We just got back from a family trip to Costa Rica and while unpacking I was thinking about a few things that worked really well for us, so I thought I would share. They’re small things, but they made traveling easier and less chaotic.
1. Always Bring Your Own Snacks
Even if you plan to buy food, always pack snacks.
Travel days are unpredictable. Delays happen, lines are long, and food options can be expensive or limited. Having snacks on hand removes a lot of unnecessary stress.
Snacks that travel well:
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muffins
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sandwiches or wraps
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cut fruit
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crackers and cheese
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granola bars or trail mix
Reusable snack bags are perfect for this. They’re easy to pack, keep snacks contained, and get reused throughout the trip for outings and day trips.
2. Pack Water Bottles
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth the reminder.
Bringing water bottles saves money and cuts down on waste. It’s one of those simple habits that makes a noticeable difference over the course of a trip.
3. Pack Light (and Plan to Do Laundry)
Overpacking makes travel harder. Packing lighter, but planning ahead makes it easier.
What works for us:
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pack fewer outfits
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plan for one mid‑trip laundry load
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bring a couple of laundry detergent tabs
A waterproof wet bag is perfect for dirty clothes, damp swimsuits, or separating laundry on the way home.
4. Bring Solid Shampoo, Conditioner, and Soap
Solid toiletries are one of the easiest travel upgrades.
Why we love them:
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no liquid limits
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no leaks in your bag
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lighter to pack
We store shampoo and conditioner bars in a waterproof snack bag to keep everything else dry, then toss the bag in the wash when we get home.
5. Wet Bags Are Key
There’s always something wet...swimsuits, towels, or clothes that aren’t quite dry.
Keeping a wet bag easily accessible is something we rely on every time we travel. It’s perfect for:
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damp clothes
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swimsuits after the pool or beach
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unexpected spills
It’s one of those items we end up using again and again.
6. A Belt Bag Is a Game‑Changer
A belt bag (or cross‑body bag) is one of my favourite things to bring when traveling.
It keeps essentials close:
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passport
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boarding passes
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phone
Simple, practical, and surprisingly helpful.
7. Bring a Turkish Towel
I was recently gifted a Turkish towel and loved having it on our trip.
They’re:
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lightweight and pack down small
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quick to dry
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great as a beach or pool towel
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useful as a beach blanket, wrap, or light cover
One towel, lots of uses...exactly what you want when you’re trying to pack light.
8. Bring Water Shoes
We brought water shoes and ended up wearing them everywhere—on the beach, in the ocean, and even on hikes. They’re lightweight, quick to dry, and surprisingly versatile.
Hopefully one or two of these tips make your next trip a little easier too. Let me know if you have any other travel tips to share!