3 Hacks for Easy Packing

Travel is a great passion of mine. Whether for business or pleasure, I love exploring the sites of destinations both near and far. Weeklong trips and weekend getaways alike, travel offers a sense of carefree adventure, invigorating the soul. Though many times, those carefree adventures can begin with the difficult task of packing. Like many travelers, I typically over pack. Unsure of what the adventures ahead might entail, I prepare for every conceivable circumstance.

Throughout the years, I have learned a few travel packing hacks that have saved me from what can be a stressful situation. I have come up with three packing hacks that make packing a breeze, or at least somewhat simpler.

Grab n’ Go

Years ago, I started collecting those mini toiletries that are offered complimentary at hotels and resorts. They are just so cute and handy, I can’t resist. After my collection started to grow, I thought it would be helpful to pack bags of toiletries in advance. That way they would be on hand for my next trip. I now have several pre-packed travel bags that are always kept stocked and ready to grab and go.

My pre-packed shower bag includes shower toiletries, complete with a razor, mini shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, along with a mini face wash which I restock after each trip. I also keep on hand a mini size body butter and/or lotion and blemish buster. In addition, I keep a bag complete with a travel tooth brush, travel size tooth paste, mini vaseline, q-tips, and cotton balls. 

Keeping my pre-packed bags of minis stocked to grab and go makes packing for any vacation that much easier. 

Weight Distribution

Recently, I took a flight on Allegiant Air. Allegiant is considered an a la cart airline. My husband and I decided to pay the fee for one checked bag at the price of $50. To help save money, we would pack together in one bag and both take a personal item to carry-on. Upon arriving at the airport, we discovered that our bag was 12 pounds over weight.... hence an additional $50 fee! I was quite perturbed to learn that the maximum weight for a checked bag on Allegiant Air is 40 pounds rather than the typical 50 pounds. This unfortunate circumstance served as a reminder that weight distribution really does make a difference when packing. 

When at all possible, in order to keep my checked luggage under the maximum weight and to avoid paying those unexpected fees, I strategically pack my heaviest items in my carry-on. My heaviest items generally include shoes, a hair dryer and a hair straightener.  

Carry-on Liquids

TSA allows one quart-sized bag of liquids in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces or less per item. For me, one quart size bag can be difficult. I can fill one entire quart size bag with only the lip gloss in my purse. However, I have discovered a little trick to getting around the liquid rule. Seeing as most airlines allow passengers one carry-on bag and one personal bag, I pack one liquid bag for each. Two bags usually does the trick. When going through security, I am sure to keep my liquid bags in separate bins. I can't guarantee that this trick will always work for everyone, but I have flown multiple times using this trick and have never once had any issues. 

Hopefully, these traveling packing hacks will prove useful on your next vacation and make packing a little easier. Bon-voyage!