9 Game-Changing Travel Hacks That’ll Make Your Next Vacation So Much Smoother

The secret to packing light without sacrificing style? A well-planned capsule wardrobe. Choose versatile neutrals and one or two brights that will add a little personality while mixing and matching with everything else. More of the modern minimalist type? Go for statement pieces that dial up the fun on otherwise understated outfits. Think: a black slip dress that works for beach days and dinner, a crisp white button-down, bright linen shorts you can dress up or down, and a woven bag that works effortlessly all hours of the day. Pro tip: Take photos of complete outfits before you go. They’ll come in handy when you’re bleary-eyed from jet lag and can’t remember how you planned to style that jumpsuit.

2. Embrace the Magic of Packing Cubes

If you haven’t joined the packing cube revolution yet, consider this your invitation. Designate cubes by category—swim, sleepwear, activewear, bottoms, tops—and watch how your suitcase transforms from chaotic black hole to organized bliss. Bonus: unpacking at your destination will take mere seconds. Don’t end up wearing everything? Easily separate your clean and dirty clothes on the way back home.

3. Dress for TSA Success

Nothing kills vacation vibes faster than holding up the security line while frantically unlacing boots and peeling off layers. Wear slip-on shoes, minimal jewelry, and easy-to-remove layers (a light trench or cashmere wrap is your absolute MVP here). Ensure your tablet or laptop is easily accessible, and don’t forget to empty that water bottle before getting in line.

Rather than stuffing all your liquids into a sandwich bag, opt for a clear, reusable travel pouch that stays packed between trips. Fill it with minis of your holy-grail products (psst: a contact lens case works wonders for toting small portions of hair or skin products). And don’t forget the pain relievers, a stain stick and an eye mask.

If you thrive on really being prepared, Amazon Basics has you covered. Toss in a travel manicure or basic grooming set (because hangnails don’t care if you’re on vacay), extra hair ties and disposable cosmetic sponges—they take up less space than brushes, and you can toss ’em to make room in your pouch for those French pharmacy finds. Oh, and we wouldn’t dare leave without a hydrating water gel cream (a savior for in-flight and post-sun skincare).

Weird? Yes. Genius? Also yes. Shower caps make perfect shoe covers. The elastic keeps them secure around your shoes, protecting your clothes from whatever your soles picked up along the way.

6. Pack Dryer Sheets in Your Suitcase

Nobody’s excited to unpack a suitcase that smells like recycled airplane air. Tuck a few dryer sheets between every few layers in your suitcase. They’ll keep all your outfits smelling fresh, even after a long-haul flight, and help reduce static cling in dry climates.

No one wants to think of anything going awry on vacation, but we’ve learned from experience—it’s better to be safe than sorry. Before you leave, take photos of your passport (and visa if applicable), ID, credit cards (front and back), and travel insurance information (if you’re the responsible one who always buys it). Add everything to a folder on your phone, and go a step further and email it to yourself. Heaven forbid something gets lost (including your phone), you can access your docs in an emergency.

8. Bring a Foldable Tote or Backpack

Going on a beach vacation? A foldable tote takes up virtually no space in your carry-on (a straw beach bag could never). Going to the city? A lightweight foldable backpack is a must. It’s ideal for a day of adventuring—and let’s be real—accommodating the shopping spree you swore you wouldn’t have (but absolutely will).

9. Always Pack a Portable Charger

Nothing induces panic quite like seeing your phone battery at 10 percent when you’re trying to navigate an unfamiliar city. A slim portable charger barely takes up space in your crossbody, but will save you countless times.