Are you terrible at packing? And can’t seem to level up your game, no matter what type of trip you’re going on?
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You aren’t alone.
Knowing how to fill a suitcase takes plenty of experience, especially when it comes to more niche topics like outdoor adventuring, backpacking, skincare, and family packing hacks. Even figuring out what to do with all those toiletries can be a nightmare, especially if you’re prone to overpacking.
Unfortunately, not even compression packing cubes will solve your problems.
Instead, I’m humbly putting forth some of the zaniest but genius packing hacks for travel that I’ve heard of. Some of them I use, while others I’ve heard about from my well-traveled friends. I’ve also included a few bonus packing hacks that I live by.
Let’s dive in.
Unconventional but genius packing hacks for travel
Hack #1: Traveling with a medical device? Airlines let you bring it for free
If you have a condition like diabetes or sleep apnea, know that your medical gear can come with you on the plane—no need to stuff it into your carry-on or take it as a personal item. Airlines will spare you an extra bag to bring along your medical devices. This is part of the US’s Air Carrier Access Act, which is a law mandating that airlines let you bring essential medical devices with you without charge.
Hack #2: Mail your things home
If you’re traveling domestically in the United States, you can always mail any extra items home. Obviously, the lighter the shipment, the more affordable it will be in most cases. USPS ground shipping is a tried-and-true choice for travelers—but there are other brands designed specifically for mailing home souvenirs and other items after a long (and productive) trip.
I highly recommend buying prepaid bags from Packd Bags if you’ll be shipping clothing. You order mailer bags and they show up with your home address printed on them. All mailer bags are also prepaid and pre-labeled; once they’re full, you can drop them off at a USPS location or schedule a pickup.
All prepaid bags are valid for one year after purchase, meaning you’ve got plenty of time to use them. Just know that they’re only used for clothing. (I received a free Packd Bag to try out. I loved my experience using the bag to ship clothing home on my last trip to the US, which is why I’m recommending the brand right now. I’ve since purchased three more prepaid mailer bags.)
Hack #3: Pack black
If you’re worried about keeping your clothes clean on the road, skip the overpacking and opt for black (or dark) items of clothing. You won’t see any stains or marks on darker items, meaning you can pack fewer instead of planning to do laundry or fill a laundry bag. If you’re heading to a zone with higher temps, make sure your black layers are loose to avoid overheating.
Hack #4: Go digital
I love to read on vacation. And when I say read, I mean lose myself in a 700-page fantasy novel. I have packed heavy books in my bag too many times to count—and I won’t be changing that anytime soon. That being said, if you like to read on vacation, one of the best packing hacks for travel is to go digital. Bring an ereader, and you’re bringing your entire library with you.
Hack #5: Wash with solid shampoo & conditioner
If you prefer to bring your own shampoo and conditioner with you on vacation, buy a solid variety. They’re way easier to pack compared to liquids—and you don’t run the risk of spillage. If you have a preferred bar of body soap, you can also pack that. That being said, the vast majority of hotels and even private rentals usually provide toiletry basics like soap and shampoo or conditioner.
Hack #6: Swap lotions for oils
Speaking of toiletries, I recommend swapping lotions for oils. Oils will go a long way to keep you moisturized while traveling, especially if you apply them before drying after a show. Most oils can also be used for dry hands and even dry lips. I’ve seen this hack touted by families who travel often, as a little bit of oil goes a long way for the whole group.
Hack #7: Use contact lenses for skincare
Packing serums, oils, lotions, moisturizers, and more can wreak havoc on your toiletries bag. If you’re someone who likes to keep their ten-step skincare routine going while on the road or if you simply like to travel prepared, you can use contact lenses to secure liquids and semi-liquids of all stripes. The caps tighten enough that you’re very unlikely to spill any precious La Mer cremes. I’ve also seen some travelers use pill organizers for the same.
Hack #8: Use those store samples
I have one last toiletry tip: if you have a number of beauty store, cosmetics, or other wellness samples that have been sitting in your bathroom drawer, now is the perfect time to use them. They’re travel-sized, travel-ready, and probably won’t be used otherwise.
Hack #9: Zip-lock bags work the same as packing cubes
I only use packing cubes for underwear and small pieces. (The tube top will never die.) I recommend compression packing cubes for anyone who wants to save a little space.
That being said, packing cubes are purely for organizational needs, in my opinion. And there’s no need to spend on organizing your packing list when household items like zip-lock bags work the same.
If you don’t like spending on travel products that won’t have a demonstrable, immediate impact on your trip, I think you can use zip-lock bags in lieu of packing cubes. As an added perk, you’ll have an airtight and waterproof bag with you just in case.
Hack #10: Bring old underroos that you’ll leave behind
Wondering what types of packing hacks blow my mind? One of my friends recently mentioned that she brings old underwear and socks with her on long trips with the idea that she’ll leave them behind along the way. Turns out, this is a pretty well-known packing hack.
If you’ve got subpar underroos taking up space in your dresser, consider busting them out for one last time for your next trip. At least they’ll have seen the world before their final adieu!
My bonus packing hacks for travel
Bonus 1: Use latex balloons to cover liquid caps
If you aren’t wooed by the idea of using bar shampoo or putting your serums into contact lens cases, then cover up those leaky caps with the tip of a latex balloon. Yes, it works. Yes, it could save your checked luggage from getting all gooey thanks to a L’Oréal bottle explosion.
Bonus 2: Use a mini-carabiner for security
If you’ve been pickpocketed on a trip before and are hellbent on never repeating the experience (makes sense), bring a mini-carabiner on your trip for added security. They’ll quickly turn any bag into an impenetrable fortress by attaching zippers together—more or less. Plus, you can use them to attach packs together, hang things, organize cords, and more.
Bonus 3: Pack barely-there totes for extra packing power
If you don’t have a spare tote bag or duffel bag with you, you’re missing out on added packing power. I use totes from Baggu for just about everything on vacation—a last-minute personal item on the plane, a grocery bag at my destination, and even a purse on beach days. Go with any brand you like.
Bonus 4: Bring a thin scarf
This hack is more applicable to women, but let this be a reminder: men look effortlessly classy in scarves. (And French. In a good way.) My black scarf is my war pony. I use it to stay warm, as a blanket, as a picnic blanket, as a defense against bad smells, as a light-blocker, as a cushion, and more. Every year, I find a new use for my thin scarf.
