Packing cubes are the key to stress-free travel, we’ll show you how to use them

Are you tired of wrestling with your suitcase every trip? Packing cubes are the game-changer you need. These simple yet ingenious organizers can transform your packing experience, making it faster, easier, and more efficient. Keep reading to learn how to use packing cubes to make traveling as stress-free as possible.

What are packing cubes?

Packing cubes are small, rectangular fabric containers used to compartmentalize and organize luggage. They come in various sizes and are typically made of lightweight materials like nylon or mesh.

The idea behind packing cubes is simple: instead of shoving everything into your suitcase and hoping it all fits, you separate your belongings into them based on category, outfit, or even day of the week. This keeps things organized, makes packing and unpacking easier, and even saves you space.

Benefits of using packing cubes

Before we discuss how to use packing cubes, let’s consider why you should incorporate them into your travel routine.

• Organization: Packing cubes let you keep similar items together. Whether it’s grouping tops, pants, or undergarments, everything stays in its designated place. No more rifling through your suitcase to find that one shirt buried at the bottom!
• Space-saving: Believe it or not, packing cubes can help you maximize the space in your luggage. Compressing your clothes into compact bundles allows you to fit more items without overpacking.
• Easy access: Need to grab something quickly? Packing cubes allow you to easily pull out a cube and access your clothes without disrupting your entire suitcase.
• Minimizes wrinkles: When clothes are neatly folded or rolled into packing cubes, they move around less, reducing the chances of wrinkles and creases.

How to use packing cubes effectively

Now that you know why packing cubes are awesome, let’s learn how to use them like a pro. It’s all about strategy and finding the best packing cubes for your travel style.

1. Choose the right sizes and shapes

Packing cubes come in various sizes – small, medium, large, and sometimes even extra-large. Start by choosing a set that suits your luggage and the types of items you plan to pack. For example, use larger cubes for bulkier items like sweaters and pants and smaller cubes for underwear, socks, and accessories.

You might also encounter specialty packing cubes, such as shoe bags or toiletry cubes, which can further streamline your packing.

2. Sort and group items by category

One of the benefits of packing cubes is the ability to categorize your belongings. To start, lay out all the items you plan to pack and group them by type, such as:

• Tops
• Bottoms
• Underwear and socks
• Workout clothes or swimwear
• Sleepwear
• Accessories

Once you’ve sorted your items, allocate each category to a designated packing cube. This makes it easy to find what you need during your trip without pulling everything out of your suitcase.

3. Roll or fold clothes for maximum space

There’s a bit of a debate in the travel community over whether you should roll or fold your clothes when using packing cubes. The answer depends on your personal preference, but here are some tips:

• Roll for casual wear: Rolling your clothes can save space and minimize wrinkles. It’s ideal for casual wear, like T-shirts and shorts.
• Fold for formal wear: Folding clothes is a better option for more structured garments, such as dress shirts or suits, that need to maintain their shape.

Either way, packing cubes help keep everything in place, so you won’t have to worry about your rolled or folded items unraveling.

4. Create a system based on your itinerary

Another way to use packing cubes is to organize them by outfit or day of your trip. For example, if you’re going on a week-long vacation, pack each cube with the clothes you’ll wear for specific days or activities – one cube for daytime wear, another for evening outfits, and a third for workout gear.

This method is especially helpful if you’re staying in multiple locations and don’t want to unpack your entire suitcase every time. Just grab the cube you need and go!

5. Use a dedicated cube for dirty laundry

A common question about packing cubes is how to deal with dirty laundry. The solution? Dedicate one cube solely for used clothes. This keeps them separate from your clean items and prevents odors from spreading.

Alternatively, you can invest in a water-resistant or odor-blocking packing cube to use as your laundry bag. This will keep everything fresh and your suitcase tidy until you’re ready to wash your clothes.

More tips and tricks

• Don’t overstuff: It’s tempting to pack each cube to the brim, but overstuffing can lead to bulky, misshapen cubes that are hard to fit into your suitcase. Aim to leave a bit of breathing room for easier packing.
• Use compression cubes for extra space: If you’re a chronic over-packer, look into compression packing cubes. These have an extra zipper that compresses the contents even more, giving you additional space for those “just-in-case” items.

Knowing these secret airline tips could make travel a little nicer

With the average price of flights on the rise and many airlines charging more for perks that used to be included in your ticket price (hello, window seat), you might long for the good old days when fliers were pampered with little extras like, say, dinner on a domestic flight. While those times are likely gone for good, there are still plenty of free or low-cost benefits out there for air travelers that the airlines don’t always tell you about — and most of them are available even if you’re not in one of the airline’s frequent flyer programs.

Read on for some travel tips that will let you in on a few secret airline perks that you can take advantage of next time you travel.

Fee-free family seating

If you are traveling with children, chances are you’d like to sit together, which can cost you a pretty penny on airlines that charge for seat selection, considering that aisle and window seating is usually more expensive than middle seats. Alaska, American, Frontier, and JetBlue airlines all guarantee adjacent seats for a child aged 13 or under and an accompanying adult at no additional cost for all fare types, as long as certain conditions, such as being on the same reservation, are met.

Additionally, United Airlines does not guarantee family seating, but if families traveling with children 12 and under are separated, families can switch to another flight where they can sit together at no extra charge as long as seats are available on that flight in the same cabin as the original flight. The U.S. Dept. of Transportation recently submitted a legislative proposal to Congress to require all airlines to provide fee-free family seating.

Meals if your flight is delayed or canceled

If a flight cancellation or delay results in you waiting three hours or more, most major U.S. carriers will provide you with a meal or meal cash/voucher. Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United airlines all provide this perk for longer delays.

However, they might not announce it, so make sure to go to the service counter and ask for meal compensation if you qualify. All the airlines listed previously (except for Frontier) also provide complimentary hotel accommodations and transportation to and from the hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight delay or cancellation.

Benefits for bag delays

Checking a bag is expensive nowadays, and after you’ve paid a (sometimes exorbitant) fee to check your bag, the last thing you want to do is stand around for a long time at baggage claim. If you’re waiting at the luggage carousel for more than 20 minutes after your flight arrives, both Delta and Alaska will offer you 2,500 miles to their respective loyalty programs as compensation. Alaska also gives you the alternative of a $25 flight credit. Make sure to check the specific airline’s policies for details and how to go about requesting your points or credit.

A sundae bar in the sky

You might not want to literally scream for ice cream on a plane, but if you fly overseas in United Airlines Polaris class, you won’t have to. After a pandemic hiatus, the airline recently brought back its popular sundae cart for business-class passengers on certain international flights.

The service comes to you on a roll-through cart from which you’ll be served vanilla ice cream and allowed to select from several toppings. And let’s face it, airline food is usually just OK, at best, and it’s usually just a tiny bag of pretzels, but who’s going to say no to ice cream at 30,000 feet?

Lounge access when you’re flying the main cabin

If you’ve ever looked with longing at fellow travelers going into those cushy airline lounges reserved for high-level customers while you sit on an uncomfortable chair at your gate, there are ways you can gain access to the coveted lounge domains even if you’re not an elite member of the airline’s loyalty program or flying first class. Many different airlines sell day passes to their lounges at varying costs (certain restrictions apply, so check with the airline in advance).

Or you can try LoungeBuddy, an airport lounge booking service that lets you purchase access to more than 280 airport lounges they partner with around the world, regardless of what class you’re flying or if you have elite status or a lounge membership with the airline. Just download the app to see what lounges are available and how much a day pass will cost. Once you book, you’ll get a barcode to scan for all-day lounge access.

Fun freebies — even in economy class

While being in economy or the main cabin can make you feel like a second-class citizen compared to the business- and first-class folks, many airlines will still give you little extras for free — the catch is they often aren’t automatically offered, and you might have to ask. Blankets, pillows, eye masks, coloring books for kids, extra snacks, and the full can of soda instead of what’s poured into your glass are all little perks you’ll likely be provided with if you request them and they’re available.

If you’re on a longer international flight, you can also ask for an amenity kit that offers travel needs such as toothbrushes, eye masks, and earplugs. No matter what you’re looking for, just remember your chances of getting it are better if you smile and ask nicely.

Get the airline’s credit card

We’ve all heard the pitch during the flight for the airline’s special branded credit card. Generally, these offers come with an enticing “welcome bonus” of miles for a free ticket, with some offering as many as 70,000 miles. Most cards will double or even triple your rewards points when you use the card to buy a ticket on that airline (American Airlines’ Executive World Elite Mastercard even offers 4 times the miles for airline purchases). While all that sounds like a pretty good incentive, some of these cards come with more special perks that you can use that don’t cost you anything in dollars or miles.

Many airline credit cards offer cardholders priority boarding and free checked bags. The miles gained on the cards help them quickly reach elite status in the airlines’ frequent flyer programs, unlocking new levels of perks.

Complimentary upgraded seating

Just like with hotels, you might be able to get better “accommodations” — or, in this case, seating — simply by asking if any free upgrades are available. Experts say your luck will be better on flights later in the day or on holidays when business travelers aren’t as plentiful.

Even if you don’t get put in business class, you may get better seating — for example, in an exit row where there’s more legroom — just by asking if anything’s available when you check in or at the counter at your gate. This perk probably won’t work if you’re flying basic economy class, however, where “no upgrades” is usually spelled out on the ticketing agreement.

Free booze

Let’s face it: Traveling is stressful, and by the time you get to your seat and squeeze yourself in, hoping the guy in front of you doesn’t recline all the way back, you’re ready for a drink. But since airlines know that you can’t go anywhere else to get