One of the most stressful parts of a vacation is the prep, and that includes the packing. Weather and plans can change last minute, but the stuff you take with you is all you'll have, so you really want to nail it, even with all of the uncertainty. This can lead us to overpack, stuffing our suitcases to the brim and crossing the 50-pound limit that many airlines have in place for checked luggage. To avoid this, we asked travel experts to tell us the biggest packing errors they see people making and how we can avoid them. 8 Things to Toss From Your Travel Bag ASAP, According to Pro Organizers Packing Too Many "What Ifs" “One of the biggest mistakes I see travelers make is overpacking for the "what ifs" instead of what might actually be needed," says Katy Rockett, regional director of North America for Explore Worldwide, a small group tour company. "Not only does it slow you down, but it can lead to added stress managing checked bags and excess baggage fees." Instead, she suggests packing versatile layers that will work for whatever activities you have planned and leaving it at that. Then, you'll have room to bring back souvenirs! Bringing Your Brand New Shoes It's tempting to buy all new stuff for your vacation. After all, you're treating yourself to a trip so you may as well keep treating yourself. But, if you're not a fan of blisters (and who is?) you might want to think twice. "It’s easy to forget how much walking happens day to day on trips, especially adventure-focused trips. Packing brand new or uncomfortable shoes can be a major misstep," Rockett says. "I always recommend bringing at least one pair of well-worn walking shoes, even on more relaxed itineraries. Your feet will thank you.” Foolproof Hacks for Packing Your Suitcase Efficiently Every Time Forgetting About Dirty Laundry You don't want to mix your clean, unworn stuff in with your sweaty duds! "I bring a cloth laundry bag to put dirty laundry in," says Matt Mazanec, tour director manager at Tauck. "It keeps them separate, and if I am bringing home something fragile, I can wrap it in my dirty laundry for extra cushioning." Packing an Iron or Steamer This one may seem counterintuitive, but irons and steamers take up a ton of room, and if you're trying to bring only a carry-on, you likely won't have space for these appliances. Diana Ferro-Rodrigues, vice president at Perillo Tours, recommends an easy alternative. "Instead. roll your clothes and pack a wrinkle release spray," she says. Using Vacuum Seal Bags Yes, these save a ton of room in your bag, but what many people don't realize is that they don't make your bag weigh less. "Your bag ends up weighing a ton, and you end up not being able to fit everything in your bag after you open the vacuum bags," Mazanec says. "Instead, use packing cubes and thoughtfully plan outfits with versatile pieces so that you’re prepared for many situations." Relying Too Heavily on Converters Yes, you should definitely have these! But, converters tend to work better for smaller things like phone and computer chargers and not as well for items that take tons of power like a blowdryer or straightener. Consider buying inexpensive local appliances instead. "For example, why risk burning out your nice U.S. curling iron or flat iron when you could buy one in Europe and just let it live in your suitcase, removing all worry from the equation?" says Brenna Shay, tour director manager at Tauck.
