Packing Hacks: My Favorite Travel Finds To Keep You Organized
Packing for a trip can feel like a chaotic game of Tetris — especially when you're trying to fit everything neatly while keeping essentials accessible. After years of trips ranging from a long weekend in Asheville to a week in Hawaii, I've finally landed on a system that works. These are the eight products I personally travel with on every single trip — the ones that have survived the Isle of Skye in the rain, navigated Mexican customs, and made it through more airport security lines than I can count. Pack like a pro with these 8 travel essentials that will keep you organized on your next adventure.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you shop through them, at no extra cost to you.
Clear Liquids Bags
I've been using this exact combo for years and it's earned a permanent spot in my carry-on. The smaller bag is 3-1-1 compliant and — I promise this is not an exaggeration — fits significantly more than standard compliant plastic bags. I’ve taken it through security countless times and never been asked to switch it out.
The larger bag handles full-sized items in checked luggage and doubles as a beach bag catch-all for sunscreens and SPF sprays. A small upgrade that makes a real difference at security.
Compression Packing Cubes
This Thule packing cube set changed how I pack entirely. I used to be a "stuff everything in and sit on the suitcase" person — compression cubes converted me. I sort by category (think workout gear or underwear in the small cube; dresses, pants, and blouses in the large cube) and the compression zippers genuinely let me fit more without the chaos. I've used these on everything from a two-night Asheville weekend getaway to a week in a campervan, and they hold up beautifully. After testing several brands of cubes, I can confidently say these are the best packing cubes I've found — worth every penny.
Electronics Organizer
If you've ever spent ten minutes at the bottom of your bag fishing for a phone charger while your battery dies at 2% in an airport, this is for you. I keep my chargers, adapters, earbuds, a portable battery, and other small tech gear all in one place. The mesh panels are perfect for small items like SIM cards, while the elastic loops keep all my cables neatly packed and tangle-free. I take this on every single trip — domestic weekends or longer trips — without exception.
Passport Holder
My passport, boarding passes, ID, some local currency, and a couple of cards all live here from the moment I leave the house until I'm back home. The Airtag slot is the feature that sold me — I have one in here and one in my checked bag, and the peace of mind is worth it. Having all my travel documents in one place makes for easy access at security.
Gravel Dopp Kit
Designed with multiple compartments — including a removable TSA-compliant liquid pouch — this compact, water-resistant kit keeps your toiletries neat, separated, and easy to access. My husband travels every week for work and this lives permanently in his carry-on. It's held up through hundreds of trips without missing a beat.
Travel-Size Refillable Bottles
I decant everything — shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash — into these before every trip. They're leakproof (I've tested this more times than I'd like, usually at the bottom of a packed bag), TSA-compliant, and the silicone construction means they're easy to squeeze and hold up over time. Better for the environment than single-use travel sizes, and better for your wallet too. We’ve been using this set for a few years and they are holding up great.
Laundry Bag
This one sounds boring until you've opened your suitcase at home to find everything is a stinky mess thanks to your dirty clothes. The STNKY bag locks away dirty laundry odors — incredibly helpful after a week of hiking or a long travel day — and the whole thing goes straight into the wash when I get home. Lightweight, folds flat, and takes up almost no space. No more worrying about clean clothes being tainted by the t-shirt you wore on a morning hike.
Airtags
Non-negotiable. I have one in every checked bag and one in my passport holder. After hearing enough horror stories about lost luggage — and experiencing a close call myself — I won't travel without these. Being able to track your bag in real time when it doesn't show up at baggage claim is worth every dollar of the $80 four-pack. If you only buy one thing on this list, make it these.
Bonus: Beach Bag
I've been using this Scout bag as a beach bag for almost a decade, and it shows virtually no wear and tear after years of use. It folds completely flat to fit easily in a checked bag, but it's plenty big enough to hold everything you need for a day by the pool or on the beach. The side zipper pocket is perfect for your phone and SPF lip balm, and the water-resistant material keeps everything dry.
It can also double as a carry-on bag on your way home if you end up with one too many souvenirs.
My Luggage
Beis Weekender Bag
These aren't your grandmother's duffel bags. A zip-off hard-sided shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, and interior organization pockets are serious upgrades. I find that the "mini" has enough packing space for a casual weekend getaway. If matching luggage is your thing, these are the perfect companion to Beis's hard luggage offerings.
Beis Carry-On & 26"
Beis offers rolling luggage in various sizes — I have both the carry-on and 26" sizes. Which size to choose really comes down to personal preference and how much space you need. I try to pack light and find that the 26" offers ample space for a week's worth of clothing and toiletries. One of my favorite features is the water-resistant pouch for safely stowing a wet swimsuit before heading to the airport. Each piece comes with one shoe bag and one laundry bag included.
Perhaps the best thing about Beis is that they stand behind their products. If a negligent taxi driver breaks off a handle, their customer service team is likely to replace it — and that kind of confidence in a travel brand matters.
Take the Guesswork Out of Packing
If you want a head start before your next trip, I've built a free customizable packing list template in Google Sheets that I use with my travel planning clients. It covers clothing, toiletries, tech, documents, and travel day essentials — fully editable so you can tailor it to your destination, trip length, and travel style. No more last-minute scrambles or arriving somewhere without your adapter.
Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
