1. TRIPLE check the size constraints for every single airline you'll be flying on your trip so you aren't forced to gate-check an oversized (according to the airline) bag.

EasyJet / Via easyjet.com

Budget airlines have stricter constraints on luggage size (looking at you, Spirit Airlines and EasyJet) because, well, you get what you pay for and they've gotta get you $$$-wise somewhere if not for the face price of the plane ticket. BUT, you can sometimes pay to carry-on a bag that doesn't fit their FREE.99 baggage allowances or are allowed one depending on the type of ticket you book. For example, a few years ago I paid for priority boarding and to take on my roller carry-on on an EasyJet flight from Palma de Mallorca to Gatwick, and then from Gatwick to Rhodes, Greece. It was worth the peace of mind to have my stuff with me and not risk the airline losing my bag (which has been happening QUITE frequently lately, in case you've been living in a cave). 

Plus! Make sure that you're measuring correctly when planning ahead. Confusing centimeters for inches would be downright tragic. 

2. Just because your bag fit LAST time doesn't mean that it fits this time!

If you ever cross into TravelTok, you've probably already seen videos about sizers changing in dimensions at certain airports with vigilant commenters! (Yep, I am one of those vigilant commenters.) 

3. Also, use a digital luggage scale to make sure that you aren't slammed with an overweight luggage fee (ugh) or have to move stuff from your carry-on bag to your personal item to avoid said fee (also, ugh). Yes, sometimes airlines will actually check the weight of your carry-on! This happened to me back in March with Air France at CDG!!!

www.amazon.com

I tested this digital luggage scale out when packing for a trip to Iceland — check out my demo of how it works on TikTok!

Promising review: "We use this on every trip to avoid paying for extra weight as we travel internationally quite often. I have tested in several ways and also always note the weigh number in the airport. After several trips, I can say that the accuracy of it is right within 2 lbs. I have it for almost two years and still using the same batteries." —Cass Young

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

4. Or buy a BuzzFeed shopping staffer fave Beis suitcase that has a built-in scale that does the heavy lifting (and measuring) for you.

Beis

OK if you're flying stateside you likely won't be asked to weigh your carry-on but, GUYS, this is very much a thing in Europe. (I once had to check a bag flying British Airways out of Dubrovnik, Croatia because they made me weigh my carry-on roller bag.) 

Get it from Beis for $238 (available in three sizes and eight colors).

5. But if you travel budget airlines and/or book "basic economy" seats often, try a wheeled carry-on bag small enough to qualify as a personal item! You can avoid checking a bag, glide through security, *and* don't have to hurt your shoulder by carrying a duffel bag that'd also fit strict bag measurement policies. Take that, Spirit Airlines. (This'll pay for itself after a few trips.)

www.amazon.com

Now you won't even have to pull your suitcase outta the overhead!

Promising review: "This works out so well for me. I’m a flight attendant, and I’ve had an infinite amount of day trips over the summer. I got tired of carrying around my regular TravelPro spinner, so I finally ordered this. SOOOOO MUCH BETTER FOR ME. It’s light, has enough pockets, and can easily fit under a seat if needed.The ONLY picky thing I can think of is how loud it sounds going across rough concrete. The wheels aren’t as silent as others, but that won’t stop me from buying another in the future." —Kayla T

Get it from Amazon for $50.88+ (available in four colors).

6. If you need just a smidge more room or just want some extra insurance, try out a neck pillow you can stuff with clothing — even a whole outfit — to give you some comfy flexibility and help get around super strict carry-on size restrictions. The listing says you can even pack three days' worth of clothes in it! Which would especially be welcome if your carry-on-only budget doesn't exactly align with your fashionista status. 

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok showing how someone used a similar neck pillow to just take that and a personal item onto a RyanAir flight that was charging for hand luggage. 

Promising review: "Took it on my trip to Europe. I went carry-on-only and this tube was a true gem! I fit one full outfit in it and it’s so valuable when traveling with only carry-on luggage. On the plane I used it as an arm support. It’s really helpful on a 10-hour flight. What an excellent idea to take something out of the weighted luggage!!! I was able to fit three T-shirts, two light long-sleeve sweatshirts, and one pair of underwear. I usually like to have a change of clothes with me on the plane, especially on transatlantic flights, so I can change it on the layover, just feels fresher." —Happy Shopper

Get it from Amazon for $43.95.

