My biggest easy packing hack is being okay with buying some toiletries at the destination. We are a very fair family that require multiple sunscreen applications a day required. We will need a full sized bottle for a week, so we just buy at the destination.
Not even close. I find that if you go to a local grocery or drug store, it’s usually less expensive than the drug store down the street from my home. That, and if you check a bag, you can spend $50 easily.
Hi Megan, I hope you are well. I have been subscribed to your channel for just a short time but I have learned so much from watching your videos, I even have been looking at your older ones and have learned so much there also. I am much older than you, but like a lot of people my age, we have not taken to many flights to go on holiday. But this year, my husband and I are going to see our daughter who has been living in the UK since over a year. We are going to be starting by visiting Scotland, then spending a few days in London and will then take the EuroStar train to France, where we will be visiting the Normandie region. I have been making a list of every tip that I can use to save space in our luggage, especially since I have to bring things belonging to my daughter on top of my things. So please keep these great videos coming, I don’t miss one…. I am from a town north of Quebec city and this is another reason why I am subscribed to your channel. I finally want to say thank you for sharing your knowledge with us who don’t travel as much as you!
One of my favorite tips is to pack those tiny little battery candles. They don’t give a lot of light, but in the middle of the night I don’t have to turn the overhead lights on which will wake me or my hubby up. I put a couple in the bathroom and maybe 1 in an area that might be a trip hazard or keep me from running into a piece of furniture.
The tip for shaking the luggage after it's closed to find extra space is BRILLIANT! I have never heard that one before. Thanks so much!!! I travel at least half of the month for work and I need all the tips I can get.
Pill cases are so bulky. Save room by using little pill ziplock bags. They are about 2"by 2". I put each day's pills in one, and also put earrings in them or one necklace in one. Then the necklaces won't get tangled with each other.
Megan, you have such amazing tips for us more than we can possibly share with you. Your last one you gave us, I did not think of but is brilliant. Shaking the case a few times and finding more room to pack is great ! Will do that for sure !! One thing we learned is if you are souvenir hunting, you want to make sure you have room in a suitcase so even if you have to bring an extra case, just fill it half way and you will be sure to have room for your purchases. Better to do that than have to buy a new suitcase in your travels !
For some suitcases, there are "rails" where the collapsable handle goes. If using packing cubes. there is a gap between the top of the rails, and the inside of the bottom of the suitcase. Fill this in with t-shirts or other smaller items to take advantage of this often overlooked space.
I ranger roll my clothes and then compress them with releasable/ reusable zip ties.And since I have seemingly invented this hack I'm calling it... wait for it... my favorite squeeze! Makes the rolls into dense logs with each log representing a day of clothes. And I don't unpack, I just pick out a log for the day. Saves packing time and protects to an extent from bed bugs. My personal item is a size compliant soft cooler with a hard shell liner that I use to transport food on the plane and at the sun destination I fill it with ice and adult drinks on beach days. On our upcoming trip to Waikiki I'll be transporting collapsible beach chairs in my carryon and will have the cooler. I should cut quite the figure striding around Waikiki clutching a cooler and collapsible chairs with the pockets of my tear away cargo pants stuffed full of printed off happy hour menus. Aloha
Shampoo & conditioner comes in bars too! Plus you can break them down for even more room or throw away what’s left then go back to your regular shampoo etc when home.
I actually bring a few (maybe 5) gallon-size ziplock bags for clothes that may be wet or smelly (like socks) as this will keep the odor inside the bag. Some carry-ons and suitcases have a "wet pouch" built into the bag that will protect your stuff from things that may leak or get wet (I think it's really meant for things like bottles with fluid in them, but I generally don't travel with things like shampoos or liquid soap so I use this space to store damp or dirty clothing as it does act as a barrier for smells to, plus it helps me keep my bag more organized as I know the stuff in this area is dirty (but I will still put the clothes in a plastic bag of some sort -- either a ziplock bag or a shopping bag, tied up). I will say that I still don't quite understand the limitations on liquids when it comes to TSA/security. I mean obviously it would be a problem if someone bought a 1 gallon jug of soap with them, and that would be overkill, but why not a 16oz bottle or an 8oz bottle? I never understood why they come up with 3oz... and a limit of one quart sized bag. One hack for me is that I keep all of my medication (insulin) in a separate bag, as this is medical supplies and sometimes will stuff small things like shampoo in here, and they never really say anything as they don't consider it part of the 3-2-1- liquid rule I guess since it contains perscription medication. At least they've never said anything to me, but then again I'm not bringing an excessive amount either, but sometimes I have more than 3 little bottles of things. One tip for the jacket is you can also put small things in the pockets, like cables for your phone or your phone charger (which you should keep with you anyway) and other smaller things. Usually this can go through TSA without an issue and I've used this sometimes (in one instance, I packed a spare small camera lens in a pocket of my jacket, which I wore through security and they just asked what it was and I showed them, and they let me through -- as it comes up as a metal cylinder on their x-ray scanners).
