How to Pack Like a Pro

It’s not unreasonable to expect that your hotel room will be stocked with everything you need—from toiletries to hair dryers. While this may be true of high‑end hotels, we’ve definitely turned up at budget hotels to find a lone bar of soap in the shower, or even to a vacation rental that turned out to be a “bring your own linen” situation. When you’re making your packing list, check to see what amenities your hotel or vacation rental supplies, so you’ll know what toiletries and other comforts you’ll need to bring (and what you can leave behind).

Keep throwing in extras like high heels or dress pants “just in case,” and you’re going to wind up with an overstuffed bag. You’ll end up regretting overpacking every time you have to sit on the bag to close it, dig through a mountain of clothes to find what you need, or struggle to lift it into the overhead compartment. After you’ve packed everything, carefully cross‑reference your packing list against what you’ve brought and challenge yourself to eliminate two or three items to lighten your load.

If you’ve managed to streamline your packing to fit into a carry‑on bag, you should get to enjoy the privileges of traveling lightly—namely, being in control of your own luggage rather than ceding it to the airline. Unfortunately, as airlines continue to raise checked baggage fees, more and more flyers are fighting for overhead space, and you may be forced to check your bag at the gate. If you have to unexpectedly check your suitcase and it gets lost, you could be stuck without essentials like medication or clean clothing. Plan ahead and keep your necessities (and anything you’ll need in‑flight, like headphones) in a separate personal item that will fit underneath your seat.

I’m used to flying with TSA PreCheck, which means I don’t have to take my liquids out of my bag when going through security—so I’ve gotten lazy about keeping my travel‑sized liquids in a dedicated bag. Unfortunately, this backfired on me when passing through airport security in Canada, where they are very strict about liquids, and I had to go through my bag to dig out every tiny container of liquids that I had strewn about in multiple spots within my suitcase. In addition to being good practice for security screenings, keeping your liquids separated in a waterproof bag is smart because it keeps any potential spills contained, making clean up easy and sparing everything else in your luggage.

When packing for past trips, I’ve been guilty of only glancing at the forecast for the high temperatures for each day—and then seriously regretting not packing a jacket because I didn’t realize how quickly the temperatures plummeted once the sun started to go down. When you’re packing, make sure to review the high and low temperatures for the hours that you plan to be out and about on your trip—so you know what you’ll want to wear for cold mornings and hot afternoons.

When packing a carry‑on, we tend to focus on which bags will fit within the allowed dimensions. However, don’t forget to check weight requirements for carry‑on luggage before packing, as many airlines have weight limits in addition to size requirements. These limits are generally enforced on international flights, especially if you check in at the airport rather than online. Many airlines will weigh carry‑on bags at check‑in, and if you’re over the allowance, you’ll have to check your bag. Consider investing in a small luggage scale (or just use your home scale by weighing yourself, then yourself plus the suitcase, and subtracting your weight) to avoid any surprises.

Both backpacks and rolling suitcases have their place in the travel world—and it's crucial to determine which option will best suit your specific trip before packing. Spinner suitcases with wheels are an excellent choice if you anticipate having to navigate multiple airports or walk for extended distances, as they can help prevent strain on your back and be much easier to cart around for long periods. Backpacks are a better choice if your journey involves walking over cobblestoned sidewalks or climbing numerous flights of stairs, as they allow for greater mobility.

While it might be tempting to pack your suitcase to the brim and utilize every inch of available space, it’s essential to resist this urge. Overstuffing your suitcase eliminates the flexibility you might need for the return trip home. For instance, you may want to wear a different, less bulky outfit on your last travel day, and will need extra space in your suitcase to pack what you wore on the journey over. Alternatively, you might wish to purchase souvenirs or other items during your trip. In either case, having extra room in your suitcase will prove invaluable, making it easier to accommodate additional items while keeping everything organized.

While the idea of packing light and bringing only the essentials can be appealing, it's important to factor in potential flight delays or cancellations that could leave you stranded without access to things you truly need. Always pack a few extra days’ worth of necessities, like medications or contact lenses, in case of emergency.

Airlines don’t have the best reputation when it comes to losing luggage. As an insurance policy, we recommend putting a luggage tracker—like an Apple AirTag—inside your suitcase every time you travel. In the event your bag ends up at a different airport (or even the wrong luggage carousel in the same airport), a luggage tracker allows you to locate your bag yourself without relying solely on the airline.