7 traveling tips to pack for your next vacation

We all know that feeling when we realize we forgot to pack our favorite hat. Or a toothbrush. To make sure all the essentials get in your loaded suitcase, come up with a few lists of what you’ll need for your trip. Write down how many days you’ll be gone for, and pack the appropriate number of outfits. Go down your list of toiletries and pack them into one small bag to ensure they are all in o...

Don’t wait until a few hours before you depart to start packing. Packing already takes a lot of time and energy, but realizing you don’t have sunscreen a few hours before your flight can make the whole experience more annoying than it has to be. Packing last minute guarantees that you’ll be at Target at 9 p.m. to get travel size shampoo containers. You’ll also unfortunately find out that you...

Traveling is already uncomfortable; whether you’re flying or driving, you’re going to be sitting in the same unbearable chair for hours. Don’t add to that discomfort by wearing clothes that will make the long hours in the car or plane go slower. It is always easiest to wear shoes that are easy to slide on and off. Making your trip through security a breeze, and making your overall travel day ...

It may seem like you need that extra pillow or blanket, or that book that you know you won’t be reading (because you just downloaded every season of “The Office” on Netflix), but you don’t. Having to haul something like an extra blanket around the airport or having to carry it on your way up to the hotel room will definitely make you more eager to hit the hay. You may think you need to pack bot...

It’s really awkward when you are taking pictures in front of old museums and statues, and you don’t know a thing about why they are there. Make sure to research your destination before you get there so you have something to look forward to for your trip. Famous artifacts and monuments are way more interesting when they aren’t coming through a screen and you are in the present. Just to be safe...

Many times the small bags of pretzels and peanuts offered by the airlines aren’t enough to keep your hunger under control. Though they are cute and honestly delicious, bringing a bag of chips and a small sandwich will help make sure you aren’t in need of a four course meal when you land. Airports always over price everything, so packing a few snacks beforehand can help you save a few extra dolla...

Seeing your phone on 2% after a long day of traveling is quite possibly the worst feeling in the world. Long plane rides are only manageable if you have a charged phone to listen to music. Not having something to communicate with is terrifying, regardless of whether or not you’re in a different country. Just bring your phone charger, it’s not that hard. Let it do its thing during your three hou...