Pack a thin inexpensive rain jacket instead of umbrella then lay it flat between the two sides of your suitcase. Bring hand cream in a thick baggie instead of lotion in a bottle. Shop thrift stores for t-shirts to wear as pjs then toss them to make room for souvenirs.
Thanks Megan, I heard a tip for shampoo bars is to shave a small piece of each and put it in tiny zip bags instead of taking the whole thing. I'm doing that for my trip in 2 weeks. I'll see how it works but it sounds good.
Excellent video from the "RU-vid Travel Babe". My tips: (1) ranger roll all clothing. It's simple, saves space, and keeps things tidy and organized. (2) I take all of my loose items (sewing kit, cables, etc and toss this in ONE Packing Cube. Then, when I arrive at my destination, I just unpack that cube, open it up on the table, and I have everything I need in one location. When I have to leave the hotel, just toss the stuff in, zip up the cube, and pack it. (3) I always visit a local 7-Eleven (OXXO, FrancoPrix, etc) immediately on arrival. I buy some dish soap, chips, bottled water, other stuff. This way I dont have to pack it and I always goodies to munch on late in the evening. (4) NEVER travel without ALL liquids being in a zip-lock baggie. I just went on a two hour flight and my bug spray pump nozzle leaked, causing a HUGE mess. If its a fluid, it MUST be protected inside a bag. No exceptions (are you LISTENING PEOPLE?).
My biggest packing hack is using my diy assorted candy/chip zipper bags to organize different things in, such as cough drops, first aid kits, snacks, pen, and any item that can get lost in my bag. With a family of 6, I can easily let anyone needing something know which candy/chip bag the item they need is in. In addition, each diy bag comes in different sizes so they can hold various items. The third benefit is they save space and are flexible for tight spaces. I make mine, but Etsy also sells them. I have used them for years and they work wonderfully for all types of trips. It also recycles candy and chip wrappers. How to make zipper cases out of candy bags by sew very easy on you tube
One hack I learned years ago from a flight attendant was to roll clothes that wrinkle very easily inside a dry cleaning bag. When you unroll it, no wrinkles - even silks.
I'm a minimalist packer; no jewelry, no makeup, jeans are too bulky/heavy so ponte pants instead. Sometimes I don't bring liquids because hotels always have whatever you need or just buy sample sizes on your travels. My under clothing is microfiber so I wash it in the sink and it's dry in a few hours plus they're lightweight.
If I am going to see close friends or family, or if I'm going to be in a corporate hotel or apartment, I send my packing ahead, in packing cubes, in a box, via USPS (obviously don't do this in Europe). Day before I leave, I send it back. USPS is no worse than some airlines when it comes to luggage. Then, I dress in layers, even in warmer weather, and bring a bigger purse than usual. My purse is big enough for a toothbrush and minor makeup.
❤AWESOME TIPS! For plastic tubes and bottles to hold liquids/creams, first squeeze out extra air before putting on the lid or plastic wrap, then lid. In order for the liquids/creams inside to spill, first the container must first return to its “normal” shape. So unless you poke a hole in one of them or do not fasten lid securely, they will still be flattened when you unpack. I still always put them in a leak proof bag. Can’t be too careful!😊
Unfortunately, the collapsible water bottle is very unstable. Even when it's full, you could be spilling water all over yourself. I just returned it to Amazon. It sounds like a great idea, but it is not.
Tape (electrical tape) is great for small tears, as in my rain jacket. I wrap a bit around my trekking poles for repairs. The poles collapse and fit well in my carryon bag. I use solid toiletries to eliminate the TSA 3-1-1 restriction. I sew small draw string bags for small items and stuff them into spaces that might be created by larger items. I do take spare glasses and there is just enough space for 1 or 2 small things in the case. Usually only bring 1 pair of shoes that I wear on the plane and travel with for the trip. Guys often don't need many shoes. But for my trip to Costa Rica I will take water shoes and they go in a store plastic bag. Thanks for your cross gender tips.
I have a better hack. No jewelry to mess with, leave all that fake stuff and brushes at home. Less time getting ready to go, and your true beauty will shine through.
