According to T+L Editors, How to Pack Lighter and Smarter

You will need to bring a bag no matter how long the trip is, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a three-week Himalayan trek.

When deciding what to bring, there are many factors to consider: your trip type, length, weather conditions, luggage size, and weight restrictions imposed by your mode. It’s easy to forget or overpack when so many variables are at play.

The editors of Travel + Leisure are available to help you plan your trip. Our favorite ways to protect your clothing, cosmetics, and souvenirs, no matter if you are packing for one trip or for the entire family (kids not included)

Learn how to organize your carry-on luggage and reduce excess baggage fees. There are also tips to help you remember the essential items that you might forget.

These travel packing tips will make packing easy for you. The only question is: Where will your fill and impeccable packing skills take you next?

Pack by Outfit

There’s nothing worse than packing everything into your suitcase and realizing that you have yet to wear half of the clothes you brought. This is why I decided to pack by outfit and not individual items. Only pieces that I had a plan for were allowed. If I know I will wear a skirt with a top and shoes, I’ll only take it. I also think about my schedule and what I envision myself wearing during those activities. Although I wouldn’t say I like the idea of carrying a bag, I love clothes, so it is essential to be realistic and plan.

Start by Organizing Everything

Even though I pack last minute, I make sure to take the time to arrange everything before I put it in my bag. By grouping them on my bed, I find it easier to see what items aren’t pulling their weight. Do you have a pair of pants only suitable for one top or require shoes that I didn’t pack? Put everything back in the drawer. It helps me organize my bag and see everything clearly before I start. I start with the bulkiest items and then pick lightweight items to place in gaps.

A pre-packed, dedicated travel Dopp kit

It can be frustrating to realize that your bag cannot be zipped up until you have finished brushing your teeth and put your products in your toiletry bag. I have a toiletry bag that contains duplicates of everything I travel with.

A soft-sided bag is the best choice

A soft-sided duffel or weekender bag gives you flexibility (literally!). You can shape your bag according to the contents of your bag rather than trying to fit it into a rigid container. My canvas overnighter has a unique shape according to what it holds. It will squeeze into places that a hard-sided roll bag won’t fit, even when packed nearly beyond its capacity. My current bag is durable, but I am looking at a simple weekend from Mark to replace it.

A Ready-to-Go Health Kit

After experiencing food poisoning, severe bug bites, severe cuts, severe fevers, and other complications while on international travels, I learned always to carry a small emergency kit and always have a piece of minor medical equipment with me. It includes a toiletry bag, Neosporin, and pain relievers, as well as cold medicine, cold medicine, medicine to treat stomach problems, itch relief cream, and antibiotics. It doesn’t matter if you don’t need it.

Separate Jewelry with Snack Size Bags

For packing necklaces, you can use snack-size plastic bags. You can prevent tangling by giving each bag its bag and attaching the clasp.

The Hotel Closet

Drawstring fabric bags are found in most hotel rooms. They can be used for shoes and laundry. These bags can be used for both laundry and packing and are semi-disposable. They can separate your shoes and dirty laundry, transforming the packing experience for your return journey.

Get ready for wet swimwear

To keep my wet bathing suits dry, I always bring a plastic bag (or steal the shower cap from the hotel). This allows us to make the most of every moment on the beach.

Marie Kondo’s Folding Method is a great option

“All memes aside. I have been living the Konmari lifestyle for a few years, and the folding method she uses may be the most important thing I have learned. The folded clothes can be quickly packed in a bag or suitcase, which saves space in your drawers. The Marie Kondo method allows you to view your entire wardrobe simultaneously. This means you don’t need to look through boxes for winter clothes and can see all of your clothing.

Make sure you have all your essentials ready to go

“I am terrible at packing. “I am a terrible packer, no matter where I’m going or how far ahead I book my trip. I always wake up at 2 AM the night before, and I can only lose one of my sneakers. I accept this fact and have tried to make the process easier. I now keep a clear bathroom bag with all my favorite products. I can easily see what I have and add in some essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, and sunscreen for trips to lakes. My favorite travel bag also contains a few requirements for planes: lip balm, chargers, and neck pillows. This helps me to speed up the personal-item preparation so that I don’t have to worry about whether I have enough shoes or how many books and caftans I will need for a four-day weekend.

“Packaging will only be enjoyable for some people, regardless of how well-organized or frequent we make it. It is possible to make packing more fun. You can make it more enjoyable by investing in luggage you enjoy using. T+L’s professional travel team spends a lot of time unpacking and packing. We worked with TravelPro to create a collection we would love to use. The set includes a tote, a hard-side carry-on, and a checked bag. They are sturdy, spacious, and organized while you pack your items in their compartments. They are always in my closet, so I can take them out and prepare for trips. I also feel great when I get to the airport and leave the new city with them.

Make a capsule wardrobe

“No matter what I did, I couldn’t streamline my packing list until I began to think of it as a capsule wardrobe with a particular color palette. The neutral I use is usually black or blue. From there, I build outfits according to the activities or events that take place during the trip. It usually includes two dresses, two pairs of pants, and two tops. Sometimes, it also contains 1-2 sweaters and a jacket. Aday and Summersalt create lines that allow easy mixing and matching, making it easier to create a functional but flexible packing list.