8 Household Items to Use as Packing Hacks

Today, I’m sharing travel tips and travel packing hacks that you can find in your home.  Are you an unorganized travel packer?  Do you wish you had taken items to help with wet items or things that could spill on your return trip?   If so, you will find our travel packing hacks useful.  They’re inexpensive, but great travel accessories.  

 

 

 

packing hacks

Here a few travel packing hacks that you have in your home:

 

Grocery Bags – The first item that I recommend using in your packing hacks is plastic grocery bags. They are great for storing a wet loofah and shower gel on the morning that you will be returning from vacation or your business trip.

Also, they’re also perfect for swim wear that you may have used the night before or housing your shoes.   Grocery bags are great to hold sand for your umbrella or tent on the beach too.

Hand Towels – Next, hand towels are great for packing curling and/or flat irons.  I have had to use one or the other before heading to the airport for my return trip.  Wrapping a warm iron in the towel and placing it in my bag rids me of dealing with a hot/warm iron worries.

Gallon Freezer Baggies – Another household item to use in your packing hacks is gallon freezer baggies.  I pack my body lotion, makeup brushes, laundry detergent and other toiletries in baggies. They are perfect for capturing spills and keeping things organized.

Sandwich Bags – So, who says sandwich bags are just for sandwiches.  They’re great for packing bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings etc.

Jewelry Boxes – I save my jewelry boxes to store my earrings when I travel.  I love the ones that have the cotton piece in them.  They hold my earrings perfectly.

Newspaper – Additionally, I recommend using newspaper as one of your packing hacks.  I use newspaper or the paper from my hand bags to stuff my hats.  It’s a perfect way to keep your hat from getting crushed during the journey.

Bubble Wrap – I love burning candles or using a diffuser.  I use bubble wrap to keep my candle and diffuser from breaking on the journey.  It’s also great to wrap breakables that I purchase on my trip.

Kitchen Size Garbage Bag –  Last, kitchen size garbage bags are perfect for storing dirty laundry.  When I travel, I try to wash my laundry before I return.  However, I do have dirty laundry from the night before I return.  I keep empty baggies, grocery bags and kitchen size garbage bags in the bottom of my bags or luggage.

So, make sure you have a stash of packing hacks on hand.  You’ll be a frugal, professional packer in no time.  You may also like:  9 Items You Should Have in Your Travel Carry On.

 

 

What to Wear on a Winter Road Trip

Are you wondering what to wear on a winter road trip?  Well, before you focus on your playlist focus on your winter wardrobe.  Also, depending on how many hours you’ll be on the road, your clothing should be warm and stylish.  However,  flannel pajamas or workout clothes should not be an option.  Especially, if you want to save yourself from embarrassment when you’re getting out of the car for a restroom break or to buy snacks.  We have a few travel tips to help you pack suitable clothing for a winter road trip:  

 

what to wear on a winter road trip

 

Ankle Boots

Since you’ll be inside the car for several hours, there’s no need for you to torture your feet with a stylish pair of heels.  Comfortable ankle boots are a good option.  Most importantly, your feet will stay warm even if you have to step out for a couple of minutes. Don’t forget to add wooly socks to your arsenal.

However, if you absolutely need to wear cute heels, carry them in luggage.  You can switch once you have arrived at your destination.  Knee-length boots are a good option for a winter road trip too.

 

Blanket Wrap Scarf

A blanket scarf is a cozy yet stylish way to keep yourself warm throughout the road trip.  After all, it’s bound to get chilly as the mercury drops. You can wear this winter accessory any way you want. Either carelessly throw it around your shoulders or wrap it around several times for extra warmth.  Furthermore, you can use the scarf as a warm blanket if you want to take a quick nap.  Opt for a cozy knitted scarf that’ll act as an extra barrier against the cold.

 

Layers

Another suggestion on what to wear on a winter road trip is layers.  Everybody knows that the winter season is all about layers.  If it gets too warm, you can remove a layer or add a sweater if it starts to get chilly.  So, divide your outfit into layers.  You can wear wooly leggings or jeans as far as the bottoms are concerned.

Throw on a comfortable shirt and wear a sweater over it as an extra layer.  If you want your outfit to be more feminine, you can also wear a sweater dress.  Keep a spare jacket or coat with you in case it gets too cold.  Add a knitted scarf or warm poncho to the equation.  You have an effortlessly chic outfit that’s both comfortable without struggling with what to wear on a winter road trip.

 

what to wear on a winter road trip

 

 

Beanie

A bright or neutral colored, soft, knitted beanie will protect your head and ears from the blistering cold.  It will also look super-cute with your outfit.  When you’re contemplating what to wear on a winter road trip, think about the beanie providing extra warmth.  Throw in some earmuffs to protect your ears when you’re outside the car or need to open the windows for fresh air.

 

Gloves

Don’t forget to put on a warm pair of gloves to protect your hands from the freezing temperatures.  While mittens tend to be warmer, they don’t offer the same dexterity as gloves. However, if you won’t be driving opt for a warm pair of mittens instead. Mittens do a better job of trapping body heat and minimizing heat loss.

 

 

Moisturizer

You don’t want your skin to get all dull and dry.  So, don’t forget to wear moisturizer.  Moisturizer will keep your skin soft and supple throughout the road trip. Keeping your skin hydrated during the winter is crucial, especially if your skin is prone to dryness.

 

Most importantly, how do you plan on carrying your extra clothing and accessories when you’re on a road trip?  A canvas bag or  stylish week-ender is an excellent choice if you’re packing for the weekend. Don’t forget to carry toiletries, winter emergency supplies, sanitizers, moisturizers and of course snacks.  A backpack will be a more convenient option if you plan on hiking afterward since you’ll be able to carry the bags on your shoulders. Remember to only throw in items that you absolutely need since you don’t want your pack to become too heavy.

So, there you have it. Use these tips to stock up on the most-wanted winter essentials.  Now that you have our tips, you know what to wear on a winter road trip.  Above all, don’t forget to have fun. Enjoy!

About the author:  James Smith is a survivalist, who loves to write about survival skills and techniques. You can follow him at @JamesSmith1609.

 

 

Olympia Cosmopolitan Rolling Travel Tote Review

Purchasing a weekender or a travel carry on can be overwhelming.  So, today I’m sharing my review on the Olympia Cosmopolitan Rolling Travel Tote.  Check out my other travel destinations and travel tips too.  Especially, one that will uphold the vigor of airport handling and pounding and being pulled in and out of vehicles.  Not only should the luggage be durable, but why shouldn’t it be fun.  I searched for a weekender that would hold my items, easy to pull through the airport, easy to store, fun, and easy to get in and out of a vehicle.  Traveling can be stressful, but I have found fun items can eliminate the stress.  When you look good, you feel good.

 

 

rolling travel tote

 

 

Olympia Luggage Cosmopolitan Map Rolling Travel Tote  –  It’s perfect for getting through the airport, hotel or from the car to the house. It opens from the top, which makes it easy to get items in and out of the bag.  The handle is retractable, and it has handles.  It fits in most overhead bins on airplanes.  Additionally, it allows you to carry as a tote if needed.  The material is quality, so it will endure the stresses of getting it in and out of the car trunk and rolling it through the airport and hotels.

 


 


 

 

Furthermore,  you can wipe this tote down with soap and water to clean it or use wipes if you’re on the go.  The wheels keep things moving, unlike many that I have had where the wheel wobble or get stuck.  It’s stylish and fun too.  I’ve gotten lots of compliments in the airports and hotels.

 

 

travel carry ons

 

 

I have two drawbacks for the Olympia Cosmopolitan Rolling Travel Tote, this one doesn’t have inside pockets.  Usually this would be a deal breaker for me.  However, it does have a pocket on the front of the bag.  It’s convenient for holding your phone, passport, airline tickets or a bottle of water.  Additionally, the tote may tip over if it’s not balanced.  So when you pack, may sure you distribute everything evenly.  This would never be a problem for me because I will use every inch of space with clothing, my laptop, books, Kindle etc.  Furthermore, it’s so cute that I would just pick it up if it tipped over and keep moving.

If you like this Olympia Cosmopolitan Rolling Travel Tote head over and make a purchase.  This would make a great gift for the world traveler, teacher or treat yourself.  I highly recommend it!