Great Gear To Take The Stress Out Of Packing For Travel

Packing for vacation can be a cause of stress to many people, especially if they are in charge of packing for more than one person. It doesn't have to be that way. With a little time, thought, and help from some great gear; packing can be easier and dare I say even pleasurable. While the first rule for packing is always to make a list (maybe even several lists) the next step is to make sure you have the right tools to get the job done. Read on for some of the travel gear essentials I don't leave home without.


Great Gear To Take The Stress Out Of Packing For Travel


Packing Cubes

I'm a huge fan of packing cubes, and when researching this article I was told by a friend that "packing cubes are life." Using these handy portable compartments can give you a place for everything in an organized manner. Packing cubes make clothing easy to unpack and find once you get to your destination, they can contain difficult to pack items into one location, and the right cube can protection from dirt and dampness on your trip home. My husband and I often share a suitcase when we travel, and having sets of cubes in two different colors helps to keep our gear neat and organized.

• Packing Cubes Travel Set






A Luggage Scale and Extra Bag

More than once I have gone to check my bags in for the flight after a Disney Vacation, only to find that the souvenirs I stuffed inside had put me over my weight limit (usually 50lbs). This inevitably leads to me unpacking and rearranging my belongings right there at the desk n front of everyone. It holds up the line, and is more than a little embarrassing. I stopped that practice cold, by buying myself a small handheld luggage scale and a collapsible duffle. Now before I even leave for the airport I can check the weight of my bags and repack my gear in the privacy of my own room if I am overweight. This one even has a built in measuring tape so you can be sure your carry-on is in compliance.

• Smartrip Stop and Lock Manual Luggage Scale Mechanical Hanging Scale with Built In Measuring Tape
• LeSportsac Disney Minnie Mouse Medium Weekender Duffel Bag, Spring Fling







Fun Luggage Tags

My husband and I ask a lot of our luggage, so I think that they deserve awesome luggage tags. Sure - you can quickly scribble a paper one for free at the airport, but a cute tag helps to show off your personality and actually can make your bag easier to find at the luggage carousel. I'm pretty find of these red leather ear tags that help a boring bag (that looks like everyone else's) stand out in a crowd without having to buy a whole new set of luggage.

• Mickey Mouse Ears Leather Luggage Tag by COACH - Red






Gadget and Cord Organizer

This is one of those things that I never knew I was missing, and now I never want to be without. Investing in one of these means ever again will you search through the bottom of your bag, only to discover the cord you find is for the wrong device. If you travel with a lot of electronics, you need a cable stable. I suggest this one with neoprene pockets, and 15 flex spaces to hold cords, cables, adapters, batteries, external drives, and more!

• Skooba R750-300 Cable Stable DLX (Black)






Personal Travel Pillow and Blanket

I like to travel with my own comfort amenities, but I will never understand the bizarre trend of wearing your pillow and blanket to the airport. Yes, these items can take up precious room in your carry-on bag, but I promise, there is a better option than wearing them. Options like this Lewis N. Clark travel comfort set that packs down neat for easy transport with a strap to slip over your luggage handle. The set includes a full-size inflatable head pillow, fleece blanket, eye mask with elastic straps, and one pair of foam ear plugs; everything one needs for a restful flight.

• Travel Comfort Set, Black






I recently talked about 5 Tricks Savvy Air Travelers Use For Packing so be sure to go read those suggestions to get your packing plan on track!