It's Time To Pack: Tips, Tricks, & The Ultimate Packing Checklist

It's Time To Pack: Tips, Tricks, & The Ultimate Packing Checklist

If you’re anything like me, packing for a trip can feel like a dreaded chore—stressful, time-consuming, and always harder than it should be! But, I’ve learned how to make it easier, turning what was once a dreaded task into a seamless part of the journey. I’ve gathered the best tips, go-to travel essentials, and the most thorough packing checklist to take the stress out of your next trip. I’m sharing it all with you because I know how overwhelming it can be—and I want to make your next adventure a little smoother, a little lighter, and a lot more enjoyable.

Create A Packing Checklist

A packing checklist is an absolute must. If there’s one travel tip to never forget, it’s this—because nothing ruins the excitement of a trip like realizing you left something behind. 

The best way to create your own ultimate checklist is by writing down everything you pack for your next trip. Over time, add to it—including essentials you forgot and removing things you never actually use. Packing should be effortless, and a personable checklist makes it just that. To help you get started, I’m sharing my go to checklist that I use for every trip—consider it your new travel essential! It can be downloaded by clicking the link below!

Never Travel Without A Carry-On Bag

Most people believe that carry-on bags are only necessary for weekend getaways. But they are just as essential for those cross country trips– even if you are checking a bag. Airlines lose and delay luggage more often than you’d think, and the last thing you want is to arrive at your destination without your essentials. 

I usually pack two days worth of outfits in my carry-on, along with my toiletry bag + pajamas. This way, if my checked bag doesn't make it to my destination, I am good for at least a few days and don't have to stress about not having anything with me. Even if you are not a fan of rolling a suitcase, I suggest putting extra clothes in a backpack or shoulder bag that stays with you on the plane. My favorite luggage brands: BEISS + Away.

Minimize Plastic Use While Packing

While avoiding plastic completely might be impossible, I promise you, that a few simple swaps make all the difference—and they’re budget-friendly in the long run!!

• These stylish refillable travel bottles are a must. They let you pack your favorite products without constantly rebuying travel-sized versions. 
• Buy a pair of these adorable toiletry bags & replace those ziplock bags. They’re stylish, TSA-approved, wipeable, and last trip after trip. A MUST!!!
• Forget putting your larger liquid bottles in a ziplock bag and use these silicone bottle covers. The investment is totally worth it. They stretch snugly over shampoo, conditioner, or shower gel bottles to prevent leaks all over your suitcase. 
• For your dirty laundry, swap out the complimentary plastic hotel bags for a linen laundry bag—it’s more sustainable, and fits right into your suitcase with ease. 

‍Expandable Luggage

Lets be real, nobody comes back home from a trip without a ton of extra things they picked up along the way. So, If there’s even a chance you’ll be shopping on your trip– which I know you will be, expandable luggage is a must. When packing for your trip, I recommend keeping your suitcase at its standard size. This helps you pack smarter, travel lighter, and guarantees you’ll have an extra 15% of space for souvenirs and shopping finds for your trip back home.

I personally love the Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner. It might not be the cutest luggage out there, but when it comes to price & capacity, it’s unbeatable.

Personal Carry On Pouch  

I’m not even joking—my plane pouch is my little travel baby. You won’t catch me on a flight without it, and the best part is, it slips perfectly into the seat pocket in front of me for easy access. It has everything I need to travel stress-free and stay on top of my wellness game—antibacterial wipes, chapstick, immune-boosting herbal tea packets, healthy snacks, electrolyte packs, earplugs, eyemask, noise-canceling headphones, essential oil roller, lotion, hand sanitizer, gum, EMF blockers, and ibuprofen. Plus, I never forget to pack my reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and avoid buying overpriced airport water. 

Maximize Your Suitcase Space 

To make the most of your luggage space, be strategic with areas that would typically go unused. For example, if I bring an extra purse or handbag, I will stuff it with socks or a few tank tops to make the most of that empty space. And if I pack a wide-brimmed hat, tucking a couple of swimsuits inside the crown saves space and also helps keep the hat from getting crushed!

Packing For The Coziest Seat Possible

Finding comfort in basic economy on long-haul flights can be a challenge, but I've figured out a few tips to make it easier. Always go for a window seat—it personally helps me sleep SO much better. I love wearing something super cozy, that feels like pajamas– think knit set or joggers with a sweatshirt. 

However, having the right in-flight essentials can make all of the difference for those long hours in the air. I keep all of my must-have items split between my shoulder bag, bookbag, and carry-on roller. This ensures I have everything I need right at my seat.

• Noise-Canceling Headphones- These block out the noise of the plane + you can tune into your favorite playlist, podcast, or audiobook.
• Neck Pillow- WIll provide support for your head and neck, helping to prevent discomfort or strain from awkward sleeping positions. 
• Sleep Mask- Get a comfortable sleep mask to block out the in-flight light.
• Blanket- I personally always pack a blanket- I feel better knowing its mine and its clean.
• Essential Oil Rollers- My go to are Lavender for relaxation + Peppermint for an uplifting aroma. 
• Compression Socks- They improve circulation and prevent swelling—plus, they’re cozy. Get a cute design like these to make them more fun!

Travel Neatly With Organized Luggage

If I skip using packing cubes, my luggage quickly becomes a chaotic mess by day two of any trip. These cubes are a game changer when it comes to staying organized—one for undergarments, one for swimsuits, one for dresses, and so on. I also swear by shoe bags to keep my shoes separate and ensure they don't touch anything else in my bag! 

Pack A Travel Lifesaver

A foldable duffle bag has been a lifesaver for me on countless trips. Its compact size barely takes up any space in your luggage and it’s a REAL hero in airport predicaments.

For example– imagine you and a friend land in France after a long flight, with carry-ons and checked bags. A week later, you’re headed to Italy and realize that budget European flights often have strict baggage limits, with MASSIVE fees for overweight luggage. That's when you pull out the foldable duffel–  It’s perfect for redistributing the weight between bags + paying minimal excess luggage fees. 

The duffel also comes in handy when your shopping spree takes over. It doubles as an extra checked bag on the way home—just pack it with dirty clothes and free up your suitcase to hold all the souvenirs you picked up during your travels.