Typically, traveling during the holiday season can be challenging —especially when you have a kid tow! It’s understandable that the pressure is doubled when you have an infant or a toddler braving the road or even the skies with hundreds if not thousands of other people.
But here’s the thing, whether you’re heading home for Christmas Eve or welcoming the New Year somewhere tropical, being prepared ahead of time helps relieve some of the stress. That’s right, knowing how to maneuver your way around a large crowd, pack essentials and even clothes make all the difference to traveling easy (and worry-free!).
Which is why today, I am sharing my clever tips for surviving the holiday travels while keeping your cool (along with your sanity). Consider this post your Parent-Approved Full-Proof guide to surviving a long drive, each flight, and even a train ride! Let’s get you started …
How-To Pack Your Things Smarter, Lighter, and Organized.
1. Choose the Right Luggage
The most important thing to consider when packing is to choose AND invest in the right luggage. Some may think it is not as important, but a suitcase’s durability, weight, and compartment play a huge role. In fact, it should be as lightweight as possible so it won’t take a lot of your baggage allowance. Personally, I love and trust the Genius Pack Carry On, because it is extremely light –weighing at 6.2 lbs to be exact.
It is also ideal to check your luggage’s dimensions, as the most common allowable size in all airports is 22 x 14 x 9 (height x length x width). And this is another reason why I love my Genius Pack Carry-On because its dimension is 21.5 x 14 x 9 including the wheels and handles –giving me a hassle-free gate check during flights.
Also, remember to bring an extra set of clothes for your little one (for any unexpected messes), a handful of snacks, and even a few handy toys or a small activity book. Trust me, they are a lifesaver! This is on top of what you have in your diaper bag.
2. Create a Packing List
One thing my husband and I often forgot to do when packing is to create a packing list. Little did we know that this is the most effective way to pack everything WITHOUT forgetting anything. There’s no back-and-forth as to who has what and what else is needed. It is also advisable to create a list weeks ahead of your travel date so you will have more time to think and complete your list. Another great thing about the Genius Pack Carry On is that it has a spacious separate compartment to keep everything organized and in place.
3. Roll and Vacuum
Another effective way to maximize the space is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. Tightly roll your clothes and then put them in a vacuum compression bags. Seal the bag and then use a vacuum to squeeze the air out. Doing so gives you more room and space in your luggage. Another reason that rolling is a lot better than folding because it prevents your clothes from getting wrinkles and creases. Another reason to consider vacuum sealed bags is that it keeps your clothes from getting wet and stained. With Genius Pack Carry On, space is not a problem because it also has compression straps to help keep things in place.
4. Fill Dead Space
When packing your luggage, make sure you fill every inch of your luggage, leaving no dead space. Believe me, no matter how small the remaining space is, there is always something you can fill it with. Consider filling the dead-space with your small belongings like toothbrush, mirror, underwear, socks and possibly even baby clothes or toys. Good thing, aside from dead spaces, other small stuff has its own place in Genius Pack Carry On, as it has interior category compartments for chargers, socks, and undergarments. I really appreciate the categorized compartment because it helps me save time looking for certain stuff. No more tossing everything inside the luggage and then struggle later looking for it.
5. Keep Your Clothes Fresh
It is essential to make sure your clothes are fresh all throughout the trip by keeping your laundry away from your clean one. Obviously, no one wants to mix their hamper of dirty clothes to their cleans ones, nor have a fresh outfit smell sweaty from a dirty shirt. Keep everything FRESH and clean with the Genius Pack Carry On laundry compartment.
The Genius Pack Carry On is my perfect choice when it comes to packing smart, light, and organize because it has all the qualities that I need for luggage. Genius Pack Carry On is super lightweight and spacious, not to mention it’s affordable and stylish too! It matches my style and needs, and that’s the main reason why I highly recommend it.
Did you find these tips helpful? Have safe travels!

Charlotte
January 17, 2019How clever! I find it so hard to pack everything into my suitcase when I go abroad. I love the look of your blog too!
Hannah Wood
January 17, 2019I need a new suitcase so bad mine is all messed up and not only that it is to heavy the material.
rhian westbury
January 18, 2019I need to get a really nice carry on suitcase so I can plan out my packing better x
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too
January 18, 2019I’m terrible for overpacking when we go away, these are great tips and will hopefully lighten the load
Emma
January 18, 2019This is such a helpful post. I’m going on holiday in September and have been stressing about choosing the right size carry-on luggage. The Genius Pack Carry On looks like a fab option.
Samantha Donnelly
January 18, 2019Great advice here, I am terrible at packing so found these really helpful x
Jenni
January 20, 2019This case looks amazing, I love having separate compartments
alexandra
January 22, 2019These are some great tips! I never thought to vacuum pack my clothes before, so I will definitely give this a try 🙂
Maggie Unzueta
January 23, 2019I am so loving this blog! Thank you for sharing your ideas. I could really use this when traveling!
Ria Amber Tesia
January 23, 2019This is such an informative post. I am the worst packer, so this is really helpful, I think lists definitely help. 🙂
Stacie
January 23, 2019I LOVE this! I’ve been looking for a new carry-on, and I think this one looks perfect.
Dominique Brooks
January 23, 2019I am loving the hard rolling suitcases like the Genius Pack. I had never heard of compression straps but what an idea! My packing life would have been so much better if I had known before! Thanks for sharing!
Sara
January 23, 2019I also like to roll my clothes when I travel; it really does make more space and keeps your clothes looking fresh!
Marysa
January 23, 2019These are such great tips. Traveling is tough and stressful, and packing always takes so much time and effort! These are all good things to keep in mind. I’ve never rolled my clothes, but it makes sense. I actually roll towels for my kids when they go to swim team and it is a good strategy.
Hang Around The World - Paolo
January 23, 2019Thank you for your post, it is helpful. The photos are amazing. What camera did you use?
reesa
January 23, 2019I’m in the market for a new piece of luggage just like this! I need to look into it!
Liz Mays
January 23, 2019I have a trip coming up so these tips should help a lot! The Genius Pack Carry On seems like an awesome choice for frequent travelers.
sara lafountain
January 23, 2019Thank you for these packing tips! I have a trip next month and I like to pack 5 minutes before I have to leave, it is a terrible way to pack!
Sophia
January 23, 2019Bringing on a carry on is now my preferred way to pack.
Amy Desrosiers
January 23, 2019Wow, this is super helpful!! I need a better hard case suitcase! I pack the worst and tend to take too much with me.
Claudia Krusch
January 23, 2019I need new luggage, thank you for sharing this! Can’t wait to check it out!
Jasmine Hewitt
January 23, 2019packing is a challenge for me. i either overpack or underpack, i can never find the happy medium
Stephanie Pass
January 24, 2019I have definitely found that rolling my clothes together makes it so much easier to just take a carry on, even if I’m staying for quite a few days.
Krystal
January 24, 2019This is such a fancy piece to add to my travel collection. Durable and fairly priced.
Helen Neale
January 24, 2019Such a great guide. Packing is something that makes me feel bad all the time. I hate it. Thank you for sharing.
Preet
January 24, 2019I found packing really hard. That is why I always let do my husband to do the job Lol
sarah
January 24, 2019Love these tips! I need to share with my cousin, she travels a ton and packs like 3 suitcases. These tips would come in handy.
Catherine
January 24, 2019Great tips for packing and the carry on is really nice!
Courthey
January 24, 2019I tend to over pack. Always lol… it’s ridiculously I need to use some of your tips
Pamela Frost
January 25, 2019I love this advice! I don’t usually roll my clothes but I do use bags and squeeze the air out of them. I have to pack for the Oprah Girlfriends cruise this weekend and I need to pack very smartly because we don’t have a lot of room for the luggage. I will try the rolling method to see if it saves me space and keeps my dresses from wrinkling.
Sarah Emery
September 25, 2019Yes! Rolling and vacuum clothes IS the genius packing best tip! Such a space saver and way to pack like a pro. Great list!