Travelling for work, or pleasure, or sometimes both in one go, can be tiring at the best of times. If like me, you do it frequently, you know your way around packing a weekender bag. However, there are lots of little hacks you can apply to save precious minutes, ensure seamless travel prep and enjoy a smooth journey for (nearly) every trip. For those with exceptionally busy travel schedules, here are a few handy travel tips that I’ve learnt along the way to make the packing and prep process run like clockwork.

Pack efficiently, with a caspule collection and packing cubes

There’s a reason why you often see frequent business travellers or former backpackers with a light carry-on and not a single checked bag. They’ve mastered the art of travel zen. Taking too much, or carrying multiple travel bags, results in more prep work ahead of your trip. And — more importantly — increases the number of unnecessary fashion choices you’ll have to make once at your destination. Try and live by the capsule wardrobe ethos for each and every holiday and bring along a collection of essential but versatile pieces you can easily mix and match. Then, make packing cubes your best friend. These handy cubes allow you to categorise and compress your clothing, making it so much easier to find what you need as your rush from the beach to a chi chi dinner, without having to rummage through all of your belongings. Before you know it, you’ll be known as the Group Chat’s travel fashion advisor.

Streamlining your travel docs and other travel essentials

Keeping your travel documents and essentials in order is crucial for stress-free travel. Designate a specific spot in your home for storing passports, visas and any other important documents. And keep your go-to travel essentials (like cables, adapters, converters, etc.) all in one place. I keep my travel bits in my understairs storage. It’s a corner of the home that’s designated for keeping things tidy and safe and I reserve a specific corner for easy access to my essentials when I’m in a quick grab-and-go travel situation (which is most of the time).

Get your digital ducks in order

Make digital copies of all your vital travel docs. I like to scan important documents and store them securely on the cloud. As your travel day nears, make sure all your digital travel bits are also good to go. I top-up my travel bank accounts and switch on all my travel settings. I also pre-book my cab on my taxi app, and have my digital boarding pass ready to scan (over and over again) as soon as I arrive at the airport. I also never ever leave home without my Apple Air Tag. I need to ensure my baggage bestie stays by my side at all times. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the relief of confirming your luggage is on your flight as you settle in for take-off.

Prepare your home for your time away, and a relaxed return

It’s not just your travel kit you’ll want to think about. Keeping your home tidy and secure is something to bear in mind if you’re often away from home, especially for longer stretches. I ensure all my bills are squared away and I’ve paused any regular deliveries. I also turn off any non-essential appliances and make sure my plant babies are sufficiently watered. I secure any valuables and donate any perishable food or fresh flowers to my neighbours, as a thank you for keeping an eye on things whilst I’m away. Preparing your home can truly prevent unnecessary stress. Once all these bits are ticked off the list, I know I can truly rest easy on that tropical beach, sipping on my piña colada, without a care in the world.

Other posts you might love: