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Travel Hacks: From Honeymoons to Family Vacations in Europe | What I've learned Along my Travels
- Jennifer Wilson
- Jun 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 6
Travel Hacks: Travel Smarter, Not Harder
What's Your Travel Style?
Carry-on only... I'm packing like a pro.
Checked bag all the way... I need options.
Utilize Your Carry-On Like A Pro
One of the smartest travel hacks to understand is how to treat your carry-on like it's a lifeline- not just extra luggage to drag around. IF it's at all possible to only bring a carry-on and not check any luggage, you'll have such a better airport experience by not dealing with checked luggage and worrying about losing anything. Either way, your carry-on should be packed with your essentials, valuables, irreplaceable items, medicine, documents and anything you can't afford to lose. Think jewelry, chargers, prescriptions, important documents for travel and an outfit or two that is versatile. Lost luggage happens. If you have a great carry-on it won't derail your vacation entirely.
Use TSA Pre-Check
If you plan on traveling more than once or twice a year, TSA pre-check is a game changer. On my recent trip to Nashville, TN I used CLEAR. There was a kiosk at the airport entrance and it took only a few minutes to sign up and I was on my way, skipping LONG security lines. I felt like I was breaking the rules it was so easy. It's a stress-saver. Especially if you're the type of person who's always running late. Even the calmest travelers get stressed out in long security lines at the airport. It's hard to determine how long you'll be standing there for. These pre-check programs let you skip the lines and the chaos and get to your gate in record time.
Bring Portable Chargers
Nothing is more frustrating than watching your phone battery die down to 3% when you are navigating a new city, lining up transportation, and locating boarding passes. There are so many different types of charging banks for your cell phones, computers, and more. They're a lifesaver. When traveling, you never know when you'll have a chance to wait for your devices to get a full charge. And you'll be using your phone for everything- Ubers, looking up the destinations you're visiting, making reservations and more. A portable charger gives you peace of mind. I always take at least two with me when I travel. Then when you get to your hotel you can charge them up overnight and you'll be prepared for the next full day of activities. It's one of the simplest ways to reduce stress when traveling. And always keep it in your carry-on as some batteries aren't allowed in checked luggage.
Don't Overpack
Choose your clothes wisely. You never wear every item of clothing you bring. This is something I struggle with. Of course you want your favorite cocktail dress and high heels, but if you don't necessarily have a specific need for them-don't bring them. It's a waste of space in your luggage and a waste of time. Bring clothes that are versatile. Clothes you can layer in different ways and re-wear to look like completely different outfits. Try to use the 3x3 method of packing. Pick three tops, three bottoms and three layering pieces (cardigans, blazers, coats, etc). Then lay the items out into a 3 x 3 grid. Mix and match each item to create separate outfits. This will save time, space, and make packing and carrying your luggage so much easier.
Stoicism-Be Flexible
Flexibility is everything when you travel. Embrace a stoic mindset. That's a travel hack for anyone going anywhere. Adopting a little stoicism when traveling means understanding and accepting that not everything is always going to go according to plan. Expect some things to NOT go according to plan. Remind yourself: this is part of the adventure. You just can't let things steal your joy when you're doing once in a lifetime things. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for presence and living in the moment. Travel is never flawless, make a backup plan for everything and have the time of your life!
Travel Hacks: Less Stress, More Adventure!
Pack a Foldable Duffel bag
This is the most underrated travel hack in my opinion- pack an extra foldable duffel bag in your luggage. Don't worry about running out of space at the end of your trip when you've been souvenir shopping the entire time. A duffel bag is an easy item to check. Keep your dirty laundry in it so you can use your hard shell luggage for keepsakes and souvenirs. Plus, your dirty laundry won't be touching everything else. Even if you planned on only bringing a carry-on, packing a duffel bag at the bottom of your bag is going to give you so much versatility on the way home. You just never know if you'll have a spontaneous shopping spree, or when you'll find an amazing market or hand crafted local art. Plan ahead, and if you don't use it on the way home you might use it during your trip as a beach bag with your hotel towels or snacks for the day.
SHOES -Comfort Over Quantity
For our last travel hack, let's be honest with ourselves for a minute.. we always walk WAY more than we're expecting on a vacation. And the terrain might be cobblestone streets, sandy beaches, or airport terminals that are way further than expected. Choosing a shoe that is both comfortable and worn-in is crucial. It's non-negotiable. I agree- it's tempting to bring a heel in every color for every outfit. But in reality we'll be spending MOST of our time in tennis shoes. It's ok to bring one cute pair of shoes that will match all of your dresses, but it's not necessary to bring more than a couple pairs of shoes when you travel. I'm a serial over-packer. I learned the hard way when I took a trip across Europe and had to haul a HUGE suitcase across multiple countries, trains, planes, and automobiles. Only to spend 99% of my time in the same shoes and same few versatile articles of clothing. Never again.
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