Here are some more packing – not parking – tips from the editors at Travel & Leisure. After all, we’ve got all your parking needs already covered here at SmartPark! Pack smarter and park SMART-er!
Pack Socks Inside Shoes
“To save more space in your carry-on bag, try packing your socks inside your shoes. Not only will that save space in your bag, the socks will help your shoes retain their form and prevent the shoes from getting squished in an overpacked bag.” — Mary Robnett, Assistant Photo Editor
Have a Ready-to-go Health Kit
“After going on international adventures and suffering food poisoning, sudden fever, cuts and scrapes, terrible bug bites, and other ailments — and then having to navigate a foreign pharmacy — I’ve learned to always pack a small medical kit. I keep a toiletry bag ready to go stocked with Band-aids, Neosporin, pain relievers, cold medicine, medicine for stomach trouble, itch relief ointment, antibiotics (you can ask your doctor for an emergency prescription before you travel), and ear plugs (life savers on long-haul flights and trains). And if you never have to use it, all the better!” — Karen Chen, Digital Producer
Separate Jewelry With Snack Size Bags
“Buy ‘snack size’ plastic bags for packing necklaces. To prevent tangling, give each one its own bag and fasten the clasp.” — Kathy Roberson, Copy & Research Chief
Check the Hotel Closet
“In the closet of most high-end hotel rooms, you’ll find draw-string fabric bags for laundry and shoes. They’re semi-disposable, but fantastic for packing. Trust me, using them to separate shoes and dirty laundry will totally transform your return-journey packing experience.” — Flora Stubbs, Features Director
Use Dryer Sheets to Stay Fresh
“Put Bounce dryer sheets between items of clothing in your suitcase to keep everything fresh.” — Jesse Ashlock, Executive Editor
Pack Your Favorite Toiletries in Travel-sized Bottles
“Instead of relying on hotel shampoos and soaps, pack your favorite products. Nalgene has a cheap, simple travel kit that allows you to fill a few bottles with your own body wash, shampoo, and other toiletries. It’s TSA-approved, spill-proof, and comes in a translucent carrying bag, so you don’t need to worry about getting through security.” — John Scarpinato, Assistant Editor
Be Prepared for Wet Swimwear
“I always pack a plastic grocery bag — or steal the shower cap from the hotel if I forget — to stash a wet bathing suit in for the return home. That way, we get to enjoy every last second on the beach.” — Jacqueline Gifford, Special Projects Editor
Waterproof Your Bag
“My favorite tip is to waterproof my bag using what I’m already bringing with me. I line my suitcase with water-resistant things: rain boots on the bottom, for example, zip-locked toiletries and makeup bag on the sides, and a rain jacket on top. Voila: instant weather-tight luggage.” — Melanie Lieberman, Associate Digital Editor
Bring a Laundry Bag
“Bring a mesh or collapsible laundry bag with you. When you’re traveling to your destination, you can lay it over all your clothes to keep things in place. During your trip it helps keep your clothes off the hotel room floor and on the way home, it helps separate dirty clothes from clean — easy to grab and do your wash after a trip, too!” — Lindsey Campbell, Senior Audience Engagement Editor