16 essential travel packing strategies

Whether you're an enthusiastic planner with lists ready a week before departure or someone who prefers last-minute packing, the dilemma of what to include is a common one. However, it doesn't have to be a source of stress. Wherever your journey takes you, the experience can be smooth if you equip yourself with these expert packing strategies from a seasoned traveler.

My 16 favorite travel packing strategies

Have you ensured that your luggage complies with your airline's weight and size restrictions? Make that your first step, then explore my expert tips for mastering suitcase packing like a pro.

1. Understand your limitations

With various airlines imposing different charges for checked baggage, and sometimes for carry-ons too, it’s crucial to know what's included in your fare and the cost of any extra bags. Dinogo’s Airline Fees page provides a quick overview of the published bag fees for numerous airlines, helping you anticipate charges at the airport and plan accordingly before you book your ticket.

While searching for flights on Dinogo, utilize the Fee Assistant to indicate your desired number of bags at the top of the page, and the total cost will reflect this. You can also modify this later using the filter on the left side of the search results.

2. Stay within your limits

Having to rearrange your luggage at the check-in counter due to exceeding the weight limit can be frustrating—and even embarrassing. If your suitcase is oversized, you may face an oversize baggage fee. Additionally, if your carry-on is too large, it could be classified as checked baggage, leaving you liable for that fee as well.

To avoid unexpected charges and last-minute baggage shuffling, especially if you’re short on time, use Dinogo’s Bag Measurement tool to check if your bags meet your airline’s restrictions. You won’t need to measure anything yourself; the tool can do it for you using your phone’s camera. Plus, it’s pretty fun to use!

3. Focus on your carry-on

4. Be prepared for TSA

Airport security screenings aren’t meant to be time-consuming. It’s often unprepared travelers with improperly packed bags that lead to longer lines. You can easily ensure you’re not one of them, allowing you to move through screening quickly.

The TSA frequently requests that laptops and liquids be taken out of bags, so keep them easily accessible in your carry-on. Also, keep all medications together in case you need additional inspection; this can speed up your process if further screening is required. To be ready for the security line, familiarize yourself with what’s prohibited in carry-on luggage.

5. Pack based on reality

It’s tempting to pack everything you might want for your trip, but focus on what you will actually need. Bringing along excessive entertainment isn’t usually necessary (unless you’re traveling with young children), and you don’t need more pairs of shoes than you can realistically wear.

Review your itinerary and streamline your choices by packing for what you’re certain to do, rather than what you might do. This approach will conserve space in your suitcase and make it easier to locate items during your travels.

6. Minimize your wardrobe

If your top vacation goal is to inspire FOMO on Instagram, feel free to pack a variety of standout outfits for fun photos. However, if you’re not an emerging influencer, you don’t need a plethora of clothing options on the go. Packing less will keep you organized and reduce stress, so opt for solid colors and neutrals that can be mixed and matched for various looks.

Pro tip: You don’t need a brand-new outfit for each day of your trip; strategically repurpose some of your garments instead.

7. Incorporate packing cubes

If you’re resistant to packing lighter, packing cubes can help you maximize space in your bag by compressing your clothes, eliminating wasted room. Even if you don’t tend to overpack, I still highly recommend using cubes to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

Searching through a disorganized suitcase for that one specific swimsuit can be stressful and a significant drain on your vacation time, so keep your bags tidy with simple cubes. These can also be useful at the airport if a bag exceeds the weight limit—just pull out a packed cube and place it in another suitcase, or carry it on if you don’t have another bag available.

8. Roll your garments

9. Opt for rolling luggage

While weekender bags and duffels are stylish, I always choose a rolling suitcase for both checked luggage and carry-ons, regardless of how brief the trip is. Airports often involve long walks through terminals, and it’s not worth the strain on my shoulders or back to carry a bag the whole way—especially before settling into a potentially uncomfortable airplane seat.

Pro tip: Upon arrival, you’ll likely have more walking to do with your luggage to hotels, shuttles, and beyond, so it’s equally crucial that checked bags roll smoothly as well. Plus, I like to keep my belongings off the ground and away from less-than-clean surfaces, so having everything elevated on wheels is a big plus when I’m not carrying them.

10. Fill your shoes

I never let my shoes go unstuffed for two key reasons: I’m a shoe enthusiast and a space maximizer. Leaving shoes empty allows them to get squished inside the suitcase, which can damage them or lead to faster wear.

