Traveling can be a stressful process – and it’s even worse if you’re disorganized.
From fumbling around to find your boarding pass to waiting at the baggage claim for your lost luggage – many travelers add needless stress to their travel experience.
But with a few travel hacks – you can be organized and efficient – which saves you time and makes your travels just a little bit easier.
Organize Your Belongings in Packing Cubes
When looking for a specific item, there’s no need to empty out your entire suitcase.
Purchase a set of packing cubes and organize your stuff via category.
Use one for clothes, another to hold cords for charging electronics, another for socks and undergarments, etc.
If you’re cold and looking for a sweater, instead of dumping your stuff all over the terminal, you can simply reach in and pull out your cube, and take out your sweater.
This simple hack makes all your items fit nicely in your suitcase – I use them every time I travel and it’s a game changer.
Purchase a Digital Luggage Scale
Airlines are stingy and they are getting more and more strict about the weight of your luggage – including your carry-on.
Some airlines limit your carry-on piece to a measly 20lbs – and charge an exorbitant fee if your bag is over.
Don’t wait until you’re at the airport to find out how much your bag weighs.
You’ll risk either having to throw away stuff or pay a hefty fee.
For about $10 you can purchase a simple digital luggage scale and weigh your bag at home so you can confidently travel knowing your bag made the cut.
Avoid Checking a Bag If At All Possible
Proud American Traveler has written extensively on the downside of checking a bag.
From lost luggage, to being limited in connecting flights should you need to reroute at the last minute because of flight cancelations – checking a bag adds an unnecessary layer of stress to your travel.
Not to mention airlines are making a killing off your luggage by charging for additional bags or excess weight.
If you absolutely must check a bag – be sure to research your airline’s luggage weight allowance and weigh it before you hit the airport.
Check-In Before
If you aren’t checking a bag, you’re simply wasting time waiting in a long line of passengers just to have an agent check you in and print your boarding pass.
Check in and print your pass before you head to the airport.
Or download your airline’s app and have the digital copy ready to scan.
When you arrive at the airport, you can simply head to security and then straight to the gate, saving you precious moments.
TSA Line
And finally, when going through the TSA line – don’t make it any harder on yourself.
Unless you have TSA PreCheck – yes you’ll be forced to take off your shoes, belt, jacket, etc.
Probably not the best idea to wear shoes that are hard to take off or a bunch of jewelry.
And make sure your toiletries are in a clear bag, not above 3oz, so you can jump through their hoops and just board your plane.
Being organized helps you beat the airport at their own game.
Even better, it allows you to make it through the airport madness with as little self-induced chaos as possible.
Which part about travel is the most stressful for you?
What organizational travel hacks do you implement to make your travels easier?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with all your friends!
