p.4/ Smart Packing Tips for Every Trip.
Discover the best packing tips for travel—whether you are planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or an international adventure. Learn how to choose the right luggage, pack light, and stay organized with our ultimate travel packing guide.
When you are planning an adventure—whether it is a romantic weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime international elopement—packing can feel overwhelming. The good news? With a few smart packing tips, you can streamline the process, reduce travel stress, and focus on what really matters: enjoying the journey.
Packing for travel is one of the most important parts of trip planning—and one of the easiest to get wrong. The way you organize your luggage can completely change your travel experience. I have been the traveler struggling with an overstuffed suitcase on cobblestone streets in Europe (never again!)—and I have also managed a two-week trip with just a carry-on bag.
As frequent travelers—and adventure-loving partners with years of experience packing for both domestic and international trips, with and without kids—we have tested countless luggage strategies. Here are our best packing and luggage tips for travel, tested on everything from quick weekend getaways to long-haul international flights.
1. Pick the right bag for the trip.
For weekends or short domestic flights, I almost always stick to a carry-on backpack—lightweight, easy to carry around, and no waiting at baggage claim. When traveling internationally for longer stretches, I like having a sturdy checked bag with expandable compartments and TSA-approved locks. A bright, quirky, luggage strap has saved me more than once from grabbing the wrong black suitcase on a carousel. Bonus tip: bring matching or coordinating luggage so it is easier to keep track of as a couple.
2. Pack less than you think you need.
I used to pack A LOT of “just in case” outfits and ended up wearing about half of what I brought. Now, I stick to a personally modified version of the 5-4-3-2-1 rule (5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses/shoes, 2 swimsuits/bags, 1 jacket). I like to pack mostly neutral, season appropriate, clothes, that way I am able to mix and match outfits. It keeps things versatile and light. I have more often than not, had access to laundry facilities while traveling, so I will usually do my favorite pair of leggings, 1-2 pairs of jeans, 1 dress or skirt, my trusty hoodie, 3-5 tops, 1 swimsuit, and probably enough undergarments to clothe a small army.
3. Roll and cube.
Rolling clothes really does save space, and packing cubes? Game changer. I keep one cube for clean tops, one for undergarments and swimsuits, one for bottoms, one for laundry, and one for sandals or an extra pair of a dressier shoe option.
4. Don’t bury the essentials.
I have learned the hard way that checked bags do not always make it. Now, I always keep a change of clothes, toiletries, medication, and important documents in my carry-on. On domestic trips, I throw in snacks and a charger too—because hungry + uncharged phone = cranky traveler. Couples tip: split essentials between your bags, so if one suitcase goes missing, you will both still have the basics.
5. Know the rules before you go.
I once had to ditch an expensive face cream at security because it was too big for carry-on. For U.S. domestic flights, the 3-1-1 liquids rule always applies. International flights? Double-check baggage weight limits. International airlines vary—especially budget carriers—so always check baggage allowances before you fly. Couples often save money by checking just one shared bag and using two carry-ons.
6. A few peace-of-mind extras.
I never leave without a small first aid kit, copies of my passport (one digital, one paper), and an outlet adapter if I am heading overseas. There are so many options, but once I started traveling with more electronics and kids, I bought one of these just to be safe.
7. Always leave room.
Trust me: you will want to bring something home. I always leave about 1/3 of my suitcase clear for international travel, and for domestic, usually just about enough room for a cosmetic bag, or extra cash for when I decide to throw in the towel and pay a visit to the local USPS.
At its core, smart packing is not just about organizing your suitcase—it is about setting yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience from start to finish. When you take the time to plan ahead, choose the right luggage, and pack with intention, you create space for less stress and more ease along the way. Traveling as a couple or with family adds another layer of teamwork, making the process even more rewarding when you are working together toward a seamless trip. With a few thoughtful hacks and a simplified strategy, you will spend less time worrying about what is in your bag and more time soaking up the journey itself. Whether your plans take you a few hours down the road, across the country, or halfway around the world, the right approach to packing ensures that your luggage becomes the easiest part of your adventure—freeing you up to focus on the memories you’ll make along the way.
Do you have a favorite packing tip or a must-have travel item you never leave home without? Share it in the comments below—I would love to hear what makes your journeys smoother. And if you found these ideas helpful, be sure to check back for more travel tips and inspiration to make every trip feel effortless.