Before lockdown, I used to travel all the time- it kind of comes with the territory when your dad is a pilot. It’s one of the things I miss most about pre-CoVid-19 life and one of the things I’m most excited to do when traveling becomes safe again. Until then, I find that I can live vicariously through travel prep blogs and articles. I also realized that I’ve picked up a few useful things of my own that help me fit 2 weeks worth of toiletries and outfits into a single carryon suitcase. Below, you’ll find my top 5 products for maximizing the space in your luggage so that you have room for the souvenirs you pick up on your next trip.
- Packing Cubes
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These really work wonders for fitting large amounts of clothes into a small space, as well as making it easy to unpack when all you want to do is sleep off the jetlag. Try rolling your clothes instead of folding them before putting them into the cube to save space (this will also reduce wrinkling). Then, leave your bag packed overnight for them to compress further if you need even more space.
- Mini Hair Tools
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Just because they’re small doesn’t mean they don’t work- I use my travel hairbrush more than my normal-sized one because it fits in my purse and detangles like a dream. A tiny hairdryer or flat iron saves space and delivers the perfect styling experience in an adorable little package. I like traveling with my travel hot rollers because I’m secretly a granny, and I can’t find anything else that gives me enough volume with so little effort.
- Silicone Travel Bottles
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There’s no need to buy more travel-sized toiletries on your next trip. These bottles are cute, reusable, and easy to fill from your full-sized bottles of product. They’re also less likely to leak all over your bag. And since they are pleasantly soft and malleable, it is easier to get the last drop of product out of them.
- Extension Cord
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This one might be a little surprising but think back to all the hotels you’ve stayed in. When was the last time one had a plug close to the bed that worked? The ones in the base of the lamps have, at best, a 50/50 shot at success and don’t protect your devices from electrical shorts or surges. When traveling abroad, swap the extension cord for an international adapter. Most devices these days are dual voltage, so a converter isn’t necessary.
- Streamlined Makeup
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Most eyeshadow palettes are big, bulky, and breakable, so it’s best to leave them at home. Try and use small compacts made of sturdy, sleek plastic, and remember that many beauty products can do double duty (lipstick works as a great cream blush!). Also, switching to crayon or stick makeup helps avoid leaks, and placing any liquid foundations or concealers into a cute contact case saves space.
There you have it! Comment your own helpful travel items down below. Also, let me know if you want to hear more about my travel tips and tricks or some of the crazy things I’ve done around the world. Thanks for reading!