Packing Tips

Flying domestically in the US and planning to pack some kid snacks in my checked luggage. Things like granola bars, protein bars, trail mix, small Pringles packs, etc. I’m planning to put everything in ziplock bags just in case something breaks open. My bigger concern is...

Hi everyone, I’ve been traveling around Southeast Asia for the past few months and started the trip with almost 30 kg of luggage. Pretty quickly I realized that moving around with that much stuff is exhausting. My back is constantly hurting and I’m also spending a lot on checked...

Just finished a 7 day cruise and realized I seriously overpacked. Haven’t cruised in about 15 years so I wasn’t sure what to expect with this cruise line. I brought a full suit with 3 dress shirts and ties, 2 sport jackets, 3 pairs of slacks, a bunch of polos and nice t-shirts,...

I normally travel with a roll-aboard, but on a recent trip I ended up using a duffel bag instead. Surprisingly it worked out better than expected. Even though the overhead bins were packed, the duffel squeezed right in when a hard suitcase probably wouldn’t have. Saved me from...

Saw a discussion asking women what they pack that usually never shows up in those aesthetic packing photos. One person mentioned always bringing a scarf because it ends up being useful for everything. Covering up at temples, extra warmth on flights, fixing a bad hair day, even...

I’ve got an early morning flight and need to go straight to an event in a full suit. No hotel stop, no place to steam or iron. Trying to figure out the best move. I’ll probably want to sleep on the plane, so wearing the full suit sounds uncomfortable. But I’m also worried about...

Every single time I travel I pack like I’m about to star in a Pinterest board. Dresses, cute tops, extra shoes. Options. And then I rotate the same formula the entire trip: One comfy bottom One breathable top One reliable layer That’s it. The “nice” stuff just sits there taking...

I’m flying NYC to Costa Rica later this month and I’m stuck on what to wear travel day. It’ll be cold when I leave home, but hot when I land. The bigger issue is the return… landing back in NYC and possibly waiting outside for a taxi in real winter temps. How do you all handle...

I actually love this idea. Washi tape is one of those things that sounds silly until you realize how often duct tape would be useful, but you don’t want to carry duct tape. Non damaging, tears by hand, super light, and weirdly versatile. Covering hostel lights, taping zippers in...

Random travel question. Other than grabbing extras from airport lounges or Starbucks, does anyone have a good source for single serve honey packets? I’ve checked Amazon and everything I’m seeing is like $30 to $50 for huge bulk quantities, which feels excessive. I really want...

Just got back from Antarctica and wanted to share a few packing things I really didn’t fully get until I was there. Biggest takeaway: wind and water matter way more than cold. Zodiac rides and wet landings mean waterproof gear is everything. Wind decides how cold you feel, not...

On Quark and similar expeditions, the day usually runs in two main activity blocks, but it’s flexible based on weather, ice, and wildlife. A pretty typical day looks like this: You’ll head out in the morning after breakfast. Zodiac ride to shore or a cruise among icebergs, then...

Yeah, boxers only is a no go in a mixed dorm, so good instinct there. Gym shorts with no shirt is super normal in hostels. You’ll see way worse, trust me. Most people just want to sleep and don’t care what you’re wearing as long as you’re covered and not making it weird. Shorts...

I used to download every app influencers recommended and never open half of them. These are the ones I actually rely on when traveling. Google Maps offline. Download the area before you go. Works shockingly well even with zero service. I’ve used it walking and hiking in random...

Done a few of these and it’s tight but doable. Best trick is rolling everything and sticking to one pair of shoes. Packing cubes help but even a couple zip bags work fine. As for a pillow stuffed with clothes… Ryanair usually counts anything in your hands as part of your one...

We hand off our big bags in the morning before boarding on the 9th, which is fine, but we weren’t sure what happens with carry on stuff. We’ve got cameras we don’t want to let out of our sight. Does the ship let you bring a small backpack or hand luggage when you board later in...

I fly Southwest a couple times a week with just a backpack, and it drives me nuts that I’m always told to shove it under the seat “to save room” for the roller bags. So the folks who bring the biggest allowable bags get full legroom and the bin, and the people who pack light get...

I loved reading through everyone’s answers on this. It’s funny how the little “why am I packing this?” things end up saving a trip. My own is keeping a couple of random “fix anything” items in my bag: a few safety pins, a short strip of duct tape wrapped around an old card, and...

Getting ready for a Tanzania trip to see the Great Migration, and the packing list says to bring muted, natural-colored clothes. Problem is my closet is full of bright stuff, and I don’t want to look like I’m cosplaying Steve Irwin. I’m on the shorter side with hips and thighs,...

Curious to hear !

A few hacks I swear by now: cross-pack if you check bags, always download offline maps, keep a spare outfit and meds in your carry-on, screenshot all bookings, and never forget layers on flights. Saved me more than once.