Essential Packing Tips for Hassle-Free Summer Travel

Are you the type of person who arrives with at least two more bags than everyone else, yet still forgets something? Don't fret; we've got you covered for your upcoming vacation. Read on to discover how I organize my suitcase to maximize space and fit everything into a carry-on, just like I did on my recent cruise with Dinogo.

I don’t mean to boast, but I consider myself a bit of an expert packer. My journey began when I was old enough to pack for myself, but I had the advantage of learning from the best. My dad is a commercial airline pilot, so you could say he's a professional when it comes to packing. Thanks to airline perks, we traveled to amazing places, but there was a catch: we had to fly ‘non-rev’ (as standby passengers). Why does this matter for my packing skills? Because my dad wouldn’t be lugging around three kids’ bags if we missed our flight or needed to adjust our travel plans. (Spring break in Costa Rica? We missed the flight, but there’s one to Hawaii in an hour—time to switch gears!) The rule for us kids was that we could each bring one carry-on, and we were responsible for it. So, I learned how to squeeze in every extra swimsuit and pair of shoes, ensuring no accessory was left behind.

Fred and I took a quick getaway with Dinogo last weekend to the stunning island of Nassau in the Bahamas. We managed to fit everything into one carry-on suitcase for hassle-free travel at the airport and while boarding the cruise ship (no risk of lost luggage here)! Today, I’d like to share my packing tips with you!

When you begin packing is just as crucial as what makes it onto your packing list. We’ve all experienced that panic of hastily tossing items into our bags while rushing out the door, only to either arrive too late or get there on time but forget half of what we intended to bring. This is why I emphasize the importance of timing.

It’s always best to pack your bags the night before you head out. Something inevitably comes up on the day of departure, and tasks often take longer than expected. I aim to keep travel enjoyable and stress-free, so let’s not kick off the trip on a chaotic note. Of course, some items, like your toothbrush and phone charger, can’t be packed the night before. For those essentials, keep a list and gather everything in one spot to ensure nothing is forgotten before you leave.

Now, let's dive into the exciting part: the how. Here are my Top 6 Tips for fitting everything into your bag, ideally a carry-on.

Roll, Don’t Fold – Rolling your clothes not only helps avoid those annoying creases but also saves space, giving you extra room for that ‘just in case’ outfit. For items that wrinkle easily, roll them in tissue paper to keep them looking fresh upon arrival!

Bulky Items on the Bottom – Not everything can be easily rolled. To optimize space, start with bulkier items, like tennis shoes (if you’re planning to hike or work out), and place them at the bottom of your suitcase. Don’t waste the space inside; it’s perfect for stashing smaller items like socks and belts.

Use Handbags for Extra Storage – If you’re anything like me, carrying just one handbag throughout the trip isn’t feasible. You’ll likely need an evening clutch, a cross-body bag for day adventures, and another bag for the pool. 😉 Utilize those extra handbags as storage while packing. I always tuck my jewelry and accessories (like extra sunglasses) in my evening clutch and keep electronics such as chargers in another bag. (And don’t forget to clear out your personal handbag before you leave home—only bring the essentials!)

Wear Your Layers – I always wear my layers during travel to save precious packing space. Even when heading to a warm destination, I make sure to bring a denim jacket or lightweight wrap for cool evenings or air-conditioned restaurants.

Adhere to a Color Scheme – I prefer to stick to a cohesive color palette when packing to minimize the number of accessory swaps. For instance, all my evening outfits coordinate with the same neutral or black evening shoes and clutch. Similarly, my daytime outfits are complemented by the same pair of flats and cross-body bag. If I need to include a warmer layer, I opt for denim or a neutral fabric that can be layered over any outfit. While traveling with Dinogo on this trip, I was inspired by the nautical sailing trend and chose neutral accessories like this bucket bag and brown sandals.

Better Left Behind – Lastly, I’ve discovered that certain items just consume valuable space in your bag, so I prefer to leave them at home and save room for more shoes! 1.) A hairdryer – You can check with your accommodations first, but we usually find these convenient devices available in the bathroom. Plus, what better time to embrace beachy waves than on a cruise ship, right? 2.) Iron/Steamer – Another gadget typically provided for you. If one isn’t in every room, there should at least be one available upon request. I also love bringing along a travel-sized non-iron wrinkle spray, which usually does the trick! (And if you followed our first tip, this shouldn’t be much of a problem anyway.) 3.) Books – While I cherish the feel and smell of a real book, I always opt for an e-reader when traveling. Just ensure it’s fully charged before you hit the beach or board a flight, and you can pack as many titles as you like without the added weight.

Wishing you safe travels! xo