Travel Hacks to Pack Better, Arrive in Style

It’s summer travel season, so where are you headed? Whether you’re road tripping with a trunk full of bags or squeezing what you can into a carry-on, check out some of my favorite travel hacks. I have learned a lot along the way as a flight attendant and frequent leisure traveler. It’s all about packing light and having fun.

Plan ahead.

Pick an outfit color palette: 

• Choose two or three colors that work well together. 
• Must haves: pants, shorts, dresses, shoes, and a bag.
• Get creative about interchanging these pieces for multiple looks.
• Create looks that go from day to night.

As you start to get ideas for your looks, set those items aside. I personally keep a laundry basket in my closet where I set aside items that I will take on my trip.

Research the weather where you’re headed. Might there be rain? Are you planning to hike? The conditions will dictate what clothing and footwear you should bring.

Keep accessories simple. 

A nice tote for daytime and a simple evening bag will do. Bringing a matching bag or jewelry for each outfit is not necessary.

Must-have travel products: 

• Packing cubes. Zippered: waterproof suitcase dividers to organize suitcase contents.
• Downy Wrinkle Releaser: clothing refresher, no iron required.
• Travel steamer: Great for luxury items but magically rids wrinkles on anything. 

Other hacks:

• Use shower caps as shoe covers.
• Roll clothes when packing to maximize space and reduce wrinkles. 
• Use tissue paper to wrap a garment that has sequins or beading to prevent snagging.
• Pack those beauty samples you’ve been collecting instead of full-size products. This is especially wise if you’re trying to travel only with carry-on bags. Remember liquids or lotions over 3.4 oz need to be in checked luggage.
• Depending where you are headed and for how long, you can always purchase some toiletries when you arrive. It’s less expensive to buy a can of shaving cream and hair gel than it is to check a bag.
• If your travel destination has a kitchen and you plan to cook, order groceries ahead using a delivery service. Don’t waste vacation time at the grocery store!

Safety tips for hotels and rentals:

• Keep your valuable items together in case of emergency.
• Place jewelry, electronics, medications, keys and travel documents in a tote overnight. If there’s any need to leave quickly, you can grab it and go.

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Maggie Hickson has mixed her love of fashion and travel for the past 20 years as she's adventured across the skies as a flight attendant. She fiercely believes in celebrating all ages and body types when it comes to fashion. She's a member of the American Business Women’s Association, a volunteer guardian ad litem and lover of thrift stores, estate sales and consignment shops.

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