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How early should we get to the airport? It's a hotly debated question in nearly every household. There are the people who want to get to the gate four hours before the plane even pulls up, and then there are those who would rather walk straight onto the plane as everyone boards without breaking their stride. For whatever reason, these two people typically end up dating. So, if this is a frequent point of vacation contention in your home, you're not alone. "Travel is deeply personal," says Michael Holtz, CEO and founder of SmartFlyer. "Some thrive on efficiency down to the minute, while others seek the comfort of extra time." We turned to a few travel experts to find out what time you really need to arrive at the airport. Read on to see if you agree with their assessment. Michael Holtz, CEO and founder of SmartFlyer Jesse Neugarten, CEO of Dollar Flight Club Tori Simokov, New York-based writer and founder of Window Seat Factors to Consider There are a whole lot of variables when it comes to answering this question like seasonality, time of day, and whether or not you're checking luggage, to name a few. There's the factor of loyalty programs like CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, or Global Entry, which can drastically decrease your wait time. Oh, and it also depends on your airport, since some are more efficient than others (as most of us have unfortunately noticed). 4 Things Flight Attendants Wish You’d Stop Doing at the Airport When to Arrive Much like you and your family members, our experts also had varied thoughts on exact timing. Holtz recommends the shortest amount of time out of the three. He believes that if you're a solo traveller with carry-on luggage and a loyalty program membership, you'll need the least amount of time, about 75 minutes. This is using the math that boarding typically begins 30-50 minutes before a flight, and with the fast-track status, it will take you 20 minutes to get through security and another 20 minutes to reach your gate. "That said, ease and efficiency vary by airport—and by traveler. When in doubt, cushion your schedule; peace of mind is always worth arriving a touch early," he says. Tori Simokov, founder of the Window Seat newsletter, recommends 90 minutes. "For domestic flights, I’ve found that’s the sweet spot—it gives me enough time to check in, clear security, grab a bite in the lounge, and get to my gate without rushing. It hasn’t failed me in ten years of flying." She likes to leave 30 minutes to get through security. Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, says that no matter the situation, you want to get to the airport at least two hours before boarding. "I usually add an extra 30-45 minutes for early morning or holiday flights because of airport traffic, security lines, and unexpected delays," he says. If you're flying out of a larger airport (think JFK or LAX) or using a budget airline that has fewer TSA lanes, you'll want to add time for that too. "One trick I swear by is checking real-time TSA wait times using apps like MyTSA or your airport’s website," he says. It turns out, even the experts didn't totally agree on the amount of time you'd need. So, in short: it depends. "A frequent traveler with TSA PreCheck or Clear might consistently breeze through security and feel comfortable arriving later, while an occasional traveler may prefer more buffer time due to anxiety or unfamiliarity," Neugarten says. "Past experiences (good or bad) also shape one’s level of caution when planning airport arrival times," Domestic vs. International Flights The general rule of thumb has always been that if you're flying out of the country, you want to give yourself a little more time. Neugarten agrees and recommends three hours for an international flight. While Holtz suggests cushioning your time by adding only 20-30 minutes more for international flights, he agrees that more time is needed. "International departures originate from larger terminals and require additional passport control at both security and boarding," he says. Simokov notes that you also need to consider checked baggage cutoffs. "Most domestic flights have a 40-45 minute baggage cut-off, while international flights typically require you to check bags 60-90 minutes before departure," she says. "It’s crucial to know that window before you arrive, because even if you get to the counter in time, the system won’t allow your bag to be checked once that cut-off hits.
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I tend to travel at least once or twice a month, whether that’s a road trip within a few hours of my hometown or a plane ride across the country (or even globe). Obviously, there’s so much prep work that goes into planning a trip—what outfits I’ll wear, which toiletries to pack, and some research on local activities or restaurants. Years ago, though, I learned that sometimes it’s just as important to do some tail-end work once I arrive at my destination to ensure all goes smoothly. Whether I’m staying in a quirky B&B or cozying up in a hotel or resort, there’s a checklist of things I always do that helps me settle in. I Do a Quick Cleanliness Scan I do not expect absolute perfection, but I do expect clean linens, towels, hot water, and vacuumed floors when I arrive at a hotel—especially if it’s a nice one I paid a decent chunk of change for. Rarely do I need to call the front desk for a cleanup or restock, but it has happened. I’ve also needed to notify staff that hot water wasn’t working, which is usually just a quick fix. It’s important to do this stuff right after arriving so you can have the issue tended to right away, or so you can move rooms easily before you unpack. I’ve also requested a room change if I’ve ended up right across from an elevator or ice machine. I learned the hard way that these high-traffic areas are extremely noisy with people, beeping, and ice dispensing, which is a recipe for awful sleep. I Unpack All My Belongings There was a past version of myself that figured if I left it all in the suitcase I’d have less work to do when packing up to leave—wrong. This method creates chaos every time I’d go to look for a garment, and the end result is still a messy suitcase that needs repacking. No matter how long or short the trip, I remove everything from my suitcase within an hour or two of arriving and hang whatever I can. (Sometimes this involves requesting more hangers, which is never a problem.) This really cuts down on wrinkles and allows you to visualize what you brought, helping you plan your outfits. I also take out all my toiletries, then tuck away my luggage out of sight for a less cluttered space. 