Get luggage that is functional, and unique. Look for something that can turn into a backpack or roll, and that has a good amount of pockets (but not too many so you don’t misplace stuff). Make sure the style or pattern/color stands out to you because if it blends in, somebody might mistake it for their own. If it isn’t unique – add your own bow of ribbon or rope, or a bright sticker, etc.

Keep track of small stud earrings by fastening the set through buttonholes before slipping them into your jewelry bag. – Via Cosmopolitan

Utilize the space inside of your shoes to pack easily breakable things, or smaller things like underwear and socks. To be extremely efficient, roll breakable things like glass perfume dispensers in your socks, and then stuff in shoes!

Have essentials in your hand luggage – It’s always best to be prepared for the worst and let’s face it, sometimes bags go missing. Make sure all your valuables are in your hand luggage and always pack a spare change of clothes in your hand luggage too, just in case the worst happens and your checked bag is lost/delayed. That way you won’t have to rush to the shops as soon as you arrive to buy replacement clothing. – Via Skyscanner

Avoid packing food or anything that can melt. It’s hard to predict what temperatures your luggage will encounter, so avoid a chocolate-melted-clothing-ruined mess (it has happened to me!) by not packing those things altogether. If you must bring chocolate covered anything anywhere, triple wrap it in extra plastic bags in case it melts and opens.

To prevent liquid products from bursting inside your bag, cut a small square of plastic wrap, unscrew the product’s lid, set the plastic wrap on top, and screw the lid back on. That way if the lid pops open, no product can spill out. – Via Cosmopolitan

Choose knits, wools, and cottons. These fabrics tend to resist wrinkles and are versatile (some garments can do double duty, like yoga pants that moonlight as pajamas). – Via Real Simple

Pack extra plastic bags for storing your shoes so they don’t get the rest of your stuff dirty. You can also use these bags for dirty clothes, garbage, or other souvenirs, etc. Hotel shower caps for covering shoe bottoms work great too.

Use or create a packing checklist that you can go-to as a reference each time you travel. When/if you forget something you might need or you learn a new tip/trick, make sure to add it to the list.

If you forget the wall plug-in for your phone charger, check the back of your hotel TV. There’s usually a USB port. – Via BuzzFeed

Make copies of your passport, driver’s license, health insurance, travel plans / itineraries, maps, any flight/hotel/restaurant/tour reservations, and emergency contact info. Email this to yourself or have it available via the cloud, and also share it with friends and family in case of emergency.

Pack your heaviest items at the bottom of your bag (especially if it is a backpack) so it isn’t top-heavy and is easier to carry/roll. This will also prevent any small/light items from being squished at the bottom.

Pack two tops for every bottom. You’re more likely to re-wear a pair of bottoms, then a top. So to avoid overpacking, stick to this rule: pack two different tops (perhaps a blouse and a sweater) for every bottom. – Via Marie Claire

Pack extra medicine. If you have a prescription that you’ll need to refill during the trip, contact your doctor/pharmacy ahead of time and arrange to have extra medicine before your trip. It’s also a good idea to pack some of your meds in your carry on and some in your checked bag so you have backup options if one bag goes missing.

Rolling vs. Folding. Ahhh, the age old debate! … The choice to roll or fold is totally up to you and depends on your preferences, but a great trick is to do both. Roll the clothes you wish to keep wrinkle-free and fold the thicker items like sweaters. –  Via World of Wanderlust

Wear your heavy/bulky items. If you want to bring a big coat, heavy boots, or thick sweater, save a ton of space in your bag by wearing these items on your travel days. If it’s too hot for the sweater or coat at the airport, drape it over your bags to carry.

Don’t ruin that pressed collar. – Using the old shower trick to de-wrinkle a dress shirt while traveling is most likely the last thing you want to do when you arrive. However, a belt is an easy way to keep the collar of a woven shirt looking neat and stiff. Roll the belt around the collar, so it acts as a mold for keeping the collar in place. – Via Today

Multifunctional Items – It’s always smart and space-friendly to use the same object for various functions. If you can, invest in a large yet thin scarf that could serve as a towel, a cloth to sit on or lay down, a pillow for the plane or a cosy wraparound around on chilly nights. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination, it’ll make you look like a bad-ass rough traveler full of creative ideas. – Via Contiki

Fresh Upon Arrival – Sometimes older luggage or shoes in the bag can make your clean clothes smell not-so-nice. Keep dryer sheets or satchels of herbs like lavender or dried rose petals in between the clothing layers of your bag so all your stuff smells good while travelling.

For Your Tech – Wrap the cords. A tangle of cords could look like something potentially harmful if it’s viewed a certain way, which could mean a more thorough and time-consuming bag check. Wrap cords around their devices, pack chargers together in one bag (ziplocks work!), and take advantage of rubber bands and twist ties to keep them tangle-free. – Via Pop Sugar

Pack whatever you’ll need first, last. If you land at night and will need a jacket or pajamas – pack those items last in your bag so they’re easy to grab on top, and you don’t wrinkle everything rustling through your bag looking for the first things you’ll need!

Pack Outfits – Not Just Clothes. Think through each item you’re bringing in terms of outfits and try to make sure everything is used in more than one outfit.