7. If you're flying internationally, just use a plain old plastic baggy for your toiletries so you aren't forced to sacrifice your beloved face serum at security.

I have a gorgeous reusable toiletries bag that I constantly travel with domestically in the US. But every single time I try to use it when going through security in a European airport, I'm made to switch to a plastic baggy that's the EXACT size constraint. I've learned my lesson and have just started keeping the plastic baggy left over from a trip to pack my toiletries in from the jump. Yes, it's more wasteful, but rules are rules!

8. Use a packing list to make sure you get every last thing you need. Alternatively you can use a note on your phone, but sometimes writing stuff down is just more effective for some folks!

Amazon

Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming — especially for trip longer than a few days. I have found this list to be a lifesaver and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. Overall, a wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" —Mike D.

Get it from Amazon for $7.

9. When you start planning your outfits and toiletries, consider what you need to be comfortable. After all, discomforts are a distraction from all the fun you'll be having.

For example, if you're a super light sleeper and struggle in new environments, it's probably worth throwing in your white noise machine to help you get some Zzzzzs instead of that baseball cap you always take to the beach but never end up wearing. 

10. And do a bit of research about your destination before you start planning outfits and other essentials to help zero in on other things you'll need but probably aren't top of mind.

View this video on YouTube youtube.com

For example, I watched the above video before I went to Croatia in 2021 with FTLO (I love the Wolters World YouTube channel!) and learned that, yep, I needed water shoes. And I was so grateful that I packed them because 1) they were very expensive in Croatia and 2) someone in my group who didn't wear them stepped on a sea urchin. And yep, there was blood. 

11. Cut through some charging wire clutter with a tiny 3-in-1 portable charger so you don't have to do math to figure out how long you need to charge each item (aka, iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch) with the one measly outlet in your hotel room. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are fabulous for travel — they charge three devices from just one USB port, especially [helpful] when frequenting hotel rooms. The first one is now permanently stationed bedside to help clean up the clutter, and this will go into my briefcase for future excursions. Compact, and effective!" —see2xu

Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in four colors). 

12. ACTUALLY try on all the ensembles you're packing before you pack them. No need to waste precious space on something that's stained, has a hole, or doesn't fit you right now.

Also, you don't want to pack a pair of shoes that you imagine for an outfit and then realize that they don't in fact go with said outfit. Most of us have been there, including me!

13. If you're a visual person, take pics of your outfits you can reference later and match up with activities you'll be doing. Or, at the very least, you'll know what goes with what when you pull stuff out of your suitcase at your destination.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

You can snag the JW PEI purse from Amazon for $58.99 (IMO it's the perfect vacation purse) and the dress is from a Nuuly rental ($98 for six items for a month, which is PERFECT for vacation dressing). The sandals were on their way out by the time I went on my weeks-long trip and I ended up tossing them in the hotel before I came back because of some tears. But they served me well on the trip!

14. Try to pack only two purses, max. Yes, your bags are cute and you wear them proudly. But they also end up taking quite a bit of room in your suitcase...even when you stuff smaller items into them to save space. Be even *more* efficient by packing smaller crossbody bags that are soft sided so you can squeeze 'em in your suitcase!

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

I will never shut up about this wonderful JW PEI purse I've taken on many trips to different countries. On a summer 2022 trip to France, Monaco, Spain, and Greece I brought that and a secondhand MCM crossbody barrel bag that both served me well. But! I mainly just carried the JW PEI purse.

On a more recent trip to Paris, Bologna, and Milan, I packed the green M. Gemi purse (now sold out in green but available in other colors!) and a Loeffler Randall bag that I got for Christmas 2015.

15. "Dress in layers" is the oldest advice in the book BUT that's for good reason! Packing a classic trench coat will get your all kinds of outerwear mileage and is light enough of a layer where you can tie it around your waist at a museum if you don't wanna pay for coat check. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "This trench coat is well constructed and very high quality. It looks great over formal attire but can also elevate a casual look. It has a slightly loose fit, as expected with this style, but can be cinched with the belt. It’s lightweight, making it ideal for spring or fall. Just enough to cut the chill and keep you dry in the rain, but not overly warm. This is my second LF trench, the first had a plaid flannel lining which — while very soft and pretty — always made me sweat. This one is perfect!!" —Ash

Get it from Amazon for $87.08+ (available in sizes XS–3X and two colors).

