How to Pack Your Suitcase Like a Pro

Fall victim to packing your entire closet? Cher Horowitz from Clueless wouldn’t be caught dead wearing the same outfit twice, but let’s be practical. Keeping your clothes more color-neutral makes it easier to mix and match, so you can sport the same sweater, pants, etc. more than once. You may love that neon orange shirt, but you may not want to see it on repeat if you’re taking a lot of photos on your trip. You can always add a little pizazz with colorful scarves and accessories that don’t take up much room in your bag. 

You only have 2 feet. You’ll be gone for a week, let’s be realistic, you won’t likely need 5 pairs of shoes. Choose the most comfortable and versatile pair - we love a chic chunky heeled bootie for winter and maybe a pair of stylish sneakers like converse.  

Less Is More

Simplify your travel toiletry bag by emptying large bottles into smaller containers to lighten your load and only bring with you the amount you’ll need. We love these secure little containers  If you’re carrying on vs. checking your luggage, be sure to stay within the 3.4 oz TSA  guidelines. You can also empty lotions, creams, or makeup foundation into an extra contact lens case if you have one handy. A good test is to eliminate any toiletries you haven’t used in the last week– you most likely won’t need it. 

Clean out your wallet - you won’t need your Costco card in Paris, so take it out! Eliminate items from your purse and opt for this lightweight pocketed belt that allows you to be hands-free and virtually weightless.

Check your accommodations. You may not need to bring a hairdryer, shower gel, bathrobe, or slippers if your hotel or where you're staying provides those items. 

Packing Hack to Save Space and Stay Organized

The key to saving space is having your items laying as flat as possible in your suitcase (taking up more lateral surface area in your bag vs. in cubes). We love these Space Saver Bags by Ziploc for keeping clothes clean, organized, wrinkle-free, and easily visible. You can keep your clothes easily organized by outfit for quick access and because they’re transparent, you’ll avoid having to go through your entire bag searching for what you need. They are super easy to us: simply place your clothes in the bags (as flat as possible, leaving a couple of inches to spare toward the end that you will seal), start rolling from the opposite end eliminating the air with each roll, and seal. Taking out the air prevents wrinkles and compresses your clothes to allow for more space in your suitcase. Extra credit if you throw a dryer sheet in the bag to keep your clothes smelling fresh. And one more benefit— if the TSA needs to open your bag, your items stay safe and germ free!

You’re on a Roll

Toss that duffle bag and opt for a bag on wheels. You’ll move swiftly through the airport without back pain and shoulder strain. Also, the lighter the suitcase the better. 

Swap the Shoulder Bag for BANDI

You’re running through security, ugh and you had to take off your shoes, belt, and sweater, then you ask yourself, “Did I put my licence away?” Keep calm and stay organized with this slim pocketed belt. 

Travel Tips to Stay Healthy on Your Flight

Stay Hydrated 

Make sure to drink plenty of water and fluids to avoid dehydration (at least 8 oz of water every hour you are in flight). Because there is a lack of humidity in the cabin air, we’re more prone to dehydration, dry skin, and fatigue. Bring a bottle of water with you and drink up during the flight.

Reduce salt intake. Excess sodium, combined with the effects of travel cause the body to retain more water resulting in swelling. So, skipping Chinese food the day before your departure and opting for fresh fruits and vegetables might be worth your while.

Wear compression socks  to avoid post-flight swelling in your legs and feet. Compression socks are wonderful for your circulation because they provide consistent pressure which encourages upward blood to flow from your ankles to your heart. 

Boost Your Immunity

Being in close quarters with less air flow means more germs floating around. You can reduce the chance of getting sick by boosting your immunity ahead of time. We love these tasty little lozenges by Kindroot. These plant-powered gems are packed with immunity-boosting adaptogens that promote relaxation while keeping your body’s stress at bay. 

Tips to Improve Your Posture while Inflight

Feeling the tension and strain from slouching in your seat? There are a couple of things you can do to help maintain proper alignment and stay pain-free. 

• Pack an extra sweatshirt to roll up and place behind your lower back for lumbar support. Maintaining the natural curvature of your lower back will facilitate the natural curve in your cervical spine. Most car and airplane seats are concave causing passengers to sink their lower backs into the seat resulting in a hunched back posture.

• Wear your BackEmbrace back posture corrector to relieve tension in your upper back, neck, and shoulders so you can relax with proper spinal alignment while seated. Wearing in short 20-30-minute increments is all you need to feel instant relief from stress and strain. It’s the perfect travel companion since its ultra soft material is flexible and easily foldable and compact to fit in any bag.  

Do posture correctors work? Here’s what back doctors say

Inflight Stretches to Improve Your Posture 

Aside from getting up and taking a walk in the cabin, practicing some simple inflight stretches will help ensure you arrive at your destination tension free and with better posture. Take 5 minutes out of every hour to do these seated exercises.

Chin tucks to Avoid Neck Pain: With your neck and shoulders in a relaxed position, gently glide your chin straight back while tucking your chin to your neck without holding your breath. You should feel a pulling sensation in your upper neck. Hold that position for about 5 seconds before bringing your chin forward again.

Neck Circles to Protect Your Neck: Start by gazing up at the ceiling to lengthen your neck. Then, bring your left ear toward your left shoulder, hold, and relax. Roll your shoulders up and back. Then, return to your upward gaze and bring your right ear toward your right shoulder.

Full Body Roll Down to Alleviate Stiffness: When you’re able to move about the cabin, find a space to roll slowly from the crown of your head down your spine until you can touch your heels. Aim to keep your chest as close to your knees as possible. 

Shoulder/Scapular Squeezes to Prevent Rounded Shoulders : With your feet flat on the floor, bend your elbows and raise your arms to shoulder height, keeping your palms forward. Squeeze your shoulder blades together to move your arms back. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 5 times.

If you enjoyed this article, check out our blog post and get our expert tips to fix rounded shoulders here.