Ten Tips for Packing Like a Pro

I travel. A lot. And I love it.

But one thing I don’t love about travel is packing. 

Probably because I’m not a list maker (like my husband who is super organized). I’m more visual and need to see everything laid out in front of me. It makes for a lot of extra work, I’m sure, doing things this way, but it works for me.

Someday I’ll come up with a perfect packing list and share it with you, but today I want to share my top ten tips to help you pack like a pro. Before I even put a garment in my suitcase, these are the things I consider that make life on the road so much easier.

1. Packing cubes

I absolutely could not take a trip without them. Once I learned how to use them and pack them properly (this video has been really helpful), I realized that I can take so much more than I thought. I like packing cubes like these or these.

2. Organize your electronics/cords

It’s helpful to minimize your electronics when you travel. Do you REALLY need to bring both a laptop AND a tablet AND an e-reader? Can you get away with only using your phone? Earbuds are an absolute necessity for me, and they don’t take much room, but they are also considered an electronic and need a cord to charge.

Now get all of your various cords together, making sure you have the proper cord for each item. I like to keep all of my cords in one place in my backpack, usually in just a Ziplok bag, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can get a cord keeper like this one that’s nice.

And don’t forget your adapter or converter. Apple products automatically convert to the voltage wherever you are, so an adapter works fine, but for most things you’ll need a converter. (You can read about the difference here.) I’ve used one like this for years and love the convenience of the extra USB ports. 

3. Apple Air Tags 

These small tracking devices have become a favorite of mine, simply for the peace of mind they bring. I drop them in each piece of luggage I bring with me: suitcase, tote bag, back pack, and even my purse. That way, if I forget something (like my purse!), I know exactly where I left it. And if you’re checking a bag, an air tag is helpful in locating your suitcase should it get lost.

4. Purse or backpack with a zipper

I tell all of the women who travel with me to make sure that whatever bag they are carrying around has a zipper. And, best practice is to have one that you can hold in front of you, like a crossbody bag. I’ve even heard that fanny packs are back in, and if you want to use one, go for it! I love the Pom Pom London purses (I have two different colors in the same style) and have used them on my trips for a couple of years now. They are just the right size to hold everything I need for the day.

5. Carry on suitcase

If my trip is two weeks, I will only use a carry on size suitcase like the Away Bigger Carry On. Having a smaller bag is just so much easier when moving from plane to train to taxi. And when I use packing cubes, I definitely have enough clothes for the entire trip.

6. One additional bag (sometimes called a “personal item”)

I have the Large Everywhere Bag from Away and love it. It slides on top of the arm of my suitcase for easy rolling through airports and train stations, and it holds a TON of extras. 

7. Foldable tote for souvenirs

I always throw in a foldable tote bag (with a zipper!) that I can fill with souvenirs. That way, when I go home, I can check my suitcase and carry on my “personal item” and my tote bag. I like this inexpensive bag from Amazon, but if you’re feeling fancy, the Longchamps tote is also nice.

8. Bring these items on the airplane

This is where your personal item comes in. Never check your prescriptions! Keep them with you just in case your suitcase gets lost. I also always bring my makeup, toothbrush and a change of clothes on the plane so that, if my hotel room isn’t ready just yet, I can freshen up and hit the town as soon as I get there.

9. Minimize your shoes

I love shoes. I have a closet full of them at home. But on a trip, I keep my shoes to a minimum. Besides, unless you’re going to Paris fashion week, nobody is going to be looking at your shoes. And forget what you’ve heard about Europeans not wearing sneakers. Ha! Everyone wears sneakers! Of every color. 

I have learned to get by with three pairs of shoes on a two-week trip: one running shoe (for days with lots of walking), one white tennis shoe (to wear with dresses), and one nicer pair of sandals or boots (depending on the season, of course) in case I have a dressier dinner planned. 

10. Minimize your toiletries

This is not the time to bring your entire skincare regime. I try to limit myself to face wash, serum, and a moisturizer when I travel. That’s enough. I also bring a small container of shampoo and travel size hair products. 

My daughter gave me these super-cool Cadence capsules for Christmas this year, so I’ll be taking them on my next long trip. I think they are going to save me a lot of space . . . and headaches! Just remember that all of your liquids still have to fit inside a quart-size Ziplok, so that’s not much!

So there you have it—ten things to think about before you even put your clothes in your suitcase!

I have one (extremely unprofessional!) packing video on Instagram that might help you, especially if you’re thinking about using packing cubes.

Finally, my number one tip–the most important thing to pack before a trip–is a good attitude. Putting on a smile, being flexible, and saying hello in the language of the country you’re visiting are what will make a huge difference no matter where you go. With these tools in your back pocket, you’ll have a wonderful trip.

*Some, but not all, of the links in this post may be affiliate links from which I may earn a couple of bucks. If that bothers you, don’t click.*