16. If you're a dresses-and-skirts person, don't just default to wearing pants because you think that's what you're supposed to do on vacation. After all, you should pack what you KNOW you're going to wear, and tights and leggings take up less room in your suitcase than jeans and pants. (BTW, these rip-resistant Sheertex tights are a great bet.)

Shertex

I have this exact pair of tights and have been wearing them nonstop for about two years. I love how the mini dots add a little extra something to all my skirt and dress ensembles. I barely wear pants and rock dresses most of the time, so I've probably worn them more often than the average human. I've worn several pairs of their tights on heavy-walking city vacations in Paris, Bologna, and Milan. 

Get them from Sheertex for $19.99 (available in sizes XS, XL–3XL).

17. Wear your bulkiest stuff on the plane. Yes, it's the oldest trick in the book but planes are cold and you probably want to wear long pants, a sweatshirt, and sneakers that completely cover your feet anyway.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

I always wear my white Supergas on the plane (my essential travel walking shoe that I also wore to the Oceanic Museum of Monaco, seen here) and stretchy black leggings, plus a bulkier cardigan that I use later to cover up before stepping into cathedrals or bring along for chillier nights. 

18. That goes double if you're going to need a heavy coat and heavy footwear. Wear it on the plane and shove as many things in those coat pockets as possible. And if it's too warm to wear during the flight, stuff it in the overhead bin.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

I did this for a February 2023 trip to Iceland on Iceland Air, which has super strict baggage restrictions. I wore my heaviest coat and shoved Clif bars, lip balm, face masks, and all sorts of little things I'd know I'd need. I also wore my duck boots on the plane. Which, despite how it sounds, was actually quite cozy!

19. Speaking of coats, try to limit yourself to two pieces of outerwear if possible! Coats are total suitcase hogs, BUT if you're traveling to a cold destination, they'll figure prominently in the pics. So make those selections count!

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

This is me posing in front of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna in December 2022, when it was BITTERLY cold. It has a fantastic Christmas market on the other side of the palace, btw. Highly recommend! 

I packed this fleece-lined Noize brand puffer coat (that also happens to pack down thin, especially in a space vacuum bag like I used for it) and put the bag in between the two sides of my suitcase, which made it super easy to close shut (even at the end of the trip). For this trip, I packed this coat and wore a big black faux-fur coat on the plane (that my dad says look like I made out of a bear and he's right). 

20. If your travels could use some hand-warming help, invest in a set of 2-in-1 magnetic rechargeable hand warmers rather than buying a series of disposable ones. AND they also serve as device chargers so that's one fewer thing you'll have to pack. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are amazing! I use them when I volunteer at the outdoor food bank and they keep my hands nice and toasty. I keep them in my coat pocket and they warm me right up! They are easy to charge and easy to use!" —Karen

Get it from Amazon for $23.09+(available in eight colors). 

21. If you're going on a beach vacation, try to only pack one or two cover-ups that also function as normal nonbeach outfits.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

Here I am in the Old Town of Rhodes, Greece (go, it's so cool!) wearing my Aerie romper from at least four years ago while en route to the beach. And then I wore it on a boat excursion to Symi (also work that in as a bullet point on your bucket list!) It's light, airy, and is easy to put on and take off for all kinds of water activities. I also like it as a fun travel or ferry ride outfit, and have gotten tons of use out of it both on trips where I packed light and also in everyday life.

22. Packing satin PJ sets will take up a WHOLE LET LESS room in your suitcase, in case you're in the market for some OK-to-wear-in-front-of-others sleepwear. It's a trick I use every time!

www.amazon.com

I have this set in two colors and they're my go-to for travel packing. People are always so surprised by how nice they look, even though they're from Amazon and cost less than my typical Thai food delivery order! AND they take up verrrry little room in your bag.

Get them from Amazon for $18.99 (available in sizes XS–3XL and 64 colors/patterns).

23. Become a "sets" person because you can easily rewear and style the top and bottoms with different items! This two-piece tank top and shorts set with drawstring shorts has quickly become one of my packing go-tos thanks to its just-special-enough ruffled crop top in airy fabric that rolls up super tiny. 

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Back in June, I wore this walking around Cagliari, Sardinia, and down ~700 stairs to a cave (and then promptly back up) so I can attest it makes for excellent photo ops *and* is airy enough for such activities. Yes, that is ME wearing this set on the way back up from said cave. Since then, I wore it a Yankees baseball game, a long weekend in Lisbon, walking around Athens, and have it packed for a Caribbean cruise. So yeah, I'm def getting my money's worth out of it!

