Travel Hacks…….So picture this: it’s 1 a.m., my flight’s at 6, and I’m sitting on the floor of my Queens apartment surrounded by a mountain of clothes. Like, actually surrounded. I looked like a cartoon character in one of those “before” scenes. And my cat, Biscuit, is sitting inside my carry-on looking at me like, “Really, mom?”
This is not the first time this has happened. Probably not the last either.
But over the years — after way too many “why did I bring this?” and “how do I fit this?” moments — I’ve picked up a bunch of packing tips that actually work. Real travel hacks for real girls, not the Pinterest-perfect ones with color-coded cubes (though if that’s your jam, no shade).
1. Roll. Don’t Fold. Unless You’re Fancy.
You’ve heard it, I know. But rolling really does save space. The first time I tried it, I felt like I was making a human burrito out of my wardrobe. It’s weirdly satisfying.
But here’s the real hack: roll your stuff, then use packing cubes or even gallon-size Ziplocs to group outfits. That way, when you’re digging for your favorite black tank top, you’re not unleashing chaos.
My friend Kels (you’re gonna hear a lot about her, she’s basically my partner in travel crime) rolls everything and then puts socks inside her sneakers. It’s like next-level Tetris.
2. Pack Like You’re Gonna Spill Something (Because You Probably Will)
Listen, I once had a bottle of toner explode inside my bag. My clothes smelled like a spa for a week but not in a good way.
Now I put all liquids in clear, zip-up bags (and not just the tiny TSA ones). Shampoo, conditioner, perfume, even my toothpaste if it’s new. Double-bag the scary stuff like self-tanner.
I got this idea from a travel blog I randomly stumbled on at 3 a.m. — Her Packing List — and I swear it saved me from ruining at least three dresses.
3. Shoes: The Frenemy
I hate packing shoes. They’re bulky, they smell weird after a long day, and they take up precious space I could use for snacks.
Rule I live by: no more than three pairs. One comfy pair (sneakers or flats), one “I’m cute” pair (heels or sandals depending on the trip), and one “don’t judge me” pair (flip-flops, always).
And wear the biggest pair on the plane. Even if you feel like a dork.
4. The Outfit Math Trick
I used to pack for every hypothetical scenario. Like, what if I’m suddenly invited to a yacht party? Or a midnight hike? Spoiler: neither of those things has ever happened.
Now I do “outfit math.” If I’m traveling 5 days, I bring 5 outfits + 2 “wild cards” (like a dress and a cute top). That’s it.
Mix-and-match is your best friend. Neutrals + one pop of color = so many combos.
(Internal link idea: “Same logic I used in my ‘Affordable Dupes For High-End Beauty Products’ post — less is more but it still looks good.”)
5. The Underwear Rule Nobody Talks About
You’re gonna laugh but I bring double the underwear I think I’ll need. I don’t care if it’s overkill. It takes up no space and nothing’s worse than running out.
Also, small cloth bag for dirty laundry. Even a pillowcase works.
6. Jewelry + Accessories = Chaos Controlled
If you’re a jewelry girl, you know the pain. Tangled necklaces. Missing earrings.
I use a pill organizer for earrings and rings. Seriously. And I thread necklaces through straws so they don’t tangle. My grandma taught me that one and I thought she was nuts but it works.
You can also use old mint tins for hairpins and elastics. I do this and it makes me feel like I’m winning at life.
7. The “Airport Outfit” Strategy
Okay, so here’s my secret sauce: your plane outfit is also part of your packing hack.
I wear my bulkiest stuff: sneakers, hoodie, denim jacket. Sometimes even my hat. My carry-on becomes this magical space saver. Plus, planes are cold so layers help.
Kels once called it my “hobo chic” look. I call it genius.
8. Toiletries & Makeup — Travel Hacks
You don’t have to buy everything travel-sized. Those mini bottles are cute but overpriced. I bought a set of refillable silicone bottles from Amazon two years ago and never looked back.
Also, don’t bring your entire makeup bag. Make a “capsule” kit: tinted moisturizer, mascara, brow pencil, one lipstick that doubles as blush. Done.
This is like my “5-Minute Makeup Tips For The Girl On The Go” post but for travel — same vibe.
9. Snacks. Always Snacks.
I don’t care if it’s a 45-minute flight. Bring snacks. Airport food is expensive and unpredictable.
My go-tos: granola bars, almonds, gummy bears. Kels once brought an entire bag of bagels on a flight. Iconic.
10. Backup Everything (But Not Everything)
I keep a mini “just in case” kit in my personal item: phone charger, portable battery, pen (yes, a pen), painkillers, band-aids, a mini deodorant, and a hair tie.
It’s like my security blanket.
Quick Recap List : Travel Hacks
- Roll clothes + packing cubes
- Double-bag liquids
- Limit shoes to three pairs
- Outfit math (5 days = 5 outfits + 2)
- Double the underwear
- Pill organizer for jewelry
- Wear bulky stuff on the plane
- Refillable bottles for toiletries
- Snacks always
- Mini “just in case” kit
