Travel Smarter — A Few of My Favorite Packing Tips

Packing cubes, like this set from REI, help to keep clothes organized by small, medium and large items.

by Lydia Agidius, Program Director --

With several exciting trips coming up this summer and fall I, thought I’d share a few of my favorite packing tips for anyone planning to travel in the coming months — whether you're joining us on a Foothills adventure or heading out on your own. 

If you're anything like me, packing starts with good intentions and quickly turns into, "Well, I might need this..." before somehow half my closet ends up in a suitcase. Over the years, I've learned a few tricks that help me stay organized, avoid overpacking, and make traveling a little less stressful. 

Lydia Agidius
Program Director

For years, I rolled my clothing to save space. While it certainly allowed me to fit more into my suitcase, I often arrived with wrinkled clothes and far more outfits than I could ever realistically wear. These days, I swear by packing cubes. 

I use three different sizes: large, medium, and small. Pants and shorts go in the large cube, tops and swimwear in the medium cube, and undergarments and socks in the small cube. Not only does this keep everything organized and compact, but it also makes unpacking at my destination incredibly easy. Instead of rummaging through my suitcase looking for one specific item, I can simply pull out the cube I need and get on with enjoying my trip. 

Here's a bonus tip for fellow chronic over-packers: try organizing packing cubes by outfit instead of by clothing type. Before you pack, lay everything out on your bed and create complete outfits for each day of your trip. This eliminates the "What should I wear today?" dilemma while you're traveling and helps prevent the temptation to pack five extra shirts "just in case." As an added bonus, your suitcase — and the airline baggage scale — will thank you. 

One item that has become a non-negotiable in my packing is an AirTag (or a Galaxy SmartTag for Android users) in any checked luggage. It's one of those items you hope you'll never need, but when you do, it's worth every penny. I've had delayed luggage before, and being able to see exactly where my bag was located helped speed up the recovery process and provided a little peace of mind while waiting for it to catch up with me. 

For international travel, I always make copies of my passport and any debit or credit cards I'll be bringing with me. I keep paper copies separate from the originals and store secure digital copies as well. If something is lost or stolen, having account numbers and customer service information readily available can make a stressful situation much easier to manage. Unfortunately, this is one of those travel tips I’ve learned through experience. 

Another item that has earned a permanent spot in my carry-on is a handheld luggage scale. If you love bringing home souvenirs as much as I do, this little gadget can save you from a lot of frustration at the airport. There's nothing quite like discovering your suitcase is overweight while standing at the check-in counter and trying to redistribute shoes, jackets, and souvenirs in front of a line of impatient travelers. A quick luggage weigh-in at your hotel lets you avoid that adventure altogether. 

One final tip: leave a little extra room in your suitcase when you depart. No matter how convinced you are that you won't buy anything, chances are you'll find a special souvenir, local treat, or gift that you'll want to bring home. Future-you will be grateful for the extra space. 
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No matter where your travels take you, a little preparation can go a long way. Smart packing allows you to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the experiences, sights and memories that make travel so rewarding. After all, the best trips aren't remembered for perfectly packed suitcases — they're remembered for the people you meet, the places you discover, and the stories you bring home. 
We look forward to traveling with many of you in the months ahead. Safe travels, happy packing, and we'll see you on the road