I love to travel and I aim to do much more of it in the coming years. Whether it’s an overnight stay somewhere in the UK or a 2 week holiday abroad i’ve come up with some packing hacks I use almost every trip I take.

Here are my 19 travel hacks to pack like a pro.

Research the destination and it’s climate.
Sounds obvious but if it’s the first time you have travelled to a particular place knowing what the climate is going to be at that time of year, and checking the weather forecast will ensure you pack the right attire.

Suitcase or carry-on.

Depending on where you are traveling to or for how long, having both a suitcase and carry-on that is durable and long-lasting is the key.
Suitcases such as Travel pro or Rockland are great, even if you go for a plain colour. wrapping a ribbon around the handles will help it stand out on the conveyer belt.
Carry-on bags from coach are perfect, I’ve had mine for years. There is so much space and you can choose to carry it by the handles or sling it over your shoulder.

Wear your heaviest items on the journey.

Jackets, jumpers, boots or trainers, always wear your clothes with more weight. Not only will this save you on extra weight in your suitcase, but in most instances if you are on a plane, air-conditioning can make you feel too cool after a while. Warmer clothes = warmer you.

Make a list.

Some people hate lists. but it’s a great way to keep yourself organised and not forget any essentials like chargers!
Feel free to print out or download my packing checklist.

Plan what you are going to wear.

Advanced planning may seem a little tedious but it ensures you do not overpack or forget to wash your favourites. Mixing and matching tops. shorts. dresses and shoes means you won’t have to take an outfit for every day.

Packing cubes are your best friend.

Packing cubes not only compartmentalises your luggage; making it easier to group items together, they help to create and keep space you may have otherwise wasted.

Keep documents together.

Print everything off, flights, transfers, hotel location, insurance policy. Along with your passport, charge/credit cards, eHic and spare cash in a travel wallet. Always keep this on you especially if you are not taking hand luggage. Your suitcase is more likely to get lost, keeping those documents on you is imperative.

Keep your towel in your hand luggage.

If you are packing a suitcase always keep your towel in your hand luggage. You can use it as a make-shift separator for your hand luggage but mostly it’s great for using as a neck pillow during the flight. I’ve even used mine as a blanket when the air-conditioning has gotten too much.

Keep your electronics together.

Laptop bag or backpack, having your electronics together including chargers and battery packs gives you peace of mind that they will not be damaged or stolen, if something goes wrong.

Tips and tricks to packing like a boss.

Don’t take 30 adapters.

Pack 1 adapter plug and a 4 socket extension lead. You can charge all your electronics at the same time and know they will all be in the same place.

Roll your clothes.

Rolling clothes gives you far more space in your luggage but also helps to keep your clothes from creasing.

Pack your shoes into the corners.

Packing your shoes with the soles flat against the material and into the corners of your suitcase, particularly where the wheels sit, will balance the weight of your case and will also not take up unnecessary room.
If you are worried about the soles of your shoes dirtying the case or your clothes. wrap your shoes in carrier bags. They can be turned inside out and used as washing bags for your dirty clothes.
Putting lights in one carrier bag and dark clothing in another also makes laundry separation quick and simple once you’ve arrived home.

Take miniatures.

miniatures take up less room and weight in your suitcase but can also turn out to be a bit pricey in the long term.
Buying bottles such as these Travel Bottle Sets means you can decant your own shampoo, conditioner, perfumes and skincare.

Samples of perfumes and skincare are given out at most shops, Debenhams and Lush are great for this.

Fold your underwear.

Folding your underwear actually creates a lot of space. Tucking your underwear into your bras and bikini will also help them to keep their shape.

Tucking socks into shoes or using them to wrap your glass items such as perfume bottles will protect them when your suitcase gets thrown around in transit.

Make up travel hacks

Take items the can double up.

Mixing your foundation and your skin cream together in a pot: voila Tinted moisturiser!

Put make up brushes in an old sunglasses case.

This will keep all your brushes together so you don’t have to go rummaging around in your case or make up bag to find them.

Use cotton buds for eyeshadow.

Dampening the end of clean cotton buds swirl them around in your favourite eyeshadows, they are now travel eyeshadow sticks. Pop them in a small sandwich bag to protect them, and slide them inside your slim sunglasses case to keep all your brushes together.
You can also do this for your favourite lipsticks too.

Use cotton pads to protect powders.

Whether it’s blush, bronzer or even your foundation. putting a cotton pad on top of your powders and closing the lid will protect them from breaking if your luggage gets manhandled.

Vaseline is versatile.

Protecting your lips. acting as a primer or removing make up. always take a tiny tub of vaseline with you. Check out my top tips for using vaseline for more ideas.

Jewellery hacks.

Wrapping your chunky necklaces in tissue paper and layering them on top of one another in a small box or bag will stop them from tangling.|
Using straws for your delicate necklaces; feed your necklace through the end of a straw, this will stop them tangling or knotting.

Medicine bottles for storage.

Old medicine bottles are great at storing your kirby grips, rings and small earrings, (make sure you couple the earrings together using the backs).

I hope you’ve found my Travel hacks to pack like a pro post helpful.
Let me know if you learned any new packing hacks, or if you have any of your own to share.

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