Promising review: "I got so many compliments when wearing this set on vacation in Hawaii! The top is very comfortable and cropped at just the right length. The shorts were a little see through, but for the price they were very comfortable." —Courtney Smith

Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 13 colors/patterns). 

24. Embrace rewearing clothing items. It's perfectly fine and fun to repeat outfits!

That's it. That's the tip. 

25. Cope with the fact that you'll likely have to launder some clothes if your trip is a week or longer. Pack some laundry soap sheets (seriously they take up VERY little room) you won't even have to slip into your toiletries bag if you're flying. They're perfect for hotel sink-washing. 

Amazon

In 2022, I went on a 2.5-week Europe trip (I stayed in Nice, Barcelona, Mallorca, and Rhodes Island, Greece) and only had in-unit laundry in one of those places. These sheets were a lifesaver for washing underwear, clothes that I sweated SOOOOOO much in, and also swimsuits that were laden with very salty sea water. They got the job done and I even found that the towel-warming rack in my Nice hotel did a fine job of hang drying my hand-washed undies much faster! Now, I went through about half of the sheets because my friend and I were having to wash a lot. But it was such a small investment (size- and money-wise) to keep our travel loads significantly lighter. 

Promising review: "This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather. With these laundry soap sheets I was able to wash my clothes in the sink — letting me pack just the right amount of clothes for all the different places I went." —Katie Fujarski

Get it from Amazon for $12.95 (available in four other styles, including hand soap and shampoo).

26. If you're traveling somewhere warm, lean on accessories like sunnies, jewelry, scarves, and easily rolled bucket hats that'll take up minimal packing space while serving as the finishing touches on outfits you're rewearing to make them feel special and fresh...even if you're sweating out seemingly every toxin in a heatwave.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

I'm in love with this Loeffler Randall bucket hat (that is no longer for sale) but it's extremely easy to find a bucket hat to suit your personal style nowadays. My Z Supply sunglasses (also no longer for sale, but here's a similar pair) matched most everything in my wardrobe and survived lots of jumps from boats into the sea on a warm-weather vacation a few years back. 

It's worth grabbing a cheap set of fun earrings for your trip ($19.99; that you won't cry if you lose) and at least one cute square scarf ($8.99) to tie around your dirty-hair ponytail or use as a headband. 

27. Make the best use of your personal item (that'll fit under an airplane seat) with a Beis backpack that zips open like a suitcase without *looking* like one of those backpacks that does that. *And* it has a dedicated zippered compartment for your laptop (and Kindle, and maybe even a book — or at least that's the case for me when I fly with it).

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I had a trusty (now discontinued) InCase backpack I used as a personal item and served me well on dozens of trips for about five years. But I wanted a bag for some upcoming travel (2.5 weeks in Europe with *just* carry-on for five flights) that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing. Since buying, I've since taken it on dozens of trips. I even used this and a space vac bag to pack ALL my belongings for a February Iceland trip instead of paying $100 to check a bag. (That's how the discount airlines get you!) 

Get it from Beis Travel for $88 (available in seven colors). 

28. Or use a bagyou'll want to carry around on your trip as your personal item on the plane. This particular tote would be useful as a day bag (of course keep your valuables zipped up concealed and tucked away inside) with plenty of room for your souvenirs. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It is hard to complain about an item that is exactly what you are looking for. Come on, the price point can't be beat, the lovely extra that came with the bag (bag scarf) is super cute. This is a bag I use to hold a few extra items for quick trips out of town. This bag is a composite product, like tennis shoes and the like. There is almost always that 'new car' smell, which is one way to describe it, for these types of items. But unlike a new car, this is a barely detectable smell, that is faint and is gone by the time you threw the packaging away. Zero complaints, will buy in other colors!" —D.S.

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in a variety of colors).

29. If you're going to the beach, try a *washable* market bag that'll ball up really tiny in your bag and can serve as a beach bag without getting too gross. I'm able to easily use a pouch (that I used in my packing) to hide necessities inside the bag for tons of beach days. And one of these bags weigh next to nothing, so it'll be like adding hardly anything to your suitcase.

