It’s no secret that packing for a trip is never as fun as the trip itself. Narrowing down our essentials can be time-consuming, just as much as avoiding overweight fees at the airport itself.

Before you begin squeezing all of your belongings into your carry-on, Shop TODAY lifestyle and fashion contributor Melissa Garcia shares some of her favorite space-saving travel hacks for packing smart. These picks might help you save some time at TSA and beyond, and even spare room for bringing back souvenirs.

Keep reading to discover the best space-saving travel hacks to pack light for your upcoming trips.

Best space-saving travel hacks seen on the 3rd hour of TODAY

You wouldn’t have guessed at first that this tiny pouch has a backpack inside. Weighing just a pound, it’s lightweight and portable to pack inside your luggage for whenever you need a spare bag. “It’s water- and tear-resistant, so it’ll last on any type of adventure,” adds Garcia.

The above option is in a size 20 liter, but for more space, the backpack is also available in a 30 liter size.

“This blanket and towel from Matador is a total space-saver — perfect for travel, beach days, concerts or camping, and barely takes up any room in your bag,” explains Garcia. Both are full-size (or nearly) when unpacked, then they stow into a lightweight, pocket-size bag the size of your hand for whenever not in use.

A water bottle is a necessity while exploring, but it can also be the bulkiest item to bring. This leak-proof water bottle shrinks down flat when empty, so you can stay hydrated without having the lug around a hefty water bottle.

Plus, the water bottle is available in both 17 ounces and 25 ounces, which you can shop for 30% off sitewide on Hydaway with code TODAY. Valid until July 31.

“I say this sneaker is the travel MVP sneaker,” raves Garcia. “I love it because it’s super lightweight, gives great arch support and it has shock absorption…these are lightweight and flexible enough for travel days, and stylish enough to double as your go-to sneaker for exploring.”

Use code TODAY for an exclusive 20% off through July 28.

Editor’s note: The exclusive code TODAY only applies to the following styles: Black/white faux leather, sepia rose fabric, leopard faux leather, white/black faux leather, vapor grey/tofu canvas, dark brown faux leather.

There’s even an option for you and your travel buddy, which has an exclusive 20% off discount for TODAY viewers with code TODAY. Valid until July 28.

Momira Makeup Train Case with Light & Mirror $ 28.49 Amazon What to Consider Keeps all of your cosmetics organized, with an included mirror for when you need to get ready or touch-up on-the-go. Shades: 29 | Size: Small and large

“Meet the makeup organizer — reimagined! I like to think of this makeup case as a portable dresser,” raves Garcia. “It has everything from a mirror to a built-in LED lighting with three different modes, so you can do your makeup anywhere. No more waiting for the bathroom to be free!”

Don’t forget a makeup product again with this all-in-one makeup palette from Milani. It has multiple blushes and eyeshadows, along with a bronzer and highlighter, to create a full makeup look.

Milani All-Inclusive Eye, Cheek & Face Palette Courtesy Melissa Garcia

More space-saving travel hacks

Tooletries The Koby Lite Dopp Kit $ 29.99 Amazon What to Consider This dopp kit comes with a durable silicone organizer that is leak proof and easy to clean. Size: 9″ x 4″ x 4″ in. | Material: Silicone | Includes: Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, soap, razor, face scrubbers and tweezers

According to the brand, this dopp kit is made with a leather-like silicone to help prevent liquids from getting in and out, making cleaning much easier. Fit a number of essentials inside, from your toothbrush to skin care, in one roomy, organized space.

You shouldn’t have to worry about detangling your necklaces with this travel-size jewelry box. It has multiple dividers, organizers and more for neatly storing your jewelry.

Compression Packing Cubes $ 16.99 $ 24.99 Amazon Now 32% off What to Consider The variety of sizes will keep all of their clothing and belongings neatly organized in their suitcase, or they can use them for storage in their dorm. Includes: 4-, 6- or 8-sets available | Material: Cloth or mesh options available

One Shop TODAY staffer says thanks to these compression cubes, she was able to pack nearly 50% more than she normally can.

It seems this Bagsmart duffle bag features all of the organization to help save space while traveling. For instance, there’s a built-in jewelry organizer, large laptop compartment, wet/dry clothing partitioning and more for your convenience.

Tile Slim Tracker $ 29.98 Amazon $ 29.99 Best Buy What to Consider The sleek, credit card–shaped Bluetooth tracker slips right into your wallet, passport holder or luggage tag without making it bulky. Colors: Five | Dimensions: 3.36″L x 2.12″W x 0.1″Th | Weight: 15.5 grams What we like Works with iOS and Android

Built-in SOS button

Water-resistant Something to note Some experience ring issues

The award-winning Tile Slim Tracker is the brand’s slimmest tracker yet, yet it still helps discreetly track your luggage, wallet, purse and more — just in a more portable size.

Insignia All-in-One Travel Adapter $ 19.99 Best Buy What to Consider Winner: Best overall travel adapter Best for: Sockets in UK, EU, Australia, China and North America | Includes: 2 USB Ports

Here’s another Shop TODAY Travel Award winner to shop. If you’re heading to any of the above countries this year, be sure to have the right adapter to stay connected, such as the pick above.

Goaus Passport Holder $ 15.99 Amazon What to Consider This product earned the award for best innovative tech accessory during Shop TODAY’s 2025 Travel Gear Awards. Colors: Five | Material: Faux leather

Don’t forget your passport! Use the Goaus Passport Holder to store your passport, credit cards, and other travel essentials in one secure place.

Meet the expert

Melissa Garcia is a Shop TODAY lifestyle and fashion contributor, a professional stylist and the founder of Melissa Garcia Styling.

How we chose

The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.