6 Things You Really Don't Need for a Short Trip—Plus, How to Pack More Efficiently I Store My Valuables While unpacking, I’m careful to put all my valuables in the room’s safe, or I do my best to tuck them out of sight. This includes my passport and laptop, and any nice jewelry I’m not wearing that day. I don’t expect these things to be stolen even if they’re left out, but it does give me peace of mind knowing that even if I’m out all day, my most important items are secure. That also allows me to enjoy my traveling adventures more! I Create a Landing Zone Near the Door Oh, the number of times I’ve lost my hotel key card or a pair of keys. I have a landing zone at our front door at home, so I figured I might as well create something similar for when I’m traveling. This is a little area—ideally a basket or tray that was already in the room—for my hotel key card, sunscreen, chapstick, and car keys/valet ticket. Having a landing zone means these items always have a spot, and I’m way less likely to lose them. I Plug in All My Chargers Right Away We still live in a world of cords, which means things need to be plugged in and charged. Crawling around on the floor at night and shuffling furniture around to find outlets isn’t a great way to wind down, so I try to identify all the outlets and plug my items in shortly after arriving at a hotel. It’s such a tiny thing, but preventing the Great Outlet Search at midnight really does cut down on chaos and stress. I Photograph Important Details Maybe it’s just me, but when I’m traveling, I tend to forget important details like, say, my room number or where I parked my car! I’ve found these details are surprisingly easy to forget after a fun day of exploring, or even after the commotion of checking in and jetting off to get food ASAP. Along with photographing my room number, I’ll either take a picture of where I parked (if driving) or my valet ticket (just in case), a photo of the WiFi information, a picture of the hotel grounds/map, and even a picture (or screenshot) of the transportation map if I’m using public transit. All these habits help me enjoy my trip even more, and now that I have them down to a science, I’m never going back.
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There are all sorts of nightmares one might encounter while traveling (delayed flights, lost luggage, cancelled hotel reservations), but encountering bedbugs might be the scariest of them all. These brownish-red insects are hard to get rid of and can quickly infest a room, and therefore, anything you bring into that room. So, before you unpack or even bring your suitcase all the way inside, do yourself a favor and do a thorough room check. You'll want to look for red-brown bugs as well as blood stains on sheets or mattresses, eggs, or shedded skin (ew). Take a look through all of these common places: mattress, box spring, sheets, headboard, and curtains. If you haven't spotted anything (and it's likely you won't), you can start thinking about unpacking. But, all of this potential grossness probably doesn't make you want to toss your clothes everywhere. We spoke with entomologist Emma Grace Crumbley about how travelers can best keep pests out of their stuff. The secret? Your hotel bathtub. What Is the Bathtub Method? When you enter your hotel room, don't lay your suitcase on the floor, bed (ew), or even the convenient luggage rack. Instead, take it to your hotel tub and keep it there while you check for bedbugs, and even after you've checked. Why? Because bedbugs aren't really into cool ceramic or porcelain. "The smooth, cold, and non-porous surface of a bathtub or even a bathroom is typically unattractive to these pests," Crumbley says. "They will also be easier to spot on these surfaces." Bedbugs are thigmotactic, Crumbley says, so they prefer to feel pressure on all sides. This means that they're much more likely to be found in dark, tight places, like in the mattress. Just note that you should always check your bathroom for bugs too (think towels, shower curtains, bathmats)! It's unlikely but not impossible. Tips for Avoiding Bedbugs While Traveling If you've searched the place and don't see any bugs, you'll still want to keep your prevention efforts going. Here are some helpful ways to keep bugs at bay. First off, elevate your luggage and avoid putting it on your bed. Crumbley suggests doing this when you're back home as well. "I also recommend keeping your suitcase closed whenever you’re not using it or even storing it inside a large trash bag," she says. Keep your dirty laundry in a separate bag whenever possible and hang your clothes in the closet instead of folding them and putting them in hotel drawers. What to Do When You Get Home "After returning from your trip, leave your bags outside or in the garage until you’ve had a chance to thoroughly inspect them," she says. Check through your items on a hard, light colored surface before bringing them in. Check your luggage as well, looking at zippers, seams, or pockets. "Next, run all washer-safe clothing on a hot water cycle," Crumbley says. "For added protection, you can also toss clothes in the dryer on high heat for roughly 30 minutes before washing—this will help remove bedbugs in all life stages, including the eggs."