I love your videos as in two weeks I'm flying for the first time in my life and I'm starting to freak out from everything that comes with it😵💫. I'm struggling to find exact info about luggage that I can take, because the page which is supposed to show it doesn't work. I'm flying with Shanghai Airlines from Budapest to Shanghai and then to Seoul. Has anyone here got an experience with this route? I'll be extremely grateful for any advice regarding the luggage especially.🥹
Forgive me for repeating your points but sometimes viewers want a checklist: -Use ranger roll and compression packing cubes for space - Swap regular water bottle for collapsible one - Pack shoes in plastic bag with smaller items stuffed inside - Use dryer sheet to keep items smelling fresh - Use socks to pack breakable items - Stack bras together and loop belts through collared shirts to maintain shape - Fill sun hat with small items to maintain shape - Place cotton pad over makeup palettes to prevent breakage - Pack jewelry in pill container or loop necklaces through straw - Use hard shell glasses case to protect makeup brushes - Only one TSA-approved bag per passenger allowed for liquids.
At Australian airports, Hiding things ( especially made from wood ) in your socks will get the attention of customs and you will be flagged . It's classed as a concealment and you will be searched more thoroughly.
Instead of compression cubes, I use 2-gallon ziplock bags. I roll my clothes and then put them in the bag and squeeze out all the air. Plus I bring extra bags for dirty clothes and I might even stick my extra sneakers in one too.
Pack a garbage bag for your dirty clothes …ask the hotel for a laundry/dry cleaning bag for dirty or wet clothes Pack a bar of soap when suitcase is not in use ( Irish spring is cheap and perfect ) to keep your bag from that funky smell Makeup brushes I use brush guards for over 10 years as they protect them and keep them in shape For jewelry I like the little pouches you get when you purchase them or small organza bags you get at weddings I like the draw string plastic bags for my shoes Refill all Your toiletries don’t buy new containers. I don’t like using samples of new things as you don’t know how well they work or if you will have a reaction Pack your toiletries a few days ahead and try to use that to see if you are missing anything.I often put a box on my bathroom counter and dresser to use as getting ready so I know I am not missing anything.
I bought a wet/dry bag online (I think it was actually meant for diapers 😂) but I use it for my swimsuit and swim shirt for daily Aquafit. It is very lightweight so I will also be packing this for my next trip in case I have any wet items to pack upon return! It doesn’t leak or soak through to other items in your bag!
I use old RX bottles for earrings and corded earbuds (not a fan of airpods!). They are good for other organizational things as well. And they are free!!
I can follow all of your suggestions for packing. I begin way before my trip. The problem is packing all of these things that I stuck in nooks and crannies back in the suitcase for my return flights. I'd love to see/hear about your return packing hacks. Thanks!
Great tips!! We pack checked bags and these tips will save us room. I like the hard shell eyeglass case idea for make up brushes. More space for souvenirs.
My biggest “travel hacks” as of late was to invest into a 65W GaN charger with multiple USB outlets. I used to carry a charger for my laptop and another one for my iPad, plus sometimes a multi-USB charger. This one unit, which is smaller than any of the previous ones, replaces all of them,.
- Keeping a personal packing checklist and updating it after trip with things to do differently next time - Weighing clothes and packing what's lightest/least bulky (tour guide Sarah Murdoch's great tip : - ) - Taking fewer bottoms and shoes & prioritizing tops for maximum visual variety 😃 - Powdered sunscreen and a UPF 50 ribbon crusher sun hat that can be squished and reformed - Using an international-sized carry-on if at all possible (the freedom is glorious!) - For long-term travel: a capsule wardrobe with a week's worth of mix-and-match clothes = endless variety - Laundry detergent sheets for hand washing or laundromats - Keeping essentials in daybag (personal item) under seat Not having to scramble to replace medications, toiletries, ID, reservation confirmations, valuables, etc. is so helpful if other bag(s) are lost Also: *- A Comfort Kit to keep the inevitable hassles of travel a fun adventure* 🤩 Tour guide Sarah Murdoch calls her expanded (yet tiny!) version of this a Box of Awesome. : - ) I keep mine with me during the trip in my daybag as well as on the plane. - 2 - 3 doses of pain reliever, - ginger capsules for motion sickness, - 1 - 2 doses of Benadryl just in case, - refillable water bottle that fits under standard faucets, - non-perishable snacks, - gum for popping ears and dental hygiene on the go - ear plugs in case of crying babies, - an all-weather scarf and a light fleece cap (lighter than lugging a jacket in warmer climates, yet keeps me cozy in sudden temperature drops after sunset, strong A/C, or misty weather + wind chill) - something engaging to pass the time (playing cards, book, music, podcast, drawing materials... : - )
I just discovered a new packing hack where I can place a change of clothes and more instead of placing the items in my personal item backpack. I bought a neck pillow cover with a zipper and filled it with my change of clothes including my sleepwear and socks.
