Whether you're a regular jet-setter or a travel newbie, packing for your next adventure can be a strenuous task. There are so many questions and unknowns attached to filling up your bag, including the size of the bag itself. How many pairs of socks will you need? What will the weather be like? What is the baggage allowance of the airline? And the list goes on and on.
I know that I personally dread packing before a trip - big or small - as I am extremely indecisive when it comes to picking which parts of my wardrobe I want to bring with me. That's why I've asked travel experts to weigh in for both myself and HELLO!'s readers and share their best travel packing hacks to save space and money ahead of your next holiday.
Check the rules before you fly
First and foremost, it is important to understand what you can and can't take with you on the plane. Each airline has different allowances and requirements when it comes to weight and the size of your suitcase. Search your airline's website for exact instructions on this or contact their customer service teams for more guidance.
Common UK Airline Cabin Bag Rules:
It is worth noting that rules can change, so always double-check before flying.
British Airways Baggage Policy
Vicky Philpott, travel and festival blogger at VickyFlipFlop, has over 10 thousand followers and helps people save money and travel on a budget. She told HELLO!: "The important thing here is quality over quantity. Choose a well made and sturdy bag or case that makes the most of the dimensions you’re allowed with the airline. Opt for one with a compression double zip to fit even more in. I have Antler hard shell wheeled suitcases in three sizes."
Tuck and roll with packing cubes
Featured in plenty of viral packing videos, packing cubes are a great tool to make use of when filling up your bags and they are sold in the likes of Primark, so won't cost you an arm and a leg.
Vicky explained: "Use packing cubes, preferably the compression ones for even more space. They’re great for keeping you organised too. If you don’t want to buy cubes, any small bags will do – even zip locks, or the ones you get from clothes deliveries. They can be really good for helping you organise your tech and wires too."
Next, the seasoned traveller suggested to "Roll up your clothes into them – as tightly as they’ll go. This frees up space and reduces wrinkles. Use the spaces inside shoes to store socks, underwear or swimwear. For extra freshness, fold a dryer sheet in between. It keeps everything smelling clean when you open the case."
© Getty Images'Work on your wardrobe'
When it comes to packing smartly and making the most of your space, less is more! Really think about whether or not you will actually wear the clothes and shoes you are dumping haphazardly into your case and if there's a seed of doubt, leave it behind. I promise you won't miss it and will be grateful for the extra space. I am personally guilty of overpacking and bringing along items I never wear so am very much in need of the experts here here.
"Work on your wardrobe. I usually lay everything I want to take on the bed, and then aim to put half back. You really don’t need as much as you think," Vicky revealed.
She continued: "Just make sure to cover the essentials and you can usually pick up a nice souvenir if you’ve forgotten anything when you get there. Bring versatile clothes, and try to create a capsule travel wardrobe. Wear the bulkiest items on the plane, and it’s amazing how much you can fit in your pockets!"
© Getty ImagesWear your bulkiest items on the plane
To free up space in your carry-on suitcase, it might be a good idea to travel dressed in your heaviest and bulkiest items of clothing. Layer up and wear your heaviest shoes, jacket, or knitwear during your travel day so that they don't take up valuable space in your luggage. Not only does this hack free up space in your suitcase, but it also keeps you warm on chilly flights and gives you flexibility, as you can simply remove a layer once you’re seated on the plane.
Vicky added: "Take either an ultra lightweight backpack or just a canvas bag on the plane, so you can decant what you’ve stashed in your pockets and shed any layers. These could also fit under your coat, depending on the time of year you travel."
Save space by ditching the toiletries
We are by no means suggesting you forget about shampoo or body wash for the duration of your holiday but you can save valuable space in your suitcase by purchasing your toiletries after security. Pre-order minis or shop as you go and you will be surprised at the amount of extra room you have for other things.
Vicky said: "You can save space on toiletries by just buying some new ones at the airport. Boots offer a click and collect service airside so you can just pick it up there and take on the flight. Or, buy your shampoos, conditioners and shower gels when you get there and enjoy using more than you normally would to use them up!"