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It’s almost summer vacation season, which means air travel is picking up and airports are getting increasingly crowded. This means being in close proximity to a lot of people—some of whom may be sick and decided to fly anyway. “People are exposed to all types of germs when traveling, especially in a contained space like an airplane, where germs can spread easily in the recirculated air, or in crowded public spaces like airports, where many people are touching the same surfaces,” says Dr. Robert Biernbaum, DO. But no one wants their trip ruined by catching something on their outgoing flight. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid getting sick when you fly. To help you plan for your next trip, we spoke with two physicians who provided tips for staying well when you travel. Before You Travel To avoid getting sick when you fly, you’re going to need to start preparing before you step foot on a plane. Here are a few things you can do in advance of your trip. Boost Your Immune System Keep your immune system healthy by drinking plenty of fluids, managing stress, eating a vitamin-rich diet, and getting plenty of sleep and regular exercise, Biernbaum says. “These healthy habits help strengthen your body’s natural defenses so you’re better protected when you’re around crowds and touching shared surfaces at the airport or on the plane,” Robinson adds. Stay Hydrated Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water for a few weeks leading up to your flight. “While staying hydrated is definitely important for your overall health and immune system, drinking a lot of water the day before your flight isn’t a magic fix,” says Dr. Karla Robinson, MD. Instead, increase your water intake in the weeks leading up to your trip. There’s never a wrong time to start drinking more water! Choose Your Seat Wisely If you have a chance to choose your seat ahead of your flight, you may want to be strategic about it. For example, a 2018 study found that for multiple reasons, people sitting in window seats are less likely to be exposed to germs. A 2022 study drew similar conclusions about sitting in the back of the plane. Stock Up on Supplies According to Robinson, it might be helpful to stock up on common medications for cold and flu symptoms before your trip, in case you start feeling sick while you're away. Also, pack healthy snacks and an empty water bottle that you can fill up at the airport to stay hydrated throughout your flight. During Your Flight But you’re not off the hook once you board the plane. Here are some ways to avoid getting sick during your flight. Wear a Mask “Some of the top ailments we see are respiratory viruses,” Biernbaum says. If you’re serious about not getting sick, a face mask is your best bet. “Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from respiratory infections like the common cold or flu—especially in crowded planes with recycled air,” Robinson explains. Wash and Sanitize Your Hands In addition to washing your hands with soap and water whenever you use the restroom, bring a travel-sized hand sanitizer and use it frequently, especially after touching surfaces like doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons, and public transportation handles, Biernbaum says. Wipe Down High-Touch Surfaces Bring a few disinfecting wipes with you and wipe down commonly touched surfaces such as tray tables, armrests, and seat belts, Biernbaum says. And it’s not just to protect you from respiratory viruses. If you’ve ever seen a parent change a baby on a tray table, you know why this is important. After Your Flight You’re not in the clear the moment you step off your flight. Here’s what to do after you deplane. Wash Your Hands It’s a good idea to wash your hands in the airport after getting off the aircraft. And keep it up throughout your trip. “Regular hand-washing is key,” Biernbaum says. If a sink’s not available, use hand sanitizer. Keep Up Other Healthy Habits It’s easy to throw your regular schedule and healthy habits out the window when you’re on vacation, but Robinson says that’s not a good idea. “Staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and eating nutritious foods can help your immune system stay strong after travel too,” she explains.
