Travel Hacks for Saving Money: Budget Travel Secrets Revealed

Travel Hacks for Saving Money: Budget Travel Secrets Revealed

As a budget traveler, I’m always on the lookout for ways to save money on my trips. From finding cheap flights to scoring discounted accommodations, there are endless hacks and tips out there for cutting travel costs. In this post, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite budget travel secrets, so you can stretch your travel dollars further and have more money to spend on the things that matter most to you. Below are my 8 budget travel secrets for saving money:

 8 Budget Travel Secrets for Saving Money

1. Book flights and accommodations early. One of the easiest ways to save money on travel is to book your flights and accommodations as early as possible. Airlines and hotels often offer lower prices to early birds, and you’ll have a better chance of getting your preferred dates and times. To find the best deals, use price comparison websites like Kayak and Trivago, and be flexible with your travel dates. You can also set up alerts on these websites to be notified when prices drop for your desired destination.

2. Use credit card rewards. If you have a credit card that earns rewards, such as points or miles, use it to your advantage when booking travel. Many credit cards offer bonuses for travel-related purchases, such as double points on flights or hotel stays. You can also redeem your rewards for flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and other travel expenses. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid high interest charges.

3. Pack smart and travel light. Another way to save money on travel is to pack smart and travel light. By bringing only the essentials, you’ll save money on baggage fees and have an easier time moving around. To pack efficiently, use packing cubes to organize your clothes and items, and bring multi-purpose items that can serve multiple purposes (e.g., a sarong that can be used as a beach cover-up or a scarf). You can also save space by wearing your heaviest items, such as your jeans or boots, on the plane.

4. Seek out free or low-cost activities. While it’s important to budget for activities and experiences on your trip, you don’t have to break the bank to have fun. There are many free or low-cost activities to enjoy in most destinations. For example, you can visit public parks and museums, attend cultural events and festivals, or go hiking or biking in the great outdoors. You can also save money on food by eating at local markets or street food stalls, or by cooking your own meals in your accommodation.

5. Look for discounts and deals. Another way to save money on travel is to keep an eye out for discounts and deals. Many travel companies and destinations offer discounts for students, military personnel, and other groups. You can also find discounts by booking through travel agencies or aggregator websites, or by joining loyalty programs or email lists. Additionally, consider traveling during the off-season or shoulder season, when prices are generally lower.

6. Use public transportation. Instead of renting a car or taking expensive taxi rides, consider using public transportation to get around your destination. Not only is it usually cheaper, but it’s also a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet locals. Many cities and countries offer discounts for tourists, such as multi-day passes or discounted fares for popular attractions.

7. Stay in alternative accommodations. Instead of staying in a hotel, consider alternative accommodations such as vacation rentals, hostels, or homestays. These options can often be more affordable and provide a unique and authentic travel experience. Airbnb and VRBO are popular websites for finding vacation rentals, and hostel websites such as Hostelworld and HI Hostels can help you.

8. Traveling off the beaten path can be a rewarding and budget-friendly way to experience new cultures and destinations. By venturing to lesser-known places, you’ll often find lower prices for flights, accommodations, and activities, as well as a chance to see and do things that may not be as touristy. Additionally, traveling off the beaten path can give you a chance to experience local cultures and traditions in a more authentic way, as you’ll be interacting with locals rather than just visiting popular tourist attractions. Some ideas for traveling off the beaten path include visiting small towns and villages, exploring less crowded natural areas, and participating in local events and festivals. Just be sure to do your research and be prepared for any potential challenges that may arise, such as language barriers or limited infrastructure.

As a budget traveler, I’m always on the lookout for ways to save money on my trips. From finding cheap flights to scoring discounted accommodations, there are endless hacks and tips out there for cutting travel costs. In this post, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite budget travel secrets, so you can stretch your travel dollars further and have more money to spend on the things that matter most to you.

 

FAQ

What are some good websites to find cheap flights?

Some good websites to find cheap flights include Kayak, Expedia, and CheapOair. You can also try using an airfare search engine like Google Flights or Momondo, which can help you compare prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies.

How can I save money on activities and experiences while traveling?

 There are many ways to save money on activities and experiences while traveling:

Seek out free or low-cost activities: Many cities and destinations have free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as visiting public parks and museums, attending cultural events and festivals, or going hiking or biking in the great outdoors.

Look for discounts and deals: Many attractions and activities offer discounts for students, military personnel, and other groups, or you can find deals by booking online or through travel agencies.

Consider purchasing a multi-day pass or discount card: Many cities and countries offer passes or cards that give you access to multiple attractions for a discounted price.

How can I save money on hotel accommodations?

There are several ways to save money on hotel accommodations:

Book early: As mentioned in the article, hotels often offer lower prices to early birds.

Be flexible with your travel dates: Prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week and season, so consider traveling during the off-season or shoulder season for lower prices.

Look for discounts and deals: Many hotels offer discounts for students, military personnel, and other groups, or you can find deals by booking through travel agencies or aggregator websites.

Consider alternative accommodations: Vacation rentals, hostels, and homestays can often be more affordable than hotels, and they can provide a unique and authentic travel experience.

What are some good websites to find alternative accommodations like vacation rentals, hostels, and homestays?

Some good websites to find alternative accommodations include Airbnb, VRBO, Hostelworld, and HI Hostels. These websites allow you to search for and compare prices on a variety of accommodations in different destinations.

Scuba Diving Mexico: The Top 10 Dive Sites

Mexico is known for its beautiful, unique, and diverse scuba diving. From cage diving with great white sharks to drift diving with sea turtles, Mexico’s dive sites are recognized to be some of the best in the world. You are guaranteed to see a wide variety of vibrant fish and unique underwater landscapes that will make you feel like you are in a different world. Mexico is known for its lush coral reefs and its famous cenotes, which are sinkholes that offer rare opportunities for cave and forest diving. No matter where you dive in Mexico, you will be blown away by the natural beauty of the ecosystems you witness. To help you start planning your next trip, we have included 10 of the best places to dive in Mexico. Let us dive in! 

Cancun

Cancun offers majestic diving sites that are known for their crystal clear water visibility up to 100 feet deep! Cancun is also known for its warm waters and unique scenery. There are a variety of different dive sites in Cancun that will provide you with an unforgettable underwater experience, but the underwater museum dive site is one of the best.

Located in Quintana Roo in Cancun, the Underwater Museum dive site was created by a non-profit organization that is based in Cancun, Mexico. Their main goal as an organization is to preserve and create art. The Underwater Museum was created and organized by Marine Park Director Jaime González Cano. His objective with this dive site was to protect the reefs by creating an alternative dive site that limits the number of divers around the coral reefs. The underwater museum is a unique dive site that is home to a variety of vibrant fish, underwater plants, and unique art, promising an unforgettable experience.  

Socorro Islands

If you are a thrill seeker, this is the dive for you! Located amidst the Revillagigedo Islands of Mexico,  Socorro Islands is an exotic volcanic island that is recognizable by its desolate landscape. The Socorro Islands offer a unique type of diving, so if you are wanting a dive with colorful and vibrant coral reefs, I would dive elsewhere. This dive site is popular because you are able to dive with “ocean giants” or dolphins, sharks, whales, and enormous manta rays. Schooling Hammerhead sharks and families of Humpback whales are often seen at this dive site. One thing to note about this dive site is that it is for advanced and experienced divers. Due to deep ocean currents, possible rough weather conditions, intense walls and pinnacles, this dive isn’t for the faint at heart. If you are brave enough and are looking for an adventure, this dive site is phenomenal and will give you encounters with some of the most incredible creatures of the sea.

Cozumel

Any diver you ask will say that the Palancar Reef dive site is their favorite dive site in Cozumel. The vibrant reefs are located on the southeast side of the island are easy to access. The site consists of exotic underwater coral structures and plants where thousands of species of marine life live. This dive site is a relaxing dive due to the slight current that will require very little effort and move you to the different sights of the dive! This dive includes swim throughs, which are small underwater arches and dramatic walls that are filled with exotic marine life. Friendly marine life such as Eagle rays, Nurse sharks, and sea turtles are known to frequent the dive site as well. This dive is known for its somewhat shallow depth, it’s vibrancy, and its excellent visibility, making this the perfect dive for beginners.

Playa Del Carmen

There are many beautiful dive sites in Playa del Carmen, but one of the most beautiful is Cueva Del Pargo. Cueva Del Pargo, meaning cave of Snappers in Spanish, is home to a huge variety of marine life, including macro creatures. If you look closely among the landscape you can find a variety of snappers, crustaceans, lobsters and more! At this dive site you can often see sea turtles, eels, drum fish, and much more. The reef at this dive site is vibrant, full of life, and I will impress you throughout the whole dive. At this dive site you have a great chance of seeing sea turtles and huge rays. If you like to night dive, this is a great spot because the reef is alive with bioluminescent plankton and octopus!

Barracuda Reef In Cozumel

If you are looking for a more thrill-seeking dive site, the Barracuda reef is the spot for you. This dive site is not for beginners due to the strong currents and potential to be lost at sea. This dive site is exciting due to its large population of Barracudas.  The water is hardly touched by divers, it’s basically virgin. The coral reefs are vibrant and the incredibly clear water in Cozumel allows you to see the lush multi-covered coral covered valleys for miles. This is not a dive you want to miss out on. Make sure that if you do dive this site that you aren’t wearing any sparkly jewelry or nail polish, as it attracts the barracuda to you.

Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is a hidden gem in Mexico. This little, picturesque town is roughly half an hour away from the international airport. Puerto Morelos is perfect for travelers and divers who want to feel off the grid but still be within a quick drive to a large city. You will find a shallow reef close enough to the beach to go shore diving. Try night diving and see the squid and octopus come out to play. You’ll even find a shipwreck just off the shore. The C-56 Juan Escutia shipwreck is covered in coral and bustling with sea life, especially barracuda and snapper. If you’re visiting in the winter, the shipwreck is commonly surrounded by spotted eagle rays. You don’t want to miss out on this phenomenal dive opportunity.

Isla Guadelupe

Located approximately 165 nautical miles from Ensenada Mexico, Isla Guadalupe is perfect for thrill seeking divers. This volcanic island is surrounded by great white sharks. Diving here is not for the faint of heart, be prepared for an adrenaline filled encounter with great white sharks. Isla Guadalupe has some of the best cage diving in the world. This insane diving site is home to at least 366 great white sharks. Facing these beautiful giants is a once in a lifetime experience. Along with great white sharks, you will also spot seals and elephant seals playing off the shores, hence the shark attraction to the island. If you are an adrenaline junky, the Isla Guadalupe is for you!

Chinchorro Banks

Banco Chinchorro is home to some of the best diving in the Northern Hemisphere. This reef hosts colorful sea life and intriguing shipwrecks.  It’s always scuba diving season here, for the waters remain warm all year round and the visibility is excellent. With easy drifts and fluorescent reefs there is a sure to be dive for certified divers of all levels. More advanced scuba divers might head to the eastern side past the atoll, where the surf is heavier. These wrecks are more difficult to get to, but worth the hassle for the flamboyant sea life you will see. Green Hawksbill sea turtles can often be found just off the shoreline!

Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to world class cave diving. The Peninsula’s cenotes give you a unique scuba diving experience. You won’t see colorful sea life and reefs, but a different kind of beauty. The cave’s crystal clear water and different depths make for stunning light effects, intricate cave decorations, marine fossils, and even cave blind fish. Discover the Yucatán’s intricate cenote river system and over 1400 diving spots. These picturesque views include a combination of a beautiful jungle backdrop with stunning light reflections among the clear waters. Snorkel, Dive, or just swim, you won’t want to miss out on some of the best scenery Mexico has to offer. There really is no bad time to dive these breathtaking cenotes!