Amazon

Promising review: "I live in an apartment and these bags make it so much easier getting my groceries inside. They are sturdy enough that I can make fewer trips. They are so easy to clean. I always keep a couple in my car and purse. I will be buying more. They also come in a handy little bag to keep them together. Love them!" —Tanya

Get three bags from Amazon for $8.99.

30. Consider a set of compression bags if you're not beholden to carry-on weight limits (v much more of a thing for European flying these days) and tend to overpack. Here's your sweet spot ;). And in the event that security has to go through your bag (it happens!) this'll make it a bit easier for them to sort through your stuff.

amazon.com

This highly rated set comes with a small travel hand pump!

Promising review: "When the bag is re-inflated, the wrinkles all go away. Keeps stored stuff free of dust and moisture. They're see-through, which makes identifying contents a no-brainer. I would recommend these for traveling as well. Was able to get double into my carry-on. Yay!" —Tina

Get a pack of six small bags from Amazon for $17.99 (also available in other sizes and packs).

31. Or invest in a set of feather-light, super durable compression packing cubes you can use over and over again without having to remember to pack a pump for sucking out the air. AND with these, you can see what's inside thanks to the mesh front. 

www.amazon.com

Pro-tip: When you use compression packing cubes, it's more effective to lay them flat than to roll them! It helps with the compression (and keeps your clothes from getting too wrinkled). 

Promising review: "These packing cubes helped to keep my clothing organized in my suitcase. They compressed my items and gave me a little more room in suitcase. They are mesh construction so you can see what is inside. Easy zippers. Expandable. Sturdy." —Mary 

Get a set of six from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors). 

32. When possible, use containers and pouches that fit the length of your trip.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

Yep, I have a full week's size pill organizer. But if I'm just going for a long weekend, I'm going to drop my vitamins into a Cadence container because it's less than half the size. More room for other stuff! Like souvenirs or an extra top!

33. Opt for soft-sided pouches and organizers in your suitcase so everything can Lego-fit in more easily...especially if you have several legs on your trip and will be constantly packing and unpacking. (It also makes it easier when TSA decides to go through your bag.)

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

These are three pouches I've accumulated over the years that I use often for packing random things like makeup brushes, tampons, whatever. I prefer these over stiffer or hard-sided containers or pouches because I can position them in a number of ways in my suitcase, including packing them empty and flat on my way back when I've used up everything on my trip.

If you're in need of pouches, you can grab a 30-pack of mesh waterproof pouches from Amazon for $16.99.

34. Try out the TSA-friendly versions of toiletries (like this sensitive skin–friendly deo) you'll be using BEFORE your trip to see if they work well for you (and head off any potential allergic reactions or subpar results).

Amazon

At home I always usegel Mitchum deodorant and opted for a random solid deo at the drugstore labeled for sensitive skin for a trip two summers ago. Let me tell you, my pits did NOT react well to it. It looked like I had chemical burns! Since then, I've switched to this Vanicream solid deo for traveling. It's super effective but doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. And there are lots of reviewers with sensitive skin who would agree. 

Promising review: "I recently developed a serious reaction to antiperspirants. My underarms would break out in a horrible, painful red rash. So I tried different 'natural deodorants.' They did not break out my underarms, but they didn't really work! So I tried Vanicream after reading several reviews. IT WORKS!! My underarms don't break out, and it works as well as any antiperspirant/deodorant on the market. After my first order, I ordered two more. Couldn't be more relieved and happy to find this product!!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

35. There are lots of *good* solid shampoo and conditioners (that are TSA-friendly!) on the market so you aren't beholden to whatever's in your hotel or rental's bathroom. 

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

This is me on a week-long trip to Croatia in 2021 with three city stops that I did a carry-on only for, knowing I had a tight layover in Amsterdam and would be riding two ferries. But, um, my hair had to look good for wonderful sunset photo ops such as this. (The bar is Buza Bar in Dubrovnik, go there!) So I packed a shampoo bar by another brand that I felt pretty meh about and this wonderful new go-to bar. Here, I used hotel shampoo (it was pretty fancy, NGL), this shampoo bar, and my roommate's Moroccan Oil curl cream. The bar is basically foolproof. You rub it directly on your wet hair after rinsing out your shampoo. I normally wash my naturally curly hair once or twice a week but on this trip was taking daily dips in the sea, so I washed my hair 5x over a week. Because of this, I let the conditioner sit for a few minutes, though you probably don't need to do that if you're washing your hair your usual amount on your trip. Each bar is supposed to last 200 washes and it might do a little less for me, but I know this'll be good for many future trips! I've used it on about five trips now and it doesn't look any smaller than it did when I used it the first time. 