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You can’t forget to bring water when walking your dog in hot weather. Dogs get overheated easily, especially if they have a thick coat, so having water on hand is essential. While I usually just carry a dog water bottle in my hand, I recently found a bag that makes it so much easier to take with me: the Calpak Water Bottle Holder. Even if you don’t have a dog, it’s useful for carrying your own water, too, whether you’re going on a summer walk, heading to the beach, or packing for your next vacation. With an adjustable crossbody strap, the Calpak bag makes it easy for me to be hands-free while walking, which is particularly helpful when I already have my dog’s leash in one hand. The bag has four exterior pockets (one zippered and three slip pockets) to hold a variety of belongings, too. I was able to put my wallet and keys in the zippered pouch, and I put my phone in the back slip pocket for easy reach. Calpak Water Bottle Holder The top of the bag has a drawstring closure to keep your bottle securely in the bag. My dog’s water bottle didn’t slide out, even when I bent down to pick up dog poop. The inside is also insulated to keep your drink cool, and it’s water-resistant, which means you don’t have to worry if liquids spill in the bag. Made of a durable nylon-blend material, the bag is so easy to clean, too: Just wipe it down with water. You can shop the bag in 13 colors, including summer-ready shades like powder blue, light pink, lavender, and peach. There are some fun patterns to choose from, too, like gingham, daisies, and checkered. Not only is the bag great for long summer walks (with or without a dog), but it would also be perfect for traveling. While walking through the airport or train station, you can keep a water bottle handy while still having your hands free to hold carry-on luggage or a duffle bag. Or if you’re planning to be out all day touring around different locations, you can stay hydrated on the go. “This is just the perfect water bottle holder/purse to bring on a hike, walk, travel etc.,” said one reviewer. “I go to Disney World frequently, and this is my purse at the park. It holds everything I need, and the design is so cute.” Grab the Calpak Water Bottle Holder before the weather really heats up, and shop more versatile bags for travel, work, and everyday use below. Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag Calpak Kaya 15-Inch Laptop Backpack Calpak Insulated Lunch Bag Calpak Luka Mini Tote Calpak Fit Gym Bag
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Sleep can already be a pretty stressful thing for many of us, but sleeping on a plane? Talk about an added degree of difficulty. And it can be pretty crucial to get that sleep. Especially if you decided to take the 4 a.m. flight to avoid delays later in the day or are taking a red eye. Heck, even if you're just trying to catch up on some missed naps, a plane is a good place to get more hours in. The problem is that there's a lot of pressure. It's like the moment you have to go to sleep, you suddenly aren't tired or can't get comfy (and is it OK to recline your seat?). To help, we asked some frequent flyers for their best tips and tricks for mile-high shut-eye. Just Focus on Resting Sometimes the pressure we put on ourselves to fall asleep is precisely the reason we can't. "My advice for sleeping better is to try not to focus so much on the actual sleep," says TV host and travel expert Darley Newman. "Sometimes rest can be good enough." So, next time you're on a red eye, try just enjoying the resting time and seeing what comes of it. Mimic Your Nightly Routine We all have our own agenda of things we need to do before bed. While you might not have your actual bathroom vanity and bed available, you can get pretty close, says travel writer Michelle Joy, "At home, this involves a shower, skin care, and clean pajamas before crawling into bed," she says. "For my scaled down plane version, I brush my teeth, use a wet wipe and moisturize my face, and put on fuzzy socks." Swap Out Your Earbuds "I always bring a blackout sleep mask with built-in Bluetooth speakers—it's much more comfortable than earbuds when falling asleep on a plane, especially on overnight flights," says David Brodie, the founder of Voyascape and host of the Travel in 10 podcast. What should you listen to? Brodie suggests downloading podcasts about the destination you're heading to so you can immerse yourself before you land. Opt for a Window Seat Yes, an exit row or first class would be amazing, but if those pricier tickets aren't in the cards for you, travel journalist Wendy Helfenbaum implores you to get a window seat. "You can lean against the wall, and won’t be woken up by seat mates having to use the loo!" Download a Helpful App Erin Carey, Director of Roam Generation, a PR agency specializing in travel, says one of her biggest tips is to use the Timeshifter app. Download this before jumping on a plane headed to a different time zone and it can help you prep in advance. "It helps you adjust to the new time zone. I follow it's recommendations to a a tee, avoiding caffeine and taking melatonin at the suggested times to help regulate my sleep cycle." So, if you're supposed to be sleeping on a plane to help avoid jet lag, this could help!
