The pre-holiday suitcase showdown: a familiar scene for many, right? That frantic last-minute wrestle with an overstuffed bag, the desperate attempt to make the zip meet, or that nagging feeling you’ve definitely forgotten something crucial… Sound familiar? You’re absolutely not alone in this! Here at Opodo, we’re passionate about making every part of your journey, from planning to packing, as smooth and joyful as possible by sharing our best packing tips and travel hacks.
And speaking of packing, we got curious! Our latest global poll, which chatted with 9,000 travellers (including 2,000 right here in the UK), has spilled some serious suitcase secrets about our collective packing personalities and the packing hacks we often rely on. Ever wondered if your habits are ‘normal’? Well, prepare for some revelations! For instance, did you know that a whopping one-third (33%) of us globally confess to being ‘anxious packers’, meaning we try to cram in something for every imaginable ‘what if’ scenario? It seems like preparing for anything and everything is a common travel instinct! And if you’re already wondering where those souvenirs will fit, consider this: only 20% of travellers globally leave space in their case for holiday purchases.
Beyond the basics: Genius packing hacks & travel tips to maximise space
Ready to upgrade your packing prowess? These tried-and-tested packing hacks and travel tips go beyond simply folding clothes and will have you wondering how you ever managed without them.
- Embrace packing cubes: These marvels of organisation are a traveller’s best friend and a fantastic packing tip for keeping things meticulously organised. Not only do they keep your belongings neatly separated, but they also gently compress clothes, freeing up precious suitcase real estate.
- Stuff your shoes and hats: Think of your shoes and hats as bonus storage! This clever packing hack involves filling them with socks, underwear, chargers, or small accessories. This not only maximises every inch but also helps your hats and shoes retain their shape.
- Unleash the power of compression bags: For bulky items, compression bags are miraculous, letting you squeeze out excess air. They’re a popular packing hack among savvy travellers looking to save space. Just remember: they save space, not weight!
- Master the art of nesting: This packing tip involves layering clothes inside each other. Tuck smaller items into larger ones to save space and protect delicate garments.
- Wear your heaviest gear: A classic for a reason, and a popular space-saving travel hack. Wear your bulkiest boots, coat, or jumper for the journey to free up significant space and weight in your luggage.
Are you making these common packing blunders?
Different travellers have different styles, but some packing mistakes are universal pitfalls. Avoiding these common errors, with a few smart packing tips, can make a huge difference to your trip preparation.
- Overpacking “just in case” items: The tendency to pack for every unlikely scenario can lead to heavy bags filled with unused items.
- The fix: Be realistic. Plan outfits using versatile pieces. Follow a guideline like the 5-4-3-2-1 rule for a week: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 accessories/shoes, 2 swimwear/activewear, 1 smarter outfit. Careful planning prevents overstuffing!
- Not checking weather forecasts: Packing for the wrong climate leads to unusable items.
- The fix: Check a reliable forecast close to your departure. Pack layers you can add or remove.
- Packing bulky instead of layering: Heavy, single-purpose clothes are space thieves.
- The fix: Embrace lightweight layers. Thin thermals, fleeces, and a packable waterproof jacket offer more options and take less room.
- Forgetting to balance the bag: An uneven bag is awkward and prone to tipping.
- The fix: Place heavier items (shoes, toiletries) near the wheels for stability.
- Packing full-size toiletries (+100ml liquids in carry-on): Bulky and potentially a security issue for carry-on.
- The fix: Stick to the 100ml liquid rule for carry-on. Use travel-sized containers, solid toiletries, or buy some items at your destination.
More pro tips to elevate your packing game
Want to truly pack like an expert? Combine the hacks above with these strategies, inspired by seasoned travellers and organisational pros:
- To roll or to fold? Rolling often saves space and reduces wrinkles for casual wear – a key tactic for minimising baggage. Careful folding works best for structured items.
- The essential pouch: Keep flight essentials (passport, headphones, etc.) in a small, accessible pouch within your carry-on.
- Solid performers: Try solid toiletries (shampoo bars, etc.) to bypass liquid limits and prevent spills.
- Medication smarts: Always keep essential medications and prescriptions in your carry-on.
- Souvenir space strategy: If you plan to shop, leave room or pack a foldable tote bag.
- Weigh in before you go: Use a luggage scale at home to avoid airport fees.
- Protect against spills: Use cling film under bottle lids and place liquids in waterproof bags for extra security.
Level up your journey: Digital tips for smarter travel
Smart packing is only half the battle for a truly seamless trip these days. The other? Wielding your digital toolkit like a seasoned pro. Beyond what’s physically in your suitcase, the right apps and online strategies can transform your travel experience—making navigation effortless, communication simple, and your precious memories secure. Ready to upgrade your travel game with some tech-savvy insights? Here are our essential digital travel tips:
- Your checklist, digitised: That packing list so many travellers rely on? Take it digital! Use apps like Google Keep, Todoist, or even just your phone’s notes app. It’s always with you, easily editable, and you can reuse and adapt it for all your future trips.
- Go digital with documents: Keep copies of your passport, ID, visas, flight tickets, hotel bookings, and travel insurance on your phone or in secure cloud storage. A quick photo or PDF can be a lifesaver if originals get lost or you need to show proof quickly.
- Offline maps are your lifeline: Don’t get caught without directions or waste precious data. Download offline maps of your destination (Google Maps and Maps.me are excellent choices) so you can navigate with ease, even when you’re without an internet connection.
- Bridge language gaps with translation apps: Especially for international adventures, a good translation app (like Google Translate) is invaluable. Many allow you to download language packs for offline use, perfect for translating signs, menus, or simple phrases on the go.
- Download airline and hotel apps for seamless management: These often allow for easy mobile check-in, give you access to digital boarding passes, provide real-time flight updates, and help you manage your bookings or contact customer service efficiently.
Ready to pack like a pro and get on your next flight?
With these smart travel hacks and packing tips, and knowing you’re not alone in your packing habits (especially if you’re part of the 58% of travellers who prefer to pack their bags a couple of days before a trip), you can make getting ready a breeze and set off on your adventure feeling organised and totally chilled.
And most importantly, don’t forget anything! Here’s our packing checklist to make sure you have everything for your trip.
The ultimate flight checklist: the essentials
Feeling organised is key to a smooth start. To help you banish that ‘Did I forget something?’ feeling, here’s a comprehensive checklist!
Feeling inspired by all these packing ideas and ready to implement some of these packing hacks on your next adventure? Head over to Opodo to snag some great deals on cheap flights or combine your flight and hotel for extra convenience. And don’t forget to check out Opodo Prime for exclusive member discounts!