Get it from Amazon for $13.97.

36. Sheet masks and undereye patches pack FLAT and are TSA-friendly so they're a better option than packing a tube of that face mask you occasionally use. You may not have budgeted for a spa treatment for this trip, but you CAN put on a sheet mask and send your friend a creepy pic of your Airbnb like I did here.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

Even if you aren't really a "beauty person" or care for masks, IMO you should always ALWAYS have some eye patches in your suitcase. I was so grateful to have packed some of the linked Patchology eye masks for a 48-hour Vegas trip when I woke up to VERY puffy eyes the morning of an outdoor heavy-metal music festival. I wore some when indulging in a bubble bath (yay, waking up at the crack of dawn in Vegas because you're still on East Coast time) before housing an obscene amount of casino buffet food and going to see some bands perform in the desert heat. This brand is consistently my fave eye-patch brand because I do notice a depuffing difference, and the thick gel makes the patches stick!

Get them from Amazon: a 14-pack of I Dew Care sheet masks for $19.78 and a 5-pack of Patchology eye masks for $15

37. But! If your trip has you staying in one spot or getting from one destination to another with non-airplane transport, consider buying some shampoo and conditioner close to your hotel. That goes for any basic toiletry you'll likely use up on your trip.

Sometimes this can end up costing about the same amount as buying some travel-size things. Do a quick google of your accommodations to see if there's a market, grocery store, or something else nearby (FYI, pharmacies can be expensive) as an option for buying toiletries. 

38. Buy sunscreen at the destination. Seriously. Yes, it might cost you a pretty penny. But it'll end up being the right decision because you need more than a TSA toiletry size of sunscreen and you shouldn't skimp.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

If you're heading to Europe, the sunscreen there is SO much better than what you'll find in America anyway. I'm a product junkie (hence this job I hold), and I love to check out each country's sunscreen selections. One summer in France, I racked up with La-Roche Posay sunscreen at a pharmacy (lucky for you, my fave skincare brand sells a lot of SPF options stateside) and bought in bulk. Granted, I reapply sunscreen on the hour because I'm pale as heck. I also found an amazing bottle of Nivea sunscreen SPF 50 in Greece that lasted my friend and me for days, and soaked in with zero cast like a total dream. 

If you like to be prepared for EVERYTHING (tbh, same), you can pack a few Neutrogena solid sunscreens to get you 'til you can grab some lotion or aerosol spray. I've used this stuff a lot and will just caution you that when you apply you have to be a bit more diligent to not miss spots. Otherwise you'll end up with a strip of sunburn. 

39. But if you absolutely don't want to show up empty-handed when it comes to SPF, a *solid* Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen is worth throwing in your bag. 

Amazon

I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation in 2021 when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So yeah, this stuff works. 

And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination. 

Get it from Amazon for $10.17.

40. And there are lots of other swaps for typically "wet" toiletries...like freeze-dried serum tablets, bug-repellent wipes, hand sanitizer wipes, toothpaste tablets, mouthwash tablets, and more. This'll keep you ready like a Girl Scout without having to trust the airline with your suitcase.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

Yep, those are the laundry soap sheets from earlier in this story! I put my toothpaste and mouthwash bits into smaller, lighter containers for a trip. And I barely go outdoors without carrying some insect-repellent wipes. And do we really need to talk about how smart it is to have some hand-sanitizing wipes on you?

41. Pare down your makeup routine with multi-use items, like an E.l.f. multi-stick so you can add color in all sorts of ways on your eyelids, lips, and cheekbones without weighing down your toiletry bag with another liquid. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love that this blush stick has a slight shimmer to it. I am still learning how to apply it properly, but I like that it adds color quickly and with little fuss! It is a lovely tone. I am normally darker, but have been indoors a lot, so I will update with a summer photo to see if this color still suits my skin in the summertime. Even if not, it works well with my winter skin and lasts all day!" —Paprika

Get it from Amazon for $4+ (available in five colors).

42. And you can tackle moisture needs with a Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm, a TikTok-famous Korean beauty product combines several products into one skincare step — especially great if you get suuuuper dry on flights. Reviewers use it on their face, lips, eyes, and neck to help reduce fine lines and make you look all ~glowy~ thanks to ingredients salmon complex and collagen. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the wrinkle balm in action. 

Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly this stick is life-changing!!! In a matter of minutes, my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips, and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" —Kristy 

"This stuff makes my face feel so soft and has a nice scent. I use it every day and will buy it again when I run out!" —Cyndy1

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+(available in six styles). 

43. Free up a BIT of room in your suitcase (maybe just a little!) by packing up toiletries you'll use up within the time that you're on your trip.

For example, that mascara that maybe has a week or two left it in it can be tossed at your hotel before you leave for the airport. And that container of face serum on its way out will be staying on vacation...forever.

Additionally, I've DEFINITELY thrown away a pair of cheap sandals or two at the end of a trip because, upon closer inspection during packing, they were on their last leg (lol) after tons of walking on my trip and wouldn't last more than a wear or two at home. (Have you ever had a sandal strap break on you in public? It's awful.)

44. Decant your fave fragrance into a pocket-sized, refillable travel perfume atomizer you simply pump on your normal size perfume bottle. Besides, this is much more compact than the travel size perfume rollers you can grab at Sephora. 

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

^ That's me pumping my signature perfume into one of these travel atomizers I've been using for about three years. As the reviewer down below mentions, it's great to just throw in your purse on the reg for a fragrance re-up throughout the day. As you can see, it's about the size of my thumb and therefore takes up very little room. Plus! It's smaller than most rollerball travel fragrances you can pick up. This first one is working so well, that I just have the other three in storage. But if this one bites the dust this summer during travels, I'll be OK about digging into my stores to use one of the remaining three...especially at this price point. 

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $5.99.

45. Opt for anI Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo that'll tackle greasy roots without the aerosol formula. Cheers to skipping a morning wash for an early flight...and still being able to carry on some dry shampoo without making room for it in your toiletries bag. 

Amazon

Also, it's benzene-free!

Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa

Get it from Amazon for $12.59 (available in a range of hair shades). 

46. And if it's worth it to you, consider styling your hair in the way that requires the least amount of effort and fewest products. Maybe pack some curl cream instead of your beloved, bulky round brush hair dryer.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

During my nonvacation life, I always blow out my naturally curly hair with my Wen hair dryer brush. But! That thing is bulky! So when I go on vacation, I blow out my hair before flying then just let it get progressively wavier on its own before it's time for my first wash. Then I'll use Moroccan Oil curl cream to help enhance my natural texture. It's saves me SO much time and I just decant the curl cream into a reusable toiletries jar that fits into my toiletries bag. This pared-down hair routine saves me a ton of time that's better spent napping on a beach or trekking up to the Acropolis in Athens. Now I realize this isn't an option for everyone, but if it's on the table for you then it can seriously help your packing routine. 

47. But if you like to heat style your hair and travel often, a 2-in-1 straightener and curling iron can save you some serious space!

Amazon

Promising review: "I took this on the cruise ship, and it was amazing. Exactly what I needed." —Peggy knopp

Get it from Amazon for $49.99.

48. Use a satin pillowcase (you should tbh be packing for your best vacation hair ever) as a next-to-nothing-dust bag for your purses.

Even the dust bags that come with your nice purses can be a bit bulky!

Then at the end of your trip, you can even use the pillowcase as a dirty laundry bag to separate your dirty drawers from your dry-clean-only stuff in your suitcase. 

49. And then, obviously, use up any free space in your bags and shoes to stuff in socks, undies, whatever.

Check out Rebag's guide on bag storage to learn more about why stuffing your bags is a good idea when not in use. 

50. Slip dresses will look incredibly chic and take up a minuscule amount of space in your suitcase.

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

I've worn the hell out of this dress since buying it in 2019. (?) Here, I was dressed for rooftop aperitivos in Rome and have worn it on a number of occasions when I wanted to be as comfy as if I was in PJs while looking like I'm dressed for anything but going to sleep. Plus, a slip dress layers very well with cardigans, jackets, shawls, and even tops layered on top. 

Get the dress on the left from Aritzia for $118 (available in sizes 2XS–2XL and 12 colors).

51. And that also obviously goes for a silky slip skirt that can up the ante with any of the tops in your suitcase...or maybe even a new top you acquired on your travels?

Amazon, www.amazon.com

FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give this a spin before you buy it!

