After traveling a ton and picking up years of tips from my husband, a lifelong international traveler and total packing pro, I’ve learned a lot about packing smarter and being properly prepared for a trip. I’m still working on my biggest weakness — overpacking!! In this guide, I’ll share tips on how I pack efficiently, stay organized, and plan ahead for a stress-free trip.
Use a Packing List
I ALWAYS use a packing checklist — it’s a total lifesaver. I actually have a few different versions: one for long trips, one for warm weather, and one for cold weather. I rely on it to make sure I pack everything I need. I don’t overlook things like passport copies, earplugs, or my foldable duffel.
Taking Photos for Reminders
One of my favorite hacks: plan your outfits ahead of time and snap a quick photo of each one. When I’m getting dressed on the road, l know exactly what goes with what. Then there is no last-minute “ugh, nothing matches” panic. It also keeps me from overpacking since I can see what I really need.
Since I usually rewear pieces on trips, the photos help me style them in different ways. One day I might pair a white blouse with a cardigan, and the next time I’ll wear it with a red blazer. Having the pictures makes it easy to plan and organize my looks ahead of time.
Packing by Outfit with Lightweight Compression Cubes
Once I have my outfits planned and photographed, I pack them using lightweight compression packing cubes. Instead of digging through separate sections for underwear, t-shirts, and pants, I pack each cube with a complete outfit. That means everything I need for one look. It makes getting dressed on the road so much easier and way more efficient. Plus, the cubes compress to save a ton of space in my suitcase. I honestly love packing this way!
Keeping Clothes Wrinkle-Free
Wrinkles are inevitable when I travel, so I always come prepared. I pack a small bottle of wrinkle-release spray and a compact travel steamer — total lifesavers, especially since many European hotel rooms don’t have irons. The spray works great for quick touch-ups on delicate items or when I’m in a rush, while the steamer is perfect for shirts, dresses, or jackets that need a little extra love. They help me keep my outfits looking fresh without taking up much space in my suitcase.
Weigh Your Bag Before You Leave
I ALWAYS weigh my bag before heading to the airport. This makes life so much less stressful. I definitely don’t want to be that person at the check-in counter, frantically shuffling things around because my bag is overweight. One thing I never forget is a portable luggage scale. It’s tiny, easy to use, and honestly an absolute lifesaver.
Laundry & Rewear Tips
If I’m traveling for more than a week, I plan to do a small load of laundry halfway through the trip. Most hotels have laundry service, or I’ll use a laundromat or Airbnb machine. I also bring a few small packets of detergent for quick sink washes — perfect for underwear or workout clothes.
I also choose fabrics that rewear well. Typically, linen blends, knits, or wrinkle-resistant cotton. I try to stick to a neutral color palette, so everything mixes and matches easily.
Get Trip Insurance
I always get trip insurance — it’s one of those things you hope you never need, but I’m so glad I have it. You can go with an annual plan if you travel often, or buy coverage per trip. I’ve traveled a lot and personally had to use it twice. Just recently, my mom had to use hers because her travel partner needed last-minute surgery. You really just never know what might happen, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Know Your Car Insurance Coverage
I always make sure I know my car insurance coverage before renting a car. Rental agencies love to try to upsell their insurance — my friend was recently offered a $1,500 plan for a month-long rental. Yeah… no thanks! If I’m relying on credit card coverage, I have them send me the exact details of what’s covered and what’s not. That way, I can make an informed decision and avoid paying for something I don’t need.
Get an International Driver’s Permit
If I plan to drive while traveling, I always get an International Driver’s Permit. It’s only $20, takes about five minutes to pick up at AAA, and lasts for a year. We’ve never been asked for it when renting a car, but I have friends who have, so I always have it just in case. It’s super easy and gives me peace of mind.
Packing My Carry-On with Mindfulness
I learned this lesson the hard way when my luggage got lost and I didn’t have the right things in my carry-on. Now, I always think carefully about what I’ll need to get by for the first 2–3 days of my trip and pack those items in my carry-on. Going to Hawaii? My swimsuit goes in the carry-on. Medicine? ALWAYS in the carry-on. A copy of my passport? Definitely in the carry-on. You get the picture — it pays to be thoughtful and intentional when packing this bag.
Travel Extras
There are a few things I always pack that might not be super common, but I find incredibly useful. First, a reusable/collapsible water bottle — I hate buying plastic bottles over and over while traveling. I also always bring a compact, collapsible duffel bag. Before I started doing this, I would inevitably end up shopping for an extra suitcase at the end of every trip because I didn’t have enough room to get everything home. The duffel works perfectly for soft items like clothing, while the rest of my things stay neatly packed in my hard luggage.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, packing isn’t just about fitting everything in your suitcase, it’s about making travel easier once you’re actually on the road. Over the years, I’ve learned that a little prep goes a long way. Having a checklist, packing by outfit, and keeping a few thoughtful extras in my bag has saved me from so many headaches.
No matter where I’m headed — a weekend getaway or a two-week trip — these simple habits help me stay organized, stress less, and actually enjoy the journey.
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