La Paz

Home to approximately 850 marine species, La Paz is sure to interest divers all around the world. Located in the Sea of Cortez in Southern Baja California, you may see creatures as big as humpback whales to as little as tiny seahorses. Along with everything in between- hammerhead sharks, sperm whales, whale sharks, mobulas, sea turtles, and eagle rays. Throughout the whole region of La Paz you will also find colorful schools of fish of various shapes and sizes along with starfish, wrasse, and green moray eels. While the Pacific ocean is cold, La Paz is at its warmest. During this time you will find whale sharks grazing on the plankton blooms, you don’t want to pass on this dive site.

Time To Dive In!

If you are thinking of scuba diving Mexico, there are really no bad dive sites. Wherever you end up diving, you will be impressed by the majestic marine life and the diversity of the reefs. Before you go to any of these dive sites, make sure to research so that you can be prepared for what depths, currents, and risks each site holds. Another thing to be aware of is that all of these dive sites require you to be certified and may require further certifications. If you are looking for more travel tips, follow our blog! For now, have fun, dive in, and enjoy the surreal underwater experience that Mexico has to offer!

Best Time to Visit Cancun, Mexico

So you’re planning a trip to Cancun and want the inside scoop to determine when is the best time to visit Cancun? Firstly, let us commend you for choosing to vacation in Cancun. Cancun is full of beautiful white sand beaches, amazing blue water, and a host of great resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars! However, there are many factors to consider when determining when to visit Cancun including the weather, the crowds, and the occasion. Let us break it down for you and help you determine when the best time to visit Cancun is for you and your vacation goals!

 

When is the Best Time to Visit Cancun, Mexico

The best time to visit Cancun really depends on the experience you are looking for, here are the major factors that play into finding the best time to visit Cancun:

Best Time to Visit Cancun for Good Weather

Cancun is known for its beautiful, tropical weather, but with tropical heat comes tropical storms. 

December – February: A Little on the Cool Side

If you choose to vacation in the late winter-early spring, note that water temperatures, while still pleasant and amazingly refreshing, will be a little cooler than they typically are in the late spring and summer months. Additionally, many Cancun visitors who vacation between January and March note that early mornings and late evenings can be chilly and may require a light jacket. This cooler water and weather makes exploring the jungle or staying out on the beach irresistible and reduces your risk of heat stroke.

March – June: Getting Warming

If you choose to vacation later in the spring – early summer, expect heat approaching or surpassing the 90s nearly every day and a higher potential for warm rainy days. While the heat may be intense at times, the ocean water remains cool and refreshing.

June – November: Cancun’s Rainy Season

Moving into the summer and fall season, hurricanes are a risk factor to consider. If you choose to vacation during this time range, you will likely experience warm, sunny days sandwiched between humid, rainy days and potentially full on hurricanes. The risk of experiencing hurricane weather is lower between June and August and increases later in the fall season.

September – October: Cancun’s Hurricane Season

If you want to experience the heavy rains, winds, and tropical storms that come along with Cancun’s hurricane season, then the best time to visit Cancun is between September and October. Otherwise, we recommend avoiding this time of year due to the high risk of tropical storm weather.

December – April: Beautiful Tropical Weather All Around

If you are looking to avoid any and all rain fall on your tropical vacation, the best and most popular time to visit Cancun definitely falls between December and April. Temperatures range between 75 and 90 degrees during this time of year with a few cold and rainy days here and there.

Best Time to Visit Cancun for Smaller Crowds

Now that we have covered the best time to visit Cancun for weather, we will move on to considering when to visit Cancun for smaller crowds.

 

For Peace and Quiet

 

Cancun is the least busy during the rainy season, so if you are willing to sacrifice having a higher chance of rainy weather for a peaceful and relaxing vacation free of crowds, the rainy season between June – August is the best time to go.

 Avoid Spring Breakers

If you are looking for a beautiful, romantic getaway with your honey or are trying to have high quality family fun, you MUST avoid the Spring Break season between March-April. 

Spring Breakers in their teens and early twenties are notorious for being rowdy, obnoxious, and sometimes NSFW. However, these are not the only Spring Breakers to consider. 

Spring break for most elementary and middle school students tends to fall around March – April, so if you want to avoid resorts that are overridden with children, strongly consider scheduling your vacation outside of these Spring Break months.

Best Time to Visit Cancun for Good Deals

Rates for resorts, hotels, and flights all decrease dramatically during Cancun’s rainy season. If you are looking for the best deals, the best time to visit Cancun definitely falls between the months of July and October. 

Visiting Cancun during the rainy season makes for tropical weather that is a little more sporadic and harder to predict. Most days range between 80 and 90 degrees, but during a storm can drop dramatically. Let it be known however, that the chances of encountering a hurricane on your vacation during Cancun’s hurricane season are very slim, as there have only been 2 major hurricanes in Cancun within the last 30 years.

Best Time to Visit Cancun for a Romantic Getaway

 

 

If you are simply looking for a vacation full of romance and relaxation for you and your partner, the best time to visit Cancun would probably fall between May and July. The late spring – mid summer season is typically free of rowdy Spring Breakers and may be less crowded by families with children.

We recommend looking for a resort that is strictly for Adults Only when booking a romantic getaway to Cancun. These resorts usually come with a more premium price tag, but are well worth the money when you don’t have to deal with rambunctious children splashing around the pool and screaming in restaurants.

Best Time to Visit Cancun for Nightlife

If you are a young person looking to experience the wild nightlife that Cancun has to offer, the best time to visit Cancun is during spring break season! Cancun during spring break season offers the best nightlife and thousands of young people looking to meet up for a good time.

When Will You Visit?

Now that you know the best times to visit Cancun for good weather, smaller crowds, romance, and nightlife it’s time to make a decision. 

Will you be exploring the jungle with the family in the cooler months (December – March)? 

Will you be avoiding the crowds and searching for the best deals during the rainy season?

Or will you be partying with the Spring Breakers during the spring break season? 

Let us know when you decide to visit Cancun and give us the highlights of your trip!

100 Interesting Road Trip Questions to Pass the Time

100 Interesting Road Trip Questions to Pass the Time

 

100 Interesting Road Trip Questions to Pass the Time

 

Road trips can be a great time. You, your friends, some great music, and the open road. The hours spent driving on a road trip can sometimes be the best part of your entire vacation. Though, even a perfect road trip can be met with periods of silence. Or maybe you are road-tripping with someone you don’t know super well. Either way, you need a way to fill those silences. 

 

What better way to fill the void, and learn about your road trip partner, than to ask them some fun and revealing questions? To help you make your next road trip as fun as possible we’ve put together this list of 100 road trip questions to ask!

