14 Best Professional Packer Travel Tips of 2025

As I’m getting ready for my last trip of the year—skiing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming—I’m conducting a mental revisit of my 2025 travels. This year brought me to Turks and Caicos, Alaska, Switzerland, Colorado, Scotland, and dozens of places in between. While each destination came with its own adventure, there was a singular thread that ran through each experience: my packing strategy.

Every time I hopped on a plane or train or started a road trip, I carried a suitcase that was carefully organized. I took the time to think about the weather and the scenarios I’d likely encounter on each trip and packed accordingly. I also focused on traveling lightly, aiming to go carry-on-only as often as possible. 

As a travel writer and the founder of a packing list newsletter on Substack, I’ve pretty much gotten the whole packing and unpacking process down to a science—and I’m sharing my best packing tips (and newfound learnings) of the year with you, so you can take them with you in 2026.

My 2025 Travel MVPs

Solidify your luggage lineup

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-on Luggage

Bagsmart Expandable Tote Bag

As someone who regularly tests new luggage, I own all kinds of suitcases, weekenders, duffels, backpacks, packing cubes, and pouches—but I usually return to the same ones again and again. I find relying on a couple of key pieces takes the guesswork out of packing. I know I’m going to use my Away Bigger Carry-on and my Tom Beckbe Carry-all Bag—and I’m familiar with exactly how much I can pack in each piece. Similar pieces are the popular Samsonite Freeform Carry-on, which has been Travel + Leisure’s favorite carry-on bag over and over again. The Bagsmart Expandable Tote is also a traveler-loved personal item bag that can fit all your essentials and more—for just $24. 

Invest in compression packing cubes

Bagsmart 6-set Compression Packing Cubes

For a few years, I mainly used regular packing cubes. This year, however, I made the switch to compression packing cubes, ones designed with a nifty zipper system that removes some of the bulk. Now, I’ll never go back, particularly when I’m packing more voluminous items (like sweaters and down jackets or vests). I’ve been alternating between the Antler packing cubes and this set from Bagsmart, and I’ve been completely satisfied with the performance of both. 

Use a luggage scale

Etekcity Luggage Scale

I learned this trick several years ago, and I now recommend it to every traveler I meet. In fact, ever since I purchased this $12 luggage scale from Amazon in 2022, I’ve never once stressed or wondered about my checked bag’s weight prior to heading to the airport. Once I’m all packed, I slip the strap around the top handle and weigh the suitcase. It’s incredibly accurate, and it’s even small enough to bring with me on my trip (important if I’m planning on returning with some souvenirs). 

Pack according to a color palette

Prettygarden Two-piece Matching Set

As a recovered overpacker, I find this is the packing rule that keeps me in line the most. Whenever I’m planning a packing list, I lean into a color palette—blues (denim and navy), or black and white. It’s a strategy that allows me to better mix and match, thus increasing the versatility of each piece. Plus, it creates guidelines around what I can and can’t pack. 

Use Apple AirTags

Apple AirTags 4 pack

I always keep an Apple AirTag in my suitcase, even if it’s a carry-on. Knowing where my luggage is at all times gives me peace of mind as I navigate airports and new cities. No, I can’t control if my luggage makes it on a flight, but I can arm myself with the technology that lets me know where it ends up. Pro tip: Always have extra batteries on hand. One of my AirTags died as I was packing for this Jackson Hole trip, and I was able to quickly replace the battery ahead of leaving for the airport. 

Have a dedicated airport uniform

Oversized Button-down Shirt

Drawstring Wide-leg Pants

2025 was the year I became reliant on my airport uniform. The exact outfit changed by the season—in summer, it was white linen pants and an oversized white buttondown; in colder months, it was a matching knit set—but it made getting ready for a travel day infinitely easier, as I didn’t have to spend time figuring out a comfortable (but still put-together) outfit to wear while in transit. 

Keep travel-sized toiletry products on hand

Biotrue Contact Solution Travel-size, 4-count

Crest 3D White Brilliance Travel-size Toothpaste, 12-pack

If you’ve come across any other packing articles I’ve written, you’ve likely read about my affinity for travel-sized toiletry products. I’m a stickler about keeping small bottles of contact solution, face wash, moisturizer, and toothpaste in my bathroom. It means that when it’s time to pack my toiletry bag, I can grab and go—no more stressing about consolidating products into smaller, TSA-approved containers. 

Find versatile sneakers

New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe

Allbirds Women’s Wool Runner Go Sneakers

Admittedly, this packing “rule” took me a little too long to learn. I try to keep up my workout routine when I’m traveling, so exercise clothes and shoes always have a place in my bag. In past years, I would bring a pair of “nice” sneakers as well as my gym sneakers. This year, I made the executive decision to find a pair that could do double-duty. Now, I only bring a versatile New Balance style—no, I can’t necessarily run a half-marathon in these shoes, but I can comfortably walk and lift weights.

Keep nicer shoes in separate shoe bags

BeeGreen Travel Shoe Organizer With Zipper Closure 6 pack

Quality over quantity has been one of my packing mantras this year. For example, I’m more likely to invest in a really nice pair of shoes versus buying several pairs I’ll rotate between. But travel also inevitably results in wear and tear, so I do what I can to keep my investment pieces in pristine condition. One way I do so is by using shoe bags. This extra layer of protection keeps my footwear separate from the rest of the contents of the suitcase, removing any chance of unnecessary scratches or blemishes on the leather or suede materials. 

Use a hat clip

Niveaya Magnetic Hat Clip

A big straw hat is one of my nonnegotiables if I’m traveling somewhere tropical. But as anyone who’s ever attempted to travel with this type of accessory knows, carrying a sizable hat through the airport is nothing less than annoying—and you don’t necessarily want to wear it while walking between terminals. The solve, thankfully, is both simple and affordable: a hat clip. You just attach the magnetized clip to the brim and hook the device on the strap of your backpack or tote.

Organize on-the-go essentials into travel pouches

Jarlink 18 Pack, 8 Sizes Mesh Pouches

Yoolife Initial Makeup Bag

My personal item bag is always full: my passport and wallet, a laptop, snacks, a book, chargers, cords, small toiletries, etc. To keep it all organized, I rely on a multi-pouch method. My snacks, vitamins, and electrolytes have a designated pouch. My chargers and cords are neatly packed away in another. This means that while the tote bag may be full, I’m never digging around in a panic trying to find what I need. 

Fly with compression socks

Levsox Thick Cotton Compression Socks

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware of how travel affects my body. I hydrate, I stretch, and I wear compression socks on long-haul flights. I want to arrive at my destination as comfortable as possible, and compression socks help reduce any swelling or leg fatigue. Do yourself a favor and invest in a pair if you haven’t already. 

Always fly with a leak-proof reusable water bottle

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

I mentioned staying hydrated while traveling above, and the easiest way to do so is by carrying a reusable water bottle with you. Not just any water bottle will do, though. You need one that won’t leak or spill if your bag tips over, and it shouldn’t be too oversized. I like the Owala FreeSip best, and it comes in an impressive range of fun colorways. 

Have a post-trip laundry system

Bagail Packing Cubes

Finally, if I can leave you with one just packing tip, let it be this: always bring an extra packing cube for your dirty laundry. During your trip, you can fill it with your worn clothing, keeping those pieces separate from the clean items. Then, when you arrive back home, you can quickly dump the contents into your laundry basket or washing machine. Trust me, it makes the unpacking process significantly less overwhelming.

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