Travel Hacks: Systems and Strategies to Streamline Every Journey
Practical Tips to Pack Smarter, Save Time, and Make Every Trip Stress-Free
Why the Little Things Matter: Simplifying Travel for Better Experiences
Have you arrived at your destination only to realize you forgot something essential, like a phone charger? Minor logistical adjustments can make a big impact, saving you time and stress.
This Next Adventure lists critical travel strategies I’ve adopted this past year to create better systems and routines.
Gear Hacks: Pack Smart, Travel Light
Compression Sacks: Maximize Space, Minimize Hassle
I started using my sleeping back sack to isolate and squeeze my dirty laundry at the end of the trip so it’s separate from my clean clothing. Compression sacks (these also work well) can handle this purpose and help maximize space in your bags. If you’re flying with a carry-on only (which I try to do most of the time), your bag never gets weighed. Want to pack more? Compress it.
Ready-to-Go Kits: Simplify Pre-Trip Packing
Whether it’s a toiletry kit or a med kit, having a pre-packed system means fewer last-minute scrambles.
I upgraded to a rugged multipack with all the compartments I needed. It might be overkill for a toiletry bag, but it’s durable enough to last a lifetime. This new kit has compartments for everything, making everything easy to find at first glance. The actual hack here is packing it once and leaving it alone; don’t unpack it or cherry-pick it when it’s home. When you’re ready to leave, grab it and go—one less bag to pack before a trip.
Old kit on the left, new kit on the right.
Like a toiletry kit, a med kit is better left alone instead of unpacking and repacking every trip. Beyond regularly checking if it’s fully stocked, keep it intact and grab it when you leave. In a previous newsletter, I detail what medical kits should contain, and I recommend this container or a similar size. At the least, ensure it includes basics like bandages, pain relievers, antihistamines, and any personal medications. A shortcut is to buy a rugged pre-packaged kit, such as this one. Also, consider having a survival kit for certain travel situations.
The contents of my med kit. Read more about it here.
Cords and Essentials: Your Lifeline in a Ziplock Bag
Phones, headphones, watches, GPS locators, kindles, iPads— there’s no shortage of devices that require cords. I keep all of mine in a single ziplock bag, along with earplugs and a headlamp. Whether in a hotel, AirBnB, or airport floor, these essentials have saved the day more than once. If I’m in a loud hotel room, the earplugs are great, as is the headlamp for reading when your travel companions are irritated by an otherwise bright reading light. There are bags manufactured for “cord clutter,” but I have not seen the need for one.
Cords…A plastic bag works fine. For quick usage, label each cord with durable tape and a Sharpie. That red tape says, “Garmin Watch.”
Luggage Strategies: Streamline Your Travel Process
Carry-On Only: Avoid Hassles and Save Time
It’s pretty standard practice now, but if you’re flying, bringing only a carry-on is the way to go. There must be an exceptional reason for me to check a bag, such as traveling with a firearm or cooler filled with fish and game meat. Otherwise, it’s hard to justify the hassle of checking it, potentially losing it, and then standing around waiting for it after a flight. Airlines are so inconsistent in their functionality I’m hesitant to introduce one more variable into the process that they can screw up.
Kids Carry Their Stuff: Empower Young Travelers
As soon as you’re out of the kids sitting on your lap phase of airline travel and you’re buying them their own seats, get them their own luggage. This isn’t just a practical move; it’s a way to empower your children and make them feel like active participants in the travel process.
Symbolic at first, this sets a precedent that as you’re fellow travelers, they’ll help pack and lug the family’s gear around the airport. By 10 years old, have them actively participate in packing and make them responsible for carrying their bags around. Start by having them pack a small backpack with snacks, a book, and a travel pillow for shorter trips.
By age 12, they should be packing independently, carrying their stuff, and loading it into the overhead bin. You are not their travel guide; you are their parent. Enabling them to be travel partners will make the process fun and empower them.
Food Strategy: Eat Better, Save Money
Groceries Over Restaurants: Healthier Choices on the Road
For years, I ate at restaurants wherever I was, including fast food. I try not to do this anymore unless I’m somewhere with a strong culinary identity. On a recent 3.5-hour road trip to western New York state for my daughter’s college visit, we stopped at McDonald’s on the way and ate at a pretty average restaurant when we arrived. I had the entire next day on my own, so I went to the grocery store and bought some fresh produce, cheese, bread, and hummus.
Instead of eating out again, I limited myself to one meal at a restaurant the next day. I felt better and saved money.
What are your favorite/most helpful travel “hacks?” Share in the Comments below.
Marking the charger cords. Why didn’t I think of that!
One thing I overlook is updating the condition ( moisture,torn wrapping, expiration date, etc.) of my first aid kit.
I’ll schedule that every six months along with other similar tasks.
Travel snacks. Don't forget to pack a variety so that the gas station urge is avoided.