Travelling Bag Packing Tips
Jan 21, 2022
Bags can say a lot about the travelers who drag, roll and carry them around.
Inexperienced trekkers may wrestle stubborn trunks or oversized suitcases packed to the brim, dragging
them from the parking garage to the check-in counter. More experienced globetrotters zip around with
sleek, rolling bags designed to fit neatly in overhead compartments. And we’ve all seen the thrifty traveler
who’s packed their belongings in Duct-taped duffel bags that are older than aviation itself. While the
optimal bag and packing methods differ based on itineraries, budgets and more, there are some nearuniversal guidelines you can follow to make life convenient in the airport and the hotel room when you’re
living out of a suitcase.
Here they are…
Welcome message from author
Going on vacation is the best. Not so fun? Trying to cram your cutest outfits into your suitcase. Indeed,
the anxiety of figuring out what to pack (and how to make it all a fit) can put bit of a damper on your
pre-getaway excitement. Whether you're someone who starts packing a week ahead of time or waits
until the last minute, these hacks will ensure that your favorite dress doesn't get wrinkled and you have
plenty of room for souvenirs. Read tips above to learn how to pack faster, smarter, and sans stress.
Transcript
PowerPoint PresentationTravelling
Bag
Packing
Tips
Overview
Bags can say a lot about the travelers who drag, roll and carry them around.
Inexperienced trekkers may wrestle stubborn trunks or oversized suitcases packed to the brim, dragging
them from the parking garage to the check-in counter. More experienced globetrotters zip around with
sleek, rolling bags designed to fit neatly in overhead compartments. And we’ve all seen the thrifty traveler
who’s packed their belongings in Duct-taped duffel bags that are older than aviation itself. While the
optimal bag and packing methods differ based on itineraries, budgets and more, there are some near-
universal guidelines you can follow to make life convenient in the airport and the hotel room when you’re
living out of a suitcase.
Here they are…
The best way to prevent creases and make the
most of your space is to use the roll method. Lay
tops facedown, fold in the sleeves and roll from
the bottom up. For pants, put the legs together
and roll from the waist down. Once you’ve rolled
everything, place pants and tops in your suitcase
before shoes and accessories; then, fit in other
oddly shaped items like hair tools.
Choose travel-friendly fabrics
Amazon Essentials t-shirts made with spandex).
Even when these fabrics wrinkle, the creases will
fall out when you hang them up. Woven fabrics
(like linen or cotton twill) are more prone to
wrinkling.
wear on top
If you know you’re getting off the plane and going
straight to dinner or a meeting, plan your outfit
and put it into your suitcase last. That way, when
you arrive, you won’t have to dig through
everything else to find it (plus, it will be less likely
to wrinkle). This strategy is a great excuse to think
about what you’ll wear in advance so you don’t
make one of the biggest packing mistakes: waiting
until the last minute to pack.
Place heavy items at the base
Keep weightier things like shoes and books by the
wheeled end of your suitcase. This placement
helps your bag stay stable when upright, and stops
other items from getting smushed.
Layer plastic dry cleaning bags
between clothes
The next time you pick up your dry cleaning, save
the plastic bags. You can use them to protect
delicate items from accidental pulls by layering
them between your clothes. They help your
clothing slide (not snag) when your bag gets
jostled (and they help reduce wrinkling!).
Use packing cubes
stack together easily — no more trying to fit in
oddly shaped items like a puzzle. Plus, the durable
cubes are lightweight and thin so you won’t lose
any precious suitcase space.
Avoid over or under-packing
souvenirs, extra room means items can shift and
crumple or break. Fill empty spaces with dry
cleaner bags (and fill them later with mementos
from your trip). It’s important not to over-pack
either (especially if you’re only bringing a carry-on),
since that’s a surefire way to create crease marks
and can make it extra tricky to repack when you're
going home — or heading off to another spot.
Get an extra tote for souvenirs
It won’t take up much space on the way to your
destination (it folds into a small pouch!) and you
can fill it with (almost) anything you buy on your
travels.
Take a mini iron
At only 1.6 pounds, it takes up very little space and
is perfect for quick touch-ups anywhere (it works as
an iron and steamer). It performed well in our
Cleaning Lab tests (just don’t expect it to de-
wrinkle a full garment in record time).
Bring two small laundry bags
Use one for lights and one for darks. If you forget,
grab plastic bags from your hotel room’s closet.
When you get home, throw the presorted loads in
the wash.
You know the drill: Stash any liquids you want to
keep in your carry-on bag in a separate, clear bag
so you can easily pass through security. Our
beauty director’s must-haves: a do-it-all hydrating
balm, cleansing wipes for your face or hands (or
the seat), and a lightly scented hand sanitizer.
Keep important medication in your
purse
Even if you plan to carry on your bag, there's still a
risk you could have to check it at the gate. If your
meds are in your purse, you’ll have what you need
even if the overhead bin space fills up and you end
up having to check your bag.
