Must-Have Packing Tips for Stress-Free Traveling

Must-Have Packing Tips for Stress-Free Traveling

As our family transitioned from road trips to frequent air travel, concerns about luggage space took center stage. Fears of lost checked-in luggage led me to explore efficient packing strategies, ultimately adopting a system that revolves around carry-on suitcases. Most people already know to bring prescription medications and important documents in their carry-on bag.  My way of packing up my family is a bit different. I am always worried about checked-in luggage getting lost, which would put a damper on our travel experience. Who can have a great time, when you are on the phone with airlines, trying to track down your missing essentials?  I try to do everything in my control to make sure our travel plans run smoothly.  Here are the travel packing tips that I follow with my family:

1. Individual Carry-On Luggage:

Each family member is responsible for their own clothes and essential items, neatly packed into a designated carry-on suitcase along with a backpack (considered a personal item for the flight). It is my personal preference, that each family member is then responsible for this carry-on suitcase as we navigate the airports.  This approach has proven effective for most trips, barring a few exceptions like weather conditions or extended vacations without laundry facilities. When traveling to warm climates, it is even easier to fit all of your clothes into your carry-on. This is a great way to ensure that you don't spend the first days of your trip searching for new sets of clothes if your checked-in luggage is lost. I make sure to put our most important things in our carry-on suitcases- to ensure they don't get lost.  My favorite carry-on suitcase is the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 20-Inch, which is available on Amazon. I purchased this Samsonite carry-on in 4 different colors for each member of my household. It is available in bright and neutral colors to meet everyone's travel style. It has so much space for such a small bag.  

Be sure to check the carry-on-sized luggage allowed on your airline to ensure they will fit in the overhead bin. 

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2. One Check-in Suitcase:

Pairs of shoes, jackets, first aid kit, and a toiletry bag for the whole family find a home in a single checked bag. The prospect of replacing toiletries seems less daunting than the idea of replenishing an entire wardrobe. The Samsonite Omni PC is also available in a variety of sizes if you are also looking for new check-in luggage. Finding the right luggage can make your travel days just a bit easier. Make sure not to pack an important document in your checked bag. Always keep essential travel documents keep it with you.

3. Backpacks:

Each kid has their device, books, water bottle, and headphones in their travel backpacks, fostering a sense of responsibility and organization. Remember, you cannot take water in your water bottle through airport security. So it is a good idea to bring your water bottle empty.  Most airports have water fill stations once you pass airport security. We tend to drink a lot of water, so I always bring full-size bottles with us on our trips.  I like to buy inexpensive headphones for the kids to bring in their bags, so I won't mind if they break or get lost on the trip. I found that these Sony headphones do the trick to keep the kids entertained on long flights. In my backpack, I have everyone's travel documents, credit cards, a power bank, my water bottle, headphones, and any valuable items. The right bag will also double as a day pack while you are on your trip.  

4. Compression Packing Cubes:

I started to use packing cubes a few years ago and it has been a game-changer in organization. They help keep our suitcases tidy and maximize space. It is also easier to sort our clothes once we arrive at our hotel room. On the return journey, they double as convenient laundry bags, simplifying the post-trip unpacking. Now that my kids are a little older (8 and 10), I let them pack items themselves. I just tell them how many clothing items to pack. Each family member got a set of compression bags in a different color, ensuring easy identification and efficient use of space. Some sets of compression bags also come with shoe bags, which are helpful to keep other items in your suitcase clean. Extra space made by the compression cubes goes a long way in your travel bag. Check out my two recommended compresson bags Suited Nomad and Bagsmart.

5. Airtags: 

Every suitcase, even carry-ons gets an AirTag (remember, I don't want any suitcases to get lost). I started using them about 2 years ago and now I use them on everything. When we went to Disneyland, I got AirTag holders that attach to my kids' clothes, just in case they get lost. You can find airtags here. Now I use AirTags on everything, my dog's collars, attached to my keys, my wallet, and my purse. 

Packing can be the biggest challenge for some people when planning a trip. Having the right essentials is the best way to ensure your next adventure runs smoothly. A good tip is to have your own running travel list, as items come to mind, be sure to write them down on your list. Keep the list for future trips, frequent travelers likely have an ultimate packing list they can always refer back to. Follow these tips for your next trip. Wishing all of your family members a wonderful and stress-free travel experience.