I have rolled clothing for many years. The last time I flew, the bag was overweight! We had to throw out a lot of items, because it was going to cost so much if we left it. So remember, even if you roll and pack to conserve space, it still has to be within weight parameters. Thanks for the videos.
Try to dry all soggy and wet clothes as much as possible. It reduces weight and keep things a lot more sanitary. Wearing heavy clothing instead of packing them inside your luggage may not be feasible in hot climates.
This is a very helpful video! But one thing to keep in mind - stick sunscreens do not offer much protection regardless of SPF. The amount of product that you need to get the labeled protection is much easier to apply in liquid form than it is with a stick, so even if the listed SPF is high, you’ll only be getting a minuscule fraction of it. You would need need to spend several minutes swiping the stick on your face to get anywhere close to the labeled SPF. Sunscreen sticks really do not work as a replacement for standard liquid sunscreen. Lab Muffin has a great video about this if you’re curious!
I can get away with wearing powder sunblock between October and May in Eastern Canada but as soon as the UV index goes between 4-11, there is no way that powders or sticks will suffice and spray sunblock is useless over a UV index of 6.
@@ColleenJoudrey In order to reach the SPF on the powder or stick product you need to cake it on so I suspect that if you get away with it , you barely reach the SPF required. The UV index is UV B for burn factor. UV A causes skin cancer and that is not part of the index. Sunscreen is to protect from both. I suggest you listen to the multiple videos on the subject by labmuffinbeauty or drDray or many other derms or chemists.
Megan, here's something I do between trips. My tortilla slices come in a resealable bag. Don't throw them out, give a quick swipe and save them. Same thing for the bags with the sliding zipper cover. Even if it was for meat, wash it out, dry it and save for the next trip. Believe me, if just one tube of something blows open, you'll be glad it was in one of those bags, rather than all over everything.
For some trips where shopping is a necessity-Paris anyone?-I’ll check my carry on suitcase and “carry on” a shopping bag of treasures on the return trip. All of the important things are still with me and if they lose my checked bag it’s no big deal if my dirty laundry shows up a few days later.
Pack your personal item for quick access to items that need to go in the bins when you go through TSA. After TSA, repack your personal item for quick access to items needed during the flight.
For the last 14 years I've been travelling with moisturiser in a small plastic soy sauce bottle that I kept from a Pret's sushi lunchbox when I lived in London. It's tiny, but perfect to slip inside my shoulder bag.
Dryer sheets are loaded with toxic chemicals on your clothes and you’ll be breathing them Packing cubes are for amateurs. I’ve been traveling internationally more than 20 years now and the only solution are the clear vinyl giant Ziploc bags 14“ x 21“ you put all your clothes in you lift the mattress slide it between the mattress and the boxspring sit on the corner , expel all the air and now everything is perfectly flat. It is the only way to travel. Packing cubes are for amateurs who don’t know about these Ziploc bags and for the companies that sell packing cubes to the foolish masses nobody else uses them.
Err, just roll up some trash bags and gallon ziplock bags. They take no space and will double as layered protection if you need to insulate items inside your backpack from wet(rain) conditions. The most common use is to shove all your dirty laundery in them so as to both insulate any funk from transferring to your luggage, and insulates any smell. If for some reason something outright reeks, and you're not willing to just throw it away, double bag and double tie and you'll be g2g. Though again, I'd question the motive of taking something absolutely filthy and stinky like that home. Because you know, some smells just won't ever come out, once they've set. Anyway log story short always bring trash bags, you'll randomly find them useful, just don't use scented ones or your whole luggage will smell like it.
Greetings Megan. A fun idea of having items at your destination when you don’t have room in your suitcase. Call the hotel you’re staying at and ask them if it’s possible for them to accept packages in your behalf before you arrive there. Some hotels do have this service. Either ship the items to your hotel or have an online store ship your products directly to the hotel. Enjoy your travels.
I had a trip to northern Florida a few years ago where I had to travel with my work Surveyor's vest and hardhat but wanted to do carryon only. I stuffed both of them with all the things that I would normally put in packing cubes in order to keep everything in a carry on bag (it is amazing how many pairs of socks and underwear you can stuff inside a hardhat 😁). Worked beautifully...
I've never had a shoebox worth of extra space in a suitcase, but the idea of bringing bubble wrap is great. It takes up space but it's soft and flexible. Does the high altitude affect bubble wrap?
Thanks for the tips. I used to bring anything and everythiing with me on the check-in, until they lost my suit case last year on the transit transfer.Then you quickly realize, what stuff you actually really miss and what you could have been without. So now I only bring the really necessary stuff with me; preferrably cabin luggage only.
I recently took microfiber towels as our beach towels on a trip. They worked great and took less then a 3rd of the space a normal beach towel would take.
Another great hack. Roll your clothes in to cubes and place them into a vacuum bag. Then squeeze the air out of the bag by pressing it down or sitting on the bag (so no hoover is needed) Close the valve not to allow air to get back into the bag and place it in suitcase and add another layer of clolthes on top that would not be able too if you did not use a vacuum bag.
Pack an extra of each kind of USB Cable you will need. For me that is C to C, A to C & A to micro. Also, a 5 or 6 port USB charger is much easier to deal with than individual chargers and if your notebook charges via USB C, it can save space and weight over carrying an extra power brick
@@dorcasowens8521 yes, there are. Given how USB charging works, I don't use them. They won't fast charge a USB-C device and it is possible to overload your charger.
I haven’t been on an airplane since 2019 , and I’m full of anxiety… well I was until I discovered you ! Wow you’ve made me feel so confident and ready .. Thank you x
Hi Megan, my one concern with the wear your bulkiest clothing when you fly relates to what do you do if you will then be travelling from place to place during your trip. It is important to make sure you have enough space in your bag to pack your bulky items when you don’t want to wear them on your ongoing travels. Hiking boots, rain jacket, etc.
Great advice! Thank you!!! When packing my carryon, as mine is not waterproof along the zippers, I pack all my compression cubes in a plastic bag inside the suitcase, as well as on the miscellaneous side of my luggage. It keeps it all dry & should the zipper split, contains the items as well. I use the bags for dirty laundry later on. For sun hats, you can use the magnet holder & attach to your suitcase. You can also tie a heavy/bulky pair of shoes to the carryon.
I also pack a large black trash bag tucked in a top compartment of my backpack. It came in handy when I landed in Seattle in a monsoon. I was able to cover my bag with it and kept my stuff dry.
You need to be careful with soaking cotton pads with some liquids and placing them in a plastic baggie. Solvents, especially. Be sure your liquid is NOT COMBUSTIBLE! If you never took and passed chemistry in high school, you are better off not doing this one.
If you wear perfume….and don’t/cannot take the bottle on your trip, I sometimes spray the inside of my suitcase LIGHTLY and then pack my suitcase. Then all of clothes smell wonderful. Or you can ask the salesperson if a sample of your perfume is available.
It probably helps that I don't wear necklaces, but I put all my jewelry in a small drawstring bag. Sometimes I keep those that are on the tables at weddings for such things. Also, I don't pack bangle bracelets, just chain-type. 2:05pm
Hi Megan! I have a question that is outside of the subject covered by the current video. We are both diabetic and, usually, we travel in Business Class. However, with the increase in prices, we are goi g Economy Class from Ottawa to Vancouver. Should you be aware of what is offered, food wise, to passengers at 6 A.M. at the Ottawa Airport it would be greatly appreciated. The plane is an early morning flight. I haven’t had any problems with Air Canada food except with our last Air Canada Rouge flight that was simply put “horrible”. Thank you so much for your help!
I put my shoes in grocery store bags; they weight almost nothing and take up no space so my other items stay clean. I use zip lock bags of various sizes for cubes, dirty or wet clothes and many other things and i always throw in a few extra ones. Your videos are so helpful, thank you, i used many of your tips last month on my first trip tp Bali!
One thing i do is when packing 1-2 extra purses in the carry on or the checked suitcase, i don't leave those purses empty , i look what i can fit inside on them depending on the size. often they can fit most of my underwear . This can help the purse to keep and the shape instead of being squeeze down by the items being on top of it.
I like my drinking water to be cold and don’t want to be without it. I half fill my reusable water bottle and freeze it, then add some water to sip, just enough to last till I get to the security checkpoint. Ice is a solid, so no issues there. Then I refill after going through security.
I'm good at packing lots of stuff in a little space. I recently purchased a luggage scale and found it was turning on when packed. I now pack it in a hard shell eyeglass case. I now try to identify anything with power that could be activated unintentionally.
I love your tips very handy. Something that I use is an plastic duty free bag of the country that I might fly often too. I am from the Netherlands but work and live in London uk. And as I mostly fly with only an bag under chair as to bring a carry on is more expensive. I use the duty free bag to bring extra things that don't fit in my bag.
