Packing for your dream getaway doesn’t have to be a dreaded process. We’ve put together our favorite packing tips and tricks to make packing for your next trip a breeze!

Back to Basics: Sturdy Luggage

You can’t start packing if you don’t have a trusty bag to pack in! Don’t set yourself up for failure by purchasing a bag that is heavy enough without any of your clothes in it. At the same time, your bag needs to be sturdy enough to survive all the bumps along the road - including being tossed around between planes! Some of our trusted favorites include bags from Tumi or Away.

Process, Process, Process!

Even as a seasoned traveler, packing for every new trip is still a process and requires structure and thinking through your trip from start to finish.

• Use a packing checklist - use one of Wanderful Journey’s basic guides, an overview supplied from your tour operator, or find one online - either way, a packing list ensures you won’t forget any essentials and will make sure you aren’t overpacking.

• Refine your own list - beyond the general essentials, make a day-by-day list of what you will need based on your itinerary so you will know what you will need for each activity. A great way to wardrobe plan!

  • If you are spreadsheet person - this is a great way to organize each day, both daytime and evening outfits, and avoid overpacking!

• Don’t wait until the night before departure to begin! It can be hard for me to practice what I preach, but trust me, don’t let packing be your last priority when getting ready for a trip. This only leads to overpacking and forgetting of essentials. Put out all of your potential clothes for your trip at least 3 days before travel so you have time to do laundry or last minute shopping.

• Be realistic! If you hate wearing stilettos at home, you won’t enjoy them on cobblestone alleyways in Europe - even if they look cute - leave them at home! Pack what you will really wear, not what you think you might wear.

Save time with a Toiletries ‘Go Bag’

One thing that does stay similar from trip to trip: your toiletries bag. Though each trip destination and length may require some slight adjustments, overall your toiletries bag should remain predominately unchanged for every journey - so save time by having your travel toiletries (and even makeup) bag ready to go at all times!

Fill it with all of your favorite travel sized toiletries and necessities so you never have to worry about forgetting essentials. Plus one less thing to have to unpack with you get home!

Multipurpose, Travel Friendly Basics

Don’t give into the temptation to have a new, fresh outfit for every activity on your trip. Unless you are bringing an extra person to drag your bag around and keep packing/repacking for you - it just is not practical!

• Pack items that can be worn multiple times, like solid, neutral colors. These are perfect to transition from day to night with just a few accessories and can mix and match perfectly!

• As cute as solid silk blouses or linen pants are - those wrinkle all too easily, ruining any perfect outfit look. Opt for fabrics like spandex that don’t easily wrinkle.

  • If you must bring an outfit that wrinkles easily, try Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray or a portable steamer.

  • OR if you have a fancy event while traveling, pack your dress/suit in dry cleaning bags to avoid extra creases.

• Make sure to roll all of your clothes when packing vs. folding to cut down on wrinkles and save space!

• Wearing and re-wearing solid colors, doesn’t mean your outfits have to be boring - enter, accessories! Bring some light bright necklaces, bold earrings and colorful scarves to transform your outfits.

Packing Efficiencies

Having your luggage and packing list isn’t enough - you need to make sure it all fits in perfectly, without having to unpack and repack the entire bag every time you need to grab something.

• Packing cubes are must haves - Compartmentalize your suitcase with gift that keeps on giving: packing cubes! Cubes are essential for keeping your suitcase manageable while on the road. Choose between segmenting by type of clothes (shirts, pants, etc. all together) or by outfit - either way, you will stay organized and sane each time you open your suitcase.

  • Bonus if your packing cubes are compression cubes - like our favorite Tripped Travel Gear compression packing cubes that save more space in your suitcase without cutting your packing list.

• Be shoe smart - shoes by far can take up the most valuable space in your suitcase, so you need to be smart to make sure you actually need each pair your bring. As a general rule, aim to pack no more than three pairs of shoes, and wear your heaviest pair on travel days.

  • Though you may want to show off your new pair of shoes - resist the temptation! Make sure you bring only shoes that have been properly broken in to avoid bad blisters!

  • Don’t want to get your clothes dirty from your shoes? Pack shoes in shower caps or old spare plastic bags to keep your clothes out of harms way.

• Two-in-one purse / wallet - save space by packing a clutch that can double as your wallet if you throw it in a larger bag. That way you will have a nice bag for the evening but don’t need extra space for more purses!

• Consolidate! Stuff socks, sunscreen, bug spray and other small items into shoes and/or hats to maximize space. Plus - stow away chargers, converters and headphones in a sunglasses case to avoid knotting and ensure they are easy to find!

• Bag in a bag - Sometimes even if you have packed the best you can, you just know you will need more space for souvenirs and local shopping. This is when bringing a foldable extra bag in your suitcase can be a savior. A tote is perfect for using as a purse during your trip and then packing overflow items when you are on your way home.

  • Pro tip: Longchamp Le Pilage nylon bags are our favorite that are easy to fold, clean and expand if you need more space! Plus they come in endless color options and sizes.

• …in a bag! Don’t forget to pack an extra cube, mesh bag or even pillow case as a laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate from the clean ones.

Ready for the Road!

You’re almost there! Well done. Just a few more recommendations and you will be ready for your holiday!

• Wear bulkier items - save space, and use your jacket/sweatshirt as a pillow on the plan, win-wins!

• Include one full outfit in your carry-on. Never be left scrambling if your suitcase suddenly decides to go travelling without you. Sadly flight delays, cancellations and lost luggage happen - so be prepared.

  • Also make sure to include a reusable water bottle in your carry-on as well! Hydration during your flight and while traveling all day is essential!

  • See our ultimate carry-on check list here for more!

• Safeguard your belongings - from the inside and outside!

  • Purchase a TSA approved lock to keep your belongings safe while not in your site, while still allowing the security experts access

  • Protect your liquids from spilling onto your belongings by wrapping with plastic wrap and always bring extra plastic bags for along the trip. From sunscreen to nail polish - anything that could spill, make sure is covered!

• Use bold, matching luggage tags - don’t stand around the luggage conveyor belt trying to decide if that is actually your bag or not…Grab a set of bold, matching luggage tags to make claiming your bag smooth and easy.

• Stay fresh - while on the road, throw some of the great smelling hotel soaps you come across into your bag - to keep your clothes and bag smelling fresh.