home.
We try to fit everything into carry-ons but when we can’t, we share checked bags. I give family members different colored packing cubes and we fit them into the checked bags. Depending on the trip, we might check one suitcase for 4 people, or two suitcases for 4 people. Another tip is to use solid toiletries instead of liquid whenever possible. Trader Joe’s sells a shampoo/conditioner bar and a balm in a tin. We have tooth powder instead of tooth paste. These items do not have to be removed when we go through security, which is a load off my mind during that hectic process.