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If you’re like most plant enthusiasts, you probably spend a lot of time making sure your plant babies are properly watered, placed in the perfect spot for sunlight, and nurtured with the right soil and supplements. But what happens when it’s time for a vacation? If you think there’s nothing you can do, you might want to think again. With a little planning, your plants can not only survive while you're away, but actually thrive. Here's what experts have to say. Andrew Porwol, garden and landscaping expert and founder of Garden Centre Shopping Mark Thompson, garden expert and co-owner of Shoppe Choose the Right Plants While some plants require constant hands-on care, many plants will be perfectly fine if you travel for long stretches or go away on weekends. So if you are currently plant shopping, it’s important to choose wisely, says garden and landscaping expert Andrew Parwol. “Some plants, like snake plants and ZZ plants, are naturally more tolerant of drought and can survive a longer period without attention," he says. If you're worried about outdoor plants, Parwol recommends choosing lavender, rosemary, or ornamental grasses that can handle the dry, humid weather easily. “Knowing which plants can go longer without water will help you plan ahead," he says. Use Self-Watering Planters Similarly, self-watering planters can be a game changer for plant owners who are constantly on the go, Porwol says. “For container plants, consider using self-watering planters, which can keep moisture steady for up to two weeks.” Swap out those planters and leave for vacation knowing your plants won't be thirsty while you're gone. Consider Hydrogel Crystals If you're really concerned about your plants getting thirsty, consider water crystals. “You can also add hydrogel crystals to your soil mix," Porwol says. "These [crystals] absorb water and release it slowly, giving your plants consistent hydration." Make a DIY Drip System DIY drip systems are an easy and cheap option for plant maintenance, especially if you're taking a trip at the last minute. “Fill a wine bottle with water, invert it, and stick it into the soil,” Porwol says. “The water will slowly seep out as the soil dries, [making it] ideal for a quick getaway.” Move Your Plants to the Bathtub If you're planning a longer trip and have a few moments to spare before you head out, Porwol advises grouping your plants together in a bathtub, ideally lined with a towel and a shallow layer of water. “This creates more humidity and is perfect for plants to survive," he says. While this might seem inconvenient or unconventional, it can mean the difference between coming back to a home filled with thriving plants or greenery gone brown. Store Your Plants Away From the Sun Plants that are constantly in direct sunlight could wilt if they can’t be watered, says garden expert Mark Thompson. In this case, he suggests moving your plants out of sunny spots and opting for shadier rooms instead. “If you’re going to be gone for three or four days, just by moving them out of the full sun, you could potentially keep them from getting wilted,” Thompson says. For Long Vacations, Hire Help If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, longer than a couple of weeks, you might just have to pay someone to water your plants, Thompson says. “I would suggest finding a neighbor or a neighbor's kid who might water for you." On the other hand, if you really want a pro to take care of your plants while you're gone, consider hiring a plant sitter in your local area.
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I recently went on a month-long trip to Spain, and let me tell you, packing for such a long trip is not easy. It requires a lot of planning and hoarding of travel toiletries, and since I tend to think about every potential thing that could go wrong, it causes a lot of stress, too. But I found some tech gadgets that helped give me peace of mind, like a personal safety alarm for emergencies and a portable charger to keep my phone ready in any scenario. Check out my picks below, starting at only $9 at Amazon—including a luggage scale for overpackers (aka me) and Apple AirTags that are beloved by Real Simple writers and editors. Writer-Loved Travel Tech Gadgets She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm, $30 Charmast Small Portable Charger, $15 (was $22) Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Machine, $24 (was $30) Apple AirTag 4-Pack, $80 (was $99) Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones, $40 (was $60) Ceptics International Travel Adapter, $24 (was $25) Etekcity Luggage Scale, $9 (was $11) She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm Feel secure while traveling with this safety alarm. It’s super easy to use: To set off the siren and flashing LED light, just pull out the top of the device (and to turn it off, reinsert the top). The compact size won’t take up much space in your bag, and it even comes with a brass carabiner clip to attach to a keyring, so you’ll always be able to find it. Plus, you can take the device with you on trips since it’s safe to carry on planes, unlike other safety tools, such as pepper spray. Charmast Small Portable Charger There’s nothing worse than being in an unfamiliar place with a phone battery on 10 percent, which is why this portable charger will really come in handy. I never had to worry about my phone dying while walking around all day with this charger. It plugs directly into your phone, so you don’t have to deal with extra cords floating around in your bag. The charger is compatible with multiple iPhone types, including the iPhone 14, 13, 12, and 11. Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Machine I’m a light sleeper, so having a portable white noise machine (and ear plugs) was key for me to get a good night’s rest. With three sound options and adjustable volume, you can customize this machine to fit your sleep preferences. It has a low LED night light that makes it easy to find in the dark, too, if you need to turn the noise up or down. The white noise machine comes with a USB cable for charging, and it can operate for up to 24 hours on a single charge (it has to be turned off and unplugged every 14 days to keep it running smoothly). Apple AirTag 4-Pack I’m paranoid about airlines losing my luggage, so I finally bought these Apple AirTags to keep track of my belongings. The AirTags connect to an iPhone with the Find My app, and on certain models, there’s a Precision Finding feature to tell you exactly where your items are. They also have a built-in speaker to help alert you to where they are if you’re having trouble finding them. Shop more of my recommendations for must-have travel gadgets below, starting at just $9. Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones Ceptics International Travel Adapter Etekcity Luggage Scale
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Packing for a short trip can be more challenging than packing for a long vacation. If you have a lot of activities planned for just a few days—packing light is crucial, especially if you don’t want to carry around heavy bags or pay those expensive luggage fees. While you probably know what you need to bring on your next weekend jaunt or business trip, knowing what you don’t need can help simplify the packing process even more. Here’s what you should never bring on a short trip. Too Much of Anything Adeela Hussain Johnson, president of BÈIS, tells me packing too much of anything is a bad idea. “Packing light is key,” she says. Whether you’re taking a carry-on-sized bag or a weekender, start by accepting the fact that there is limited space and think logically from there. For example, it’s a smart idea to bring an extra dress shirt if you’re going on a business trip. But you probably don’t need to bring more than one bathing suit if you plan on swimming in the hotel pool. Clothing You Can’t Mix and Match Bringing items you can’t mix and match will only weigh your bag down. “Make sure you have mix-and-match options for your clothing, shoes, and bags so you can switch things up while maximizing space,” says Johnson. “Neutral bottoms work so well because then you can add your pop of color with shirts, which are smaller and easier to pack so you can bring a few extra." Lots of Toiletries If you have a ten-step skincare routine, you might need to par down slightly when you’re on the go. Johnson suggests using a BÉIS Dopp Kit for beauty and skincare products and limiting your selection to only what you can fit in that. “You can put your toiletries in the top section and your makeup below,” she says. In terms of cosmetics, try to bring multitaskers, such as foundation with sunscreen, or a hair product you can use for both de-frizzing and finishing. Handbags and Shoes That Aren’t Versatile Handbags and shoes can take up a lot of space and get heavy. While you might be tempted to pack those super-high heels for one night out, you’re better off opting for something more practical that you can wear for the entire trip. Keep color in mind, too. Black or tan shoes pretty much go with anything. The same goes for bags, explains Johnson. “Bags that can be versatile are perfect," she says. "The convertible weekender works so well because it’s the perfect size when packing for a short trip. When you arrive, you can unzip the bottom and leave that behind while the top of the bag converts into your day-to-day tote.” She also advises bringing along a crossbody or sling bag. “Crossbody or slings are so perfect for any kind of trip but, for a short trip, they can serve as the essentials bags for travel documents and your day-to-day carry bag," she says. "These bags also make a great snack carrier, as that’s always needed.” Full-Size Toiletries Valerie Batrice, vice president of consumer marketing at Travelpro, avoids packing full-size toiletries that she can purchase locally. "You can purchase trial-sized hygiene products once you arrive at your destination, which also allows you to try products that are made by local artisans," explains Batrice. By shopping locally, you can support small businesses and bring back travel-sized toiletry souvenirs from your trip. "During my trip to Portugal, I discovered the most amazing soaps and facial hydrating cream made with honey from France—a win, win!" Batrice says. One Outfit a Day Think less is more when it comes to your capsule wardrobe for a quick trip. "Avoid packing one outfit a day at all costs. Instead, follow the rule of three's: one pair of pants, one skirt, and one dress," explains Batrice. These clothing staples are easy ways to create lots of outfits without overflowing your suitcase. As an added bonus, this gives you extra room in your suitcase for you to shop during an international vacation. "This packing method leaves room in your luggage for souvenirs or new clothes if you decide to shop in a different country," says Batrice.
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