As you guys know, traveling is one of my favorite pastimes. So much so that it became part of my job. Now, as the founder of a luxury travel atelier, En Route to Rêverie, I help people plan their dream trips to France and England.

I was lucky to be raised in a family where the opportunity to travel was looked at as a way for us to appreciate what is beyond our own community and it instilled a sense of wanderlust in me that only grows year over year. Nowadays I love using all my expertise to help people enjoy their own travels. 

Today I am sharing some of the packing hacks and overall travel tips I swear by for my many days on the road each year.

Also I’d love to hear any travel tips you swear by so do share! Please do share them in the Comments below. 

Packing and Travel Hacks to Swear By

Pack Smart

Packing well doesn’t come to everyone. I certainly wasn’t one of those people initially but overtime I’ve figured out what works best for me. I like to roll my clothes for a few reasons.

1. to maximize space,

2. to be able to see what I have in my suitcase more easily and

3. to limit any inevitable wrinkling. (And I never travel without Downy Wrinkle Releaser in travel size).

I’m personally not a fan of packing cubes but to each their own! So many friends of mine love them.

Plan Out Your Outfits

A few other ways to pack smart? Limit your shoes and plan your outfits in advance. This will allow for you to see the many ways you can mix and match outfit components. If you can’t wear something more than one way, you may want to leave it behind. 

For long trips I write each outfit down in the Notes app on my iPhone and then refer to that packing list each morning of my trip! This method also helps me remember what all I packed in my suitcase.

You may also consider building a Pinterest Board per trip so you can save inspiration. That way, when it comes to packing, you can easily source the pieces in your closet that you want to use as outfit inspiration. I have a Paris Outfit Ideas I am always referencing for my Paris trips in particular.

Compartmentalize

This may be a no-brainer but for someone who spent years over-packing, compartmentalizing my items is where it is at. Nowadays I pack my makeup in this bag (the larger goes in my suitcase and the smaller comes in my bag for on-the-go touchups and any other necessities I want to have on me) and all my toiletries go in various Truffle containers organized by category. They fit so much and have been a game changer for how I travel.

Everything is easy to find and easier to keep neat and tidy while in a hotel room. 

Organize your Tech

Relatedly, I always put all my tech and electronics together. I love having little pouches for my cords, chargers and adapters. That way I am never rummaging through my bags to find the charger or adapter I need.

And before I fly I always, always, always make time to charge all my technology. I plug in my Kindle, my noise cancelling headphones, my Airpods, my portable charger, my laptop, my cell phone and any other electronics I plan to bring.

Dress for the Occasion

I’m all for being comfortable but airports and airplanes are no place for pajamas in my opinion. If I’m taking a red-eye maybe I’ll wear leggings but generally I believe loungewear is for indoors in your own home. That being said, you can still achieve being put together and being comfortable for long travel days.

Above is a typical outfit I wear for international travel. I want to be in an outfit that works for when I land early in the morning and my hotel room may not be available yet. I almost always travel in a great pair of trousers that don’t wrinkle.

I also love having this wrap when I travel. So cozy and perfect to wrap yourself up in!

Laundry Bags

You don’t want dirty clothes floating around with your clean clothes so be sure you pack laundry bags as well to keep away from your clean clothes. I never travel without a laundry bag in my suitcase.

Download Apps

You don’t want to be searching for various confirmation emails and trying to sift through your inboxes during your travels. Download apps that help you stay organized and be sure to have the associated apps for your means of transportation like your preferred airline, etc. And be sure you allow for notifications so you’re aware of any flight cancellations or changes to your ticketing.

Download Google Offline Maps

Downloading the city or destinations you’ll be visiting as Offline Maps will ensure you can search for and look up addresses even if you don’t have Internet access.

Have the Right Gear

No more excuses when it comes to having luggage that doesn’t function properly (broken zippers! busted wheels!) Invest in a suitcase that makes your life easier. I have traveled exclusively with Away Suitcases since 2016. I own the Large, Medium and Bigger Carry On Bag.

These award winning suitcases are lightweight and well designed but my favorite part is their compression technology. I can fit so much in these suitcases!

They’ve held up well with loads of wear and tear on my checked bags in particular and I love the built in locks on each of the suitcases, too.

Baggage Tags

Don’t forget to label each of your suitcases. So often this step is overlooked! I like the luggage tags that Mark and Graham makes. They come in loads of colors and can be personalized so you can easy spot your bags coming off the luggage carousels. 

Order Currency Ahead

Avoid higher currency exchange fees by having local currency ordered and delivered to your home from your bank before you leave. I always, always travel with some cash. 

Also look up what your “reciprocal banks” are in other countries as you’ll avoid ATM fees if you use your bank card at one of those. 

Prepare for the Worst

Getting sick when traveling is the worst but being prepared makes it better. Nowadays I always travel with Tums, Advil, a pack of tissues, Wellness Complex, Nyquil and other meds I may need. I’m always relieved when I don’t need them and I’m always happy when I do have them.

Rest Easy

Make sure you can settle into your seat on your train/plane or in the car and have what you need for a less stressful trip. I do this by having an eye mask and my noise cancelling headphones at the ready. If I’m flying on a red-eye that also means no movies to distract me from resting and only one glass of wine before I attempt to doze off into the night. I arrive in my destination in a better state of mind this way and ready to seize the next adventure!

I also never travel without earplugs to ensure better rest.

Also avoid stressing about your phone battery by taking a portable charger on the plane. Not all planes have seat outlets yet so when you’re stuck sitting on a tarmac for a long time, you won’t fret about the life of your phone. Just juice up it from your lap! It is a must-have travel accessory for me.

Bring an Extra Tote

Planning to shop? Bring along a packable tote that will give you extra space for anything you may pick up during your travels.

Shop the Post

 

Hope you guys find these tips helpful for whatever trips you have on the horizon! Shop even more of my Travel Essentials.

Heading to France or England? Book En Route to Rêverie with me and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip the best one yet.

 

You May Also Like:

• 34 Must-Haves for International Travel.
• Why You Should Use a Travel Agent.
• What Shoes to Pack for Europe.

 

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