Promising review: "Obsessed. This is exactly what I have been looking for, and now I want one in every color. It is so soft, fit perfectly, and is made from great material (as in it's not too thin). It washes well too! You will NOT regret buying this. Buy this now." —Chelsea S.

Get it from Amazon for $27.73+ (available in sizes XXS–5X and 20 colors/ patterns).

52. OK OK, and cotton nap dresses are also a decent covered-up option that'll be light and airy enough so they won't hog a bunch of suitcase room. (And because they're so airy, they'll freshen up post-sweating during a Vatican Museum tour vs clothing made out of synthetic fabrics.)

Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give this a spin before you buy it!   

I know, I look SO elegant and not at all like I've been running on ~three hours of sleep a night for going on a week at this point of my vacation, right?! I packed this dress for Italy knowing that I'd be going in lots of churches and religious sites that require having your shoulders and knees covered, and I pulled it off with this by merely slipping the sleeves up higher (as seen on the right when visiting the church with The Mouth of Truth from A Roman Holiday...turns out I'm NOT a liar after all). But I owned this dress months before I touched down in Rome and have been racking up compliments from strangers on the streets of NYC thanks to this frock. ("Thanks! It's from Amazon!') It washes well, is super lightweight, and very easy to wear with a regular bra. The only thing it *doesn't* have is pockets. But I'll make an exception for this comfy beaut.

Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and eight colors).

53. Let your products pull double duty for you, like versatile lightweight shawl you can even wrap up in on the plane then at night when it gets a bit chillier but it doesn't quite call for a jacket. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Absolutely love this shawl! The color is a true red and will work beautifully for several outfits. I bought it specifically for travel...easy to pack in carryon bag and warmth without weight." —bojangles

"Wore on a trip to Morocco. Lightweight and versatile. Wear it as a traditional scarf, draped over front, or as a head scarf. Good quality and color pigment." —Micki R. Leesch

Get it from Amazon for $11.89+ (available in 50 colors).

54. If you're traveling in warm weather, bring along a pair of ~flexible~ flat sandals that'll pack very easily and look nice enough for when you don't wanna bother with sneakers. (They'll also be great in case your feet swell when you travel.) 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are so comfortable, I wore them every day on vacation and didn’t even get a single blister. However I have no arch so I don’t think they would have enough support for people who do. The 'leather' parts are very soft and not stiff. These will be my everyday shoes this summer for sure." —Allie McCarthy

Get them from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 11 styles).

55. Pack super versatile separates like a Hackwith Design House shirtyou can wear in 6(!!!) different ways...which takes "travel capsule wardrobe" to a whole new level without feeling like you're repeating. (Though, there is *no* shame in repeating.) 

Hackwith Design House

Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business. Their sustainable designs are made to order and sewn in their Minnesota studio. Their sizes run from XS–4X. On Mondays, they also release limited-edition designs so you can be one of only 25 people to own a piece! 

My colleague Chelsea Stuart owns this and loves it. Here's what she has to say: 

"All credit for its discovery goes to TikToker @jennifer.bianca who I happened to stumble across on my FYP. It checks all my boxes: black, comfortable, versatile, and durable. My initial worry was that I wouldn't feel secure in it (I have a 38DDD chest and most wrap tops/dresses I've tried haven't stayed where they're supposed to), but I haven't had an issue with this! I've worn it tied in the front giving me a square neck (like the middle picture) and tied in the back giving me a V-neck up front (just like the photo on the right) — both were super comfortable and I didn't have to adjust myself at all. As someone whose weight fluctuates, I also appreciate that this piece can handle pounds gained and lost. The fabric is medium weight so I'll be wearing it season to season and there's just enough elasticity in the arms that if you roll up your sleeves, they won't fall back down. All that is to say trust that I will be buying additional colors!"

Get it from Hackwith Design House for $145 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in four colors). 

56. And finally, REALLY weigh your need for souvenirs and focus on smaller things that you can truly only buy at your destination (like magnets)...unless it's something bigger that you can ship home!

Souvenirs can quickly hog space in your luggage. I, for one, love a magnet, which you can almost always squeeze in a suitcase and have a friend I travel with who limits her souvenir shopping to JUST magnets. 

If you're hitting up some vintage stores, check out satin and silk scarves because they'll take up basically NO SPACE and will always "fit," even if your pant size changes. Did I come home with three scarves from a trip to Italy earlier this year? Yeah I did. (The vintage shopping in Milan was fantastic.)  

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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