Bring a scarf for the plane in your
carry-on
No matter what season it is, planes are often on
the chilly side. Bring a pretty, warm wrap that you
can bundle up in if the temp doesn’t feel
comfortable. Bonus: You can also fold it and use it
as a pillow.
Carry a reusable water bottle
As long as it’s empty, it’s okay to bring a water
bottle through airport security. Once you’re inside
the terminal, fill it up at an airport cafe or water
station. You'll stay hydrated, and it’s greener than
having to buy plastic water bottles while site-
seeing.
Practice the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule
Here's one of the simplest and best suitcase-packing tips we've heard.4 For a week-long trip, pack:
• 1 hat
• 4 shirts
• 5 pairs of socks
• 6 sets of underwear
This list can be modified to suit your needs and the nature of your trip. For example, a business trip
requires a different wardrobe than a cruise. And maybe you’re a two-shirts-a-day person, just because. But
it's a good place to start if you're not sure how much clothing to pack.
Choose a Travel Palette
To reduce the amount of clothing you pack, stick to
a strict color palette: a base of neutrals, like black
and gray, and then one accent color, like red or
violet. You'll be able to put together a week's worth
of different outfits from a few basic pieces. Pack
shoes that complement every outfit.
Replace the Material with the Digital
Books are bulky, but bytes don't weigh a thing. If
you're bringing a phone or other mobile device,
consider downloading maps, translation apps, travel
guides and reading material for your trip. One
exception is travel documents. While it's a good
idea to store digital copies of your passport and
itinerary on your phone, you should pack a few
printed versions as well.
None the Worse for Wear
If you’ve tried all these tips and you still can’t get
the zipper on your bag to close, try this: take out
your bulkiest clothing — whether it’s a blazer or
a raincoat — and wear it onboard your plane,
weather permitting. (A wool coat might not be a
great idea if you’re departing from Miami.) And
don’t forget to fill up those extra pockets, too.
Take Your Full Suitcase for a Test
Drive
possible? Carry your suitcase by the handle for a
while. Roll it up and down the street. Try lugging it
up and down stairs. This exercise will show you
what it feels like to actually travel with your bag. If
you find yourself exhausted or frustrated, you
need to lighten the load.
Make a packing list
short. Start your packing process days or even
weeks ahead of your departure date; this gives you
time to craft a complete list, plus purchase any
additional items you might need for your vacation.
Creating a packing list is a fail-safe way to ensure
that you never, ever forget to bring something
important.
packing strategy. While most airlines permit
travelers to check at least one bag on
international flights, the majority of U.S. carriers
charge big bucks for bags checked on domestic
flights. Spirit Airlines—that notoriously customer-
unfriendly discounter—even charges as much as
$100 for carry-on bags.
Conclusion
Going on vacation is the best. Not so fun? Trying to cram your cutest outfits into your suitcase. Indeed,
the anxiety of figuring out what to pack (and how to make it all a fit) can put bit of a damper on your
pre-getaway excitement. Whether you're someone who starts packing a week ahead of time or waits
until the last minute, these hacks will ensure that your favorite dress doesn't get wrinkled and you have
plenty of room for souvenirs. Read tips above to learn how to pack faster, smarter, and sans stress.
Bag
Packing
Tips
Overview
Bags can say a lot about the travelers who drag, roll and carry them around.
Inexperienced trekkers may wrestle stubborn trunks or oversized suitcases packed to the brim, dragging
them from the parking garage to the check-in counter. More experienced globetrotters zip around with
sleek, rolling bags designed to fit neatly in overhead compartments. And we’ve all seen the thrifty traveler
who’s packed their belongings in Duct-taped duffel bags that are older than aviation itself. While the
optimal bag and packing methods differ based on itineraries, budgets and more, there are some near-
universal guidelines you can follow to make life convenient in the airport and the hotel room when you’re
living out of a suitcase.
Here they are…
The best way to prevent creases and make the
most of your space is to use the roll method. Lay
tops facedown, fold in the sleeves and roll from
the bottom up. For pants, put the legs together
and roll from the waist down. Once you’ve rolled
everything, place pants and tops in your suitcase
before shoes and accessories; then, fit in other
oddly shaped items like hair tools.
Choose travel-friendly fabrics
Amazon Essentials t-shirts made with spandex).
Even when these fabrics wrinkle, the creases will
fall out when you hang them up. Woven fabrics
(like linen or cotton twill) are more prone to
wrinkling.
wear on top
If you know you’re getting off the plane and going
straight to dinner or a meeting, plan your outfit
and put it into your suitcase last. That way, when
you arrive, you won’t have to dig through
everything else to find it (plus, it will be less likely
to wrinkle). This strategy is a great excuse to think
about what you’ll wear in advance so you don’t
make one of the biggest packing mistakes: waiting
until the last minute to pack.
Place heavy items at the base
Keep weightier things like shoes and books by the
wheeled end of your suitcase. This placement
helps your bag stay stable when upright, and stops
other items from getting smushed.
Layer plastic dry cleaning bags
between clothes
The next time you pick up your dry cleaning, save
the plastic bags. You can use them to protect
delicate items from accidental pulls by layering
them between your clothes. They help your
clothing slide (not snag) when your bag gets
jostled (and they help reduce wrinkling!).
Use packing cubes
stack together easily — no more trying to fit in
oddly shaped items like a puzzle. Plus, the durable
cubes are lightweight and thin so you won’t lose
any precious suitcase space.
Avoid over or under-packing
souvenirs, extra room means items can shift and
crumple or break. Fill empty spaces with dry
cleaner bags (and fill them later with mementos
from your trip). It’s important not to over-pack
either (especially if you’re only bringing a carry-on),
since that’s a surefire way to create crease marks
and can make it extra tricky to repack when you're
going home — or heading off to another spot.
Get an extra tote for souvenirs
It won’t take up much space on the way to your
destination (it folds into a small pouch!) and you
can fill it with (almost) anything you buy on your
travels.
Take a mini iron
At only 1.6 pounds, it takes up very little space and
is perfect for quick touch-ups anywhere (it works as
an iron and steamer). It performed well in our
Cleaning Lab tests (just don’t expect it to de-
wrinkle a full garment in record time).
Bring two small laundry bags
Use one for lights and one for darks. If you forget,
grab plastic bags from your hotel room’s closet.
When you get home, throw the presorted loads in
the wash.
You know the drill: Stash any liquids you want to
keep in your carry-on bag in a separate, clear bag
so you can easily pass through security. Our
beauty director’s must-haves: a do-it-all hydrating
balm, cleansing wipes for your face or hands (or
the seat), and a lightly scented hand sanitizer.
Keep important medication in your
purse
Even if you plan to carry on your bag, there's still a
risk you could have to check it at the gate. If your
meds are in your purse, you’ll have what you need
even if the overhead bin space fills up and you end
up having to check your bag.
Bring a scarf for the plane in your
carry-on
No matter what season it is, planes are often on
the chilly side. Bring a pretty, warm wrap that you
can bundle up in if the temp doesn’t feel
comfortable. Bonus: You can also fold it and use it
as a pillow.
Carry a reusable water bottle
As long as it’s empty, it’s okay to bring a water
bottle through airport security. Once you’re inside
the terminal, fill it up at an airport cafe or water
station. You'll stay hydrated, and it’s greener than
having to buy plastic water bottles while site-
seeing.
Practice the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule
Here's one of the simplest and best suitcase-packing tips we've heard.4 For a week-long trip, pack:
• 1 hat
• 4 shirts
• 5 pairs of socks
• 6 sets of underwear
This list can be modified to suit your needs and the nature of your trip. For example, a business trip
requires a different wardrobe than a cruise. And maybe you’re a two-shirts-a-day person, just because. But
it's a good place to start if you're not sure how much clothing to pack.
Choose a Travel Palette
To reduce the amount of clothing you pack, stick to
a strict color palette: a base of neutrals, like black
and gray, and then one accent color, like red or
violet. You'll be able to put together a week's worth
of different outfits from a few basic pieces. Pack
shoes that complement every outfit.
Replace the Material with the Digital
Books are bulky, but bytes don't weigh a thing. If
you're bringing a phone or other mobile device,
consider downloading maps, translation apps, travel
guides and reading material for your trip. One
exception is travel documents. While it's a good
idea to store digital copies of your passport and
itinerary on your phone, you should pack a few
printed versions as well.
None the Worse for Wear
If you’ve tried all these tips and you still can’t get
the zipper on your bag to close, try this: take out
your bulkiest clothing — whether it’s a blazer or
a raincoat — and wear it onboard your plane,
weather permitting. (A wool coat might not be a
great idea if you’re departing from Miami.) And
don’t forget to fill up those extra pockets, too.
Take Your Full Suitcase for a Test
Drive
possible? Carry your suitcase by the handle for a
while. Roll it up and down the street. Try lugging it
up and down stairs. This exercise will show you
what it feels like to actually travel with your bag. If
you find yourself exhausted or frustrated, you
need to lighten the load.
Make a packing list
short. Start your packing process days or even
weeks ahead of your departure date; this gives you
time to craft a complete list, plus purchase any
additional items you might need for your vacation.
Creating a packing list is a fail-safe way to ensure
that you never, ever forget to bring something
important.
packing strategy. While most airlines permit
travelers to check at least one bag on
international flights, the majority of U.S. carriers
charge big bucks for bags checked on domestic
flights. Spirit Airlines—that notoriously customer-
unfriendly discounter—even charges as much as
$100 for carry-on bags.
Conclusion
Going on vacation is the best. Not so fun? Trying to cram your cutest outfits into your suitcase. Indeed,
the anxiety of figuring out what to pack (and how to make it all a fit) can put bit of a damper on your
pre-getaway excitement. Whether you're someone who starts packing a week ahead of time or waits
until the last minute, these hacks will ensure that your favorite dress doesn't get wrinkled and you have
plenty of room for souvenirs. Read tips above to learn how to pack faster, smarter, and sans stress.
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