Questions To Ask On A Road Trip

  1. Who is your favorite relative?
  2. What was your favorite activity as a child?
  3. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it bet?
  4. What are you most grateful for in life?
  5. What do you most value in a relationship?
  6. What’s your favorite quality about yourself?
  7. How would you describe your ideal life partner?
  8. What movie is overrated?
  9. What fictional character do you most relate to?
  10. Who is your celebrity crush?
  11. If a genie could grant you three wishes what would they be?
  12. What do you feel is your life mission?
  13. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
  14. How do you feel about your relationship with your parents?
  15. Are you a pessimist or an optimist?
  16. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
  17. What’s your all-time favorite meal?
  18. What’s your daily routine?
  19. Are you a night owl or a morning person?
  20. What’s your drink of choice?
  21. What’s your favorite Netflix original series?
  22. What’s your favorite account to follow on social media?
  23. How often do you clip your toenails?
  24. What, if anything, do you regret?
  25. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you love your job?
  26. If you could have any superpower what would it be?
  27. If you could have dinner with anyone who has ever lived, who would you choose?
  28. What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self if you could go back in time?
  29. What is something you’ve experienced as an adult that you weren’t prepared for?
  30. If you had an infinite amount of money and resources, what would you do with your life?
  31. What would a perfect day look like for you?
  32. Would you take a 50/50 chance at $6,000,000 or death?
  33. What do you think has been one of the most impactful inventions?
  34. When do you feel truly/most like yourself?
  35. What piece of art has profoundly impacted or moved you?
  36. If you didn’t have to go to the bathroom, what would you do with the extra time?
  37. Which book has had the biggest impact on your life?
  38. What are your thoughts on religion?
  39. What’s your favorite conspiracy theory?
  40. Which element (earth, water, wind, or fire) do you most associate yourself with?
  41. Do you have any phobias?
  42. If you had one day to spend 10 million dollars what would you do with the money?
  43. What are some small things that make your day better?
  44. What is your biggest hot take?
  45. What do you think is the most googled question?
  46. What is something you will never do again?
  47. Which emoji do you use the most?
  48. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it?
  49. If you could switch places for a week with anyone in the world, who would you switch with?
  50. Where’s the strangest place you’ve spent the night?
  51. What was your very first pet?
  52. What is your absolute favourite movie(s)?
  53. If you could have a conversation with one non-living person, who would you talk to?
  54. What’s the single biggest and most expensive purchase you’ve ever made?
  55. What kind of art do you most enjoy?
  56. Have you ever been skinny dipping?
  57. What is the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen?
  58. How long do you think you would last (+ where would you go) during the zombie apocalypse?
  59. What songs would be on your best road trip playlist?
  60. Who is your celebrity crush?
  61. What song could you listen to over and over and not get tired of?
  62. What is your favorite TV series?
  63. What was the first CD you’ve ever owned?
  64. Who are your top three favorite singers/bands/musicians of all time?
  65. What physical features and personality traits do you find most attractive in someone?
  66. What is your best pick-up line?
  67. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you?
  68. Is Disney overrated?
  69. The world would be a better place with more of what?
  70. What has simultaneously gotten worse and more expensive over the years?
  71. Growing up, what is the very first thing you ever wanted to be?
  72. What impression do you think you give when you first meet someone?
  73. Who is the most famous person you’ve met?
  74. When no one is watching you do what?
  75. What are you a real nerd about?
  76. What is your most useless skill?
  77. Who is the most important person in your life and why?
  78. What would your dream home look like and where would it be?
  79. What is more important to you, spontaneity or meticulous planning?
  80. What is one thing that people describe you as that you disagree with?
  81. Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years’ time?
  82. You have the attention of the world for 20 seconds. What do you say?
  83. What was your worst date? Tell a play by play.
  84. How do you like your coffee in the morning?
  85.  What accomplishment are you most proud of?
  86. Which of your friends are you proudest of? Why?
  87. What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
  88. Tell me 3 things you remember about kindergarten.
  89. What was the first CD you ever owned?
  90. If you could ask your pet 3 questions, what would they be?
  91. Using one word, how would you describe your family?
  92. What is the scariest movie you’ve ever seen?
  93. How often do you go to the gym?
  94. What is the wildest tattoo you would get?
  95. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? 
  96. If you could live at one age for the rest of your life, what age would it be?
  97.  If you had a cloak of invisibility what would you do with it?
  98. What is your love language?
  99. What are the main differences in your life from one year ago?
  100. What part of going on a road trip do you enjoy the most?

The purpose of a good road trip question is to spark a conversation that will last you hours. Let us know which questions were your favorite, and helped pass the time the most in the comments below.

 

 

 

 

Packing Hacks: How to Pack a Suitcase

Packing Hacks: How to Pack a Suitcase

Whether it’s relaxing on a beach, cozying up to a warm fire in the mountains, or exploring a new city, vacations are exceptional breaks from the business of everyday life. Packing beforehand can be stressful, overwhelming, and heavily procrastinated. With our pack hacks, we will teach you how to pack like a pro so every part of your vacation — even the lead-up — can be enjoyable.

