Some of the simplest things you have around the house can become helpful travel tools. Today I thought I would share a few of my current favorite cheap and easy travel hacks.
Hack #1 Downy Wrinkle Releaser
I actually adapted this one from something I saw while watching Below Deck Mediterranean. During a yacht charter, they spritz Downy Wrinkle Releaser over the beds as they make them up each day. I already used the product, and have now started spraying it on our sheets periodically when I make up the bed.
That gave me the idea for this travel hack. Our luggage has fabric liners inside. When I pull our bags out before a trip, I open them up and mist the Downy Wrinkle Releaser over them, then let them air out for a day. It just helps everything smell so fresh. You can also put a dryer sheet or two inside your bags when you pack them away to keep them smelling fresh while stored.
Hack #2 Fold Flat Bag
This particular fold-flat bag was $1.99 at TJ Maxx, but you can find them all over the place. I liked this one for the print, it has thermal lining and it is a good size. I just place it flat in the bottom of the suitcase where it takes up virtually no room and then pack over the top of it. When we get to our destination it can serve many purposes.
- Going to the pool – fill with ice and cold beverages
- Heading to the beach – packed with some snacks, drinks or beach supplies
- Extra storage – I generally don’t check any luggage, but if I am buying souvenirs sometimes I just need a little extra room. This bag can be used as a carry-on item filled with treasures and then I can simply check my suitcase (I get free checked bags with the airlines we use).
Hack #3 Reusing Mini Bottles
I try to do my part to recycle, reduce waste and limit single-use plastic items. I have mini bottles of most of my hair care products and grooming supplies for travel. Instead of throwing them away when they are empty, I just refill them out of my full-size bottles. Then I wipe them off well and make sure the lids are on tight. Bam, ready for the next trip. Cheaper and better for the environment.
Hack #4 Empty Reusable Water Bottle
You can’t take drinks through TSA Checkpoints so I pack an empty reusable water bottle in my handbag. Most airports and a lot of public places have water-filling stations. This saves you from paying high airport prices for a bottle of water and is better for the environment. Fill it up after you clear security and keep it handy on the plane so you can stay hydrated!
Hack #5 Pack Bubble Wrap
Save a few sheets of bubble wrap from packages that you get to reuse when you travel. I like the flat small bubble type that takes up very little room in the bottom of my suitcase. Then if you pick up a fragile treasure, you can use the bubble wrap to help provide some protection during your trip home. If you don’t have bubble wrap, you can always roll fragile items inside an item of clothing before you packing it into your bag.
Hack #6 Extension Cord or Surge Suppressor
When traveling internationally power outlets can be tricky. I have a set of universal power adapters that have come in quite handy during our travels to Europe. But if you only have one adapter, you can only plug in one thing. Instead of buying several adapters, pack an extension cord or surge suppressor. Plug the extension cord or strip into the power adapter then plug all your devices into the multiple outlets.
Hack #7 Empty Gallon Sized Zipper Bags
Another thing to pack that takes up no space in your luggage is a few gallon-sized plastic zipper bags. They will fit in any small pocket of your suitcase. I just leave them in my bag and when they get used replace them. They come in handy for lots of things when you travel. Here are a few examples:
- Use it for a wet swimsuit right before you pack up
- Make an ice pack if you get a boo-boo (I have first-hand experience with this)
- Put anything you think might leak inside your suitcase into one
- My husband even used one for some fish he caught on our last trip
Packing it All Up
These hacks may seem kind of silly, but I think they are also quite handy. Most of these are cheap items that you probably already have on hand and will take up little to no space in your luggage. Plus I always feel good when I am able to Reduce, Reuse or Recycle items.
What are some of your favorite Travel Hacks?
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