hotel room hacks plus tips and tricks for packing, long-haul flights, and souvenir shopping

Since June, I’ve logged some serious travel miles, both in the air and on the road: so much so that I’ve christened this my Hot Jet Lag Summer.

I’ve toggled between three time zones while visiting beaches, islands, mountains, small towns, and cities in Australia, Greece, Connecticut, North Carolina, and the Adirondacks. I’ve eaten the world’s best Greek salad and fresh-caught seafood, sunned myself on speedboats, fishing boats, and ferries, hate-watched an entire season of Billions on a transatlantic flight, celebrated the milestone birthdays of close friends, and reunited with family (and friends who feel like family).

While I delight in experiencing different cultures and visiting beloved friends in familiar places, traveling can feel like a grueling endurance sport. From the complex geometry involved in packing suitcases, to tummy troubles, jet lag, and the dreaded post-vacation blues, I’ve put together a two-part guide filled with tips and tricks for making every trip the best it can be.

This week: advice for packing, long-haul flights, hotel stays, and souvenir shopping. Next week’s issue will cover my twin travel nemeses: jetlag and the post-vacation blues.

Packing

Take inspiration from the iconic Joan Didion, and keep a list of the items you need for every trip somewhere handy (I have a note in my iPhone). Unlike Joan, I pack PG Tips tea bags in lieu of cigarettes and bourbon; some of the other essentials on my list are chargers, air pods, Kindle, toiletries, underwear, pajamas, workout clothes, sneakers, a fleece sweater, and socks. I keep the chargers for my small devices (Kindle, Air Pods, phone, Fitbit) in the same drawer as my makeup and toiletry bags in my bathroom, so they’re easy to grab when packing.
Keep a travel toiletry bag permanently stocked with your basics. Mine contains face wash, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a razor. I never pack shampoo, conditioner, or body moisturizer: it’s fun to browse local pharmacies (especially in Europe!) to pick up exotic products.
Pack a mini-medical kit of over-the-counter drugs to anticipate common issues: I typically include antacids, antihistamines, painkillers, cold and flu medicine, and tissues.
If you’re checking a bag, take a large one. There is no need to skimp on size if you’re checking!
Pop a lavender sachet (or sprig), cedar chip, or dryer sheet in your bag to keep it smelling clean and fresh.
When selecting clothes for a trip: trust the weather forecast! My biggest packing errors have resulted from deluding myself that it will be hotter or colder than the forecast predicts. If you have friends or colleagues at your destination, ask them how they’re currently dressing for the weather.
Ensure the clothing you’re packing works together: pick a limited color scheme (3 colors are ideal), and if you have time, take pictures of yourself in various outfits before you pack them, including shoes!
A fleece or washable, comfortable sweater is a must on every trip. Even in steamy places, air conditioning can bring on the shivers.
Place the big, bulky things, such as shoes, toiletries, and makeup cases, into your bag or suitcase first, then fit everything else in around them.
Roll, don’t fold, clothes to maximize space. You can use the advanced “Ranger Rolling” technique or simply roll each piece of clothing as tightly as possible, eliminating wrinkles as you go. Then stuff small things like socks, underwear, and swimsuits into shoes, and the nooks and crannies left after packing all the big stuff.
Pack a mini steaming iron and fabric hangers for trips where you need to look your best, like weddings and important celebrations. If possible, opt for silk special occasion clothes, as they take up less space and resist wrinkling.
I repeat this mantra to prevent over-packing (it’s true almost anywhere in the world these days): if I forget it and really need it, I can buy it when I get there!

Long-Haul Flights

13. On long flights, dehydration is the enemy and water is your ally! Carry your own refillable water bottle, and do not drink alcohol at the airport or on the plane.

14. Eat light: plane food is typically packed with sodium which adds to dehydration.

15. Pack snacks, especially if you have food intolerances or, like me, get hangry in between meals! I always take macadamia nuts for salt, crunch, and protein, plus my favorite milk chocolate as a pick-me-up.

16. Pack disposable slippers (see below: pick them up in hotel rooms!) for wearing to and from the bathroom during the flight.

17. Ensure you have a comfortable pillow and warm blanket: even Business Class pillows and blankets can be flimsy so it’s best to take your own. These Trtl pillows are not overly bulky (or ugly!) and I do not travel without my trusty White and Warren throw.

18. Ditto anything else that helps you sleep, including earplugs and sleep masks. It may be embarrassing according to my teenaged kids, but I always pack my mouthguard to prevent grinding my teeth and waking up with a headache.

19. Hand-luggage must-haves: a phone charger; any evening/morning medications and vitamins; and painkillers, just in case. Also: books, magazines, or a Kindle for the times when the Wi-Fi/entertainment is off: it happens!

Hotel Room Hacks

20. After long flights, put a soaked towel in front of the vent in your hotel room to create a humidifying effect.

21. Use the shower caps provided in hotel bathrooms to wrap dirty shoes or leaky liquids.

22. Pack a bottle of Poo-Pourri to place in hotel room toilets. This is especially important and nice to have when you’re sharing a room…

23. Keep your travel shoes in the hotel safe and you’ll never forget to collect your valuables before you leave!

24. Take hotel slippers with you to wear on long plane rides (especially to the bathroom – ew!)

25. Take nice mini toiletries and toothbrushes home to offer your house guests.

Souvenirs

26. My favorite strategy is to pay close attention to what the locals are wearing, eating, decorating, and doing, and bring as many of those ideas home with me – to make the vacation magic last longer!

27. If I do buy souvenirs, I like to keep them as physically small as possible to avoid creating end-of-trip packing stress. I have amassed quite extensive collections of egg cups and Christmas tree decorations from many of the countries I’ve visited!