Top 10 Packing Hacks

Follow these packing hacks to efficiently pack everything you need for an incredible vacation:

1. Lay Out & Edit

If you too are guilty of overpacking, this tip is for you! Lay out everything you want and need to bring on your vacation. This will help you to see everything and ensure you do not forget something. Then go through and edit your selections. This is the perfect time to eliminate all items grabbed as the “just in case I need it” category. It is also a great time to look at everything and ask, “Will I really wear this?” Following this packing hack will help you become one step closer to lighter packing while not forgetting any essentials.

2. Rolling vs Folding

A widespread debate amongst travelers sparks from the question, “Is it better to roll or fold clothes in a suitcase?” We believe both are the correct answer! Both techniques for packing have pros and cons. Ultimately it is whatever works best for you. Rolling is best for softer garments and folding is best for stiffer ones. By using both techniques you will be able to fit everything needed in their suitcase for vacation.

3. Packing Cubes for Dirty Laundry

There is nothing worse than having to mix your clean clothes with your dirty clothes on vacation. Packing cubes are a great alternative to storing your laundry until you’re able to wash your clothes. They contain your dirty laundry in one place without contaminating your clean, unworn clothes. Pack an empty packing cube and fill it as you need. This makes your dirty laundry quick to wash once you get home — simply empty the contents into a laundry basket or straight into your washing machine.

4. What do you pack first in a suitcase?

Pack your suitcase so the clothes you wear first will be at the top and the clothes for the end of the trip will be placed on the bottom. This means you will be placing the last clothes you plan to wear first inside the suitcase (placing them on the very bottom). This technique will help you to stay neatly packed and organized throughout your trip. It will also prevent any stress that often comes from the hassle of searching for the clothes needed that day.

5. Shoes

Let’s talk about shoes! They are bulky, hard to pack, and take up lots of space. So how do you pack shoes? If your concern is that they are dirty and you don’t want to ruin your clean clothes, consider putting them in gallon-sized Ziploc bags. Place your shoes in last and line them against the sides of the suitcase. This will make sure they touch the least amount of clothes.

6. Toiletries

If you’re going on a long vacation, consider purchasing large bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries once you arrive. These big bottles can take up lots of space and weight when packing! They can also cause trouble at the airport since the TSA limits the amount of liquid that can be taken onboard a plane.

If it is a shorter vacation buy small, TSA-compliant bottles and fill them with your fav product. Remember the 3-1-1 rule when flying with a carry-on! 3 oz or smaller containers all in 1 bag for 1 passenger! So you have to pack all of your toiletries in one bag and each passenger gets one bag of toiletries.

Make sure to pack your toiletries in a sealed bag too! This will help you avoid spills in your suitcase, which could contaminate all of your items.

7. Utilize All Unused Space

You will inevitably have bulkier items while packing. Utilize all of the space within them for smaller items to be packed! For example, socks or rolled smaller garments can fit inside of shoes. You can also place belts inside shirts with a collar. This also helps collars maintain their shape while traveling! Most suitcases have several pockets as well — place flat items in the pockets to utilize every inch of space in your suitcase!

8. Less is More

Pack clothes that can be used for multiple outfits! Bring a couple of pairs of pants and a couple of shirts that can be mixed and matched. Shirts can also be thrown over dresses to create an additional outfit. This will help save space when packing while still allowing you to wear different outfits each day!

9. Wrap Clothes Around Breakables

If you are traveling with breakable or fragile items, wrap the clothes you’re packing around the fragile item. Then, ensure the item is secured in a spot in the suitcase or bag where it can’t move. If you have the space, it might be best to place these items in a carry-on or personal item so you can handle that bag with caution.

10. Plane Prep

If you’re flying, it is important to review TSA guidelines to avoid bringing something on the aircraft that is not allowed. Packing the wrong items can lead to you being stopped at security, having your bags checked, or even lead to your temporary detainment. It’s also important to make sure all of your bags are within the correct weights to avoid additional fees.

We hope these packing tips help prepare you for an incredible vacation & that they overall make packing less dreadful! Read our other articles on traveling to ensure the best vacations ahead of you! We wish you safe travels!