I always fill my shoes with socks, underwear, bathing suits, or any items that can withstand a little wrinkling. This not only protects my shoes but also maximizes the valuable space in my bag that would otherwise go to waste.

Pro tip: You can also tuck small accessories into shoes or use them to safeguard souvenirs on your way back.

11. Pack your shoes carefully

Simply put, the bottoms of shoes encounter bathroom floors, streets, sidewalks, and all sorts of places you wouldn’t put your clean clothes. Safeguard your suitcase’s contents by individually bagging your shoes before packing (this is also great for preventing sand from spreading throughout your luggage after beach trips). You can buy dedicated shoe bags if you want to be fancy, but plastic shopping bags work just fine, too.

12. Bring an extra tote

From last-minute pool trips before heading to the airport to unexpected rain showers while traveling, you might find yourself damp right before packing for various reasons while on the move. If you can’t fully dry your clothes in time, an extra bag will protect the rest of your items from getting wet in your suitcase.

Additional bags are also useful for particularly dirty clothes, or simply for anything you want to keep separate from your other belongings.

13. Secure your liquids

Prevent soaking the entire contents of your suitcase by properly securing all your liquids. It’s wise to be a bit extra cautious here—there's a lot at stake. First, try to avoid glass bottles, as they’re more prone to breaking, and refrain from packing full-size containers of liquids and creams—they take up too much valuable space. T

Travel-sized toiletry containers are perfect for packing manageable amounts of products in durable, unbreakable materials, and you can find empty ones for a minimal cost.

Pro tip: These containers might not have the best quality lids or seals, so I recommend taping them shut or at least placing them in sealed bags when packing.

14. Keep some space available

If you cram your suitcase to its limit, you won’t have room for souvenirs. Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, you might receive gifts from business associates, family, or hotel amenities, so it’s wise to leave a small amount of space free in your bag for these items.

However, even if you use a hard-shell suitcase, avoid leaving too much empty space, or you risk damaging the bag from potential dents and crushing during travel.

Pro tip: If you often find yourself buying more souvenirs and treats than planned, consider packing a spare duffel bag that you can fill with clothes on your return trip to keep your new treasures safe in your suitcase.

15. Create a list and double-check it

If you forget something at home, you can retrieve it after your trip, but if you leave it behind on vacation, it’s likely lost for good.

Pro tip: For frequent travelers, maintaining a master list of essential items for every trip is helpful, allowing you to simply add any specific necessities as needed for different journeys.

16. Give your bag a personality

You might have heard the advice to add some unique touches to your checked luggage to help you spot it easily at the baggage carousel (and to deter others from grabbing it by mistake). This is sound advice, which can include vibrant luggage tags, fun stickers, or a piece of bright fabric tied to the handle.

Your bag should have an even stronger identity than that. In the unfortunate event of lost luggage, having personal identification details like your name, phone number, and home address in your suitcase can be extremely beneficial. While you might hesitate to display this information on the outside, you can discreetly place it on a slip of paper inside your bag.

How this guide came to be

I travel every week and have sustained this fast-paced schedule for years. Continuously exploring new domestic and international destinations with diverse climates, cultures, and customs, I understand the value of smart packing that ensures I’m ready and comfortable without excessive effort or time. I’ve integrated this vast packing experience with Dinogo’s expert advice and tools to craft this guide.

Some of our favorite flight destinations

• Flights to New York City
• Flights to Los Angeles
• Flights to Chicago
• Flights to San Francisco
• Flights to Miami

What should I pack for a week-long trip?

Generally, ensure you have fresh socks and underwear for each day, plus at least four pairs of bottoms and five tops that can be mixed and matched for a fresh look. Tailor your selections based on planned activities (will you need dress pants or a long skirt for dinner, or will shorts suffice every day?), and include layers as necessary for weather conditions, such as chilly temperatures or rain. It's wise to pack both athletic shoes and more formal footwear. If space allows, feel free to include additional options for varying styles, climates, and activities.

How do I pack for a business trip?

Business trips often demand several outfits for each day, including both formal and casual options, making efficient packing essential, especially since suits and other professional attire can take up a lot of space. Optimize your luggage by reusing items whenever possible. Casual pieces can be mixed and matched for fresh looks, and neutral suits can be paired with different colored shirts for a completely new appearance—repeat what you can unless space is unlimited. Prioritize business attire in your suitcase to minimize prep time upon arrival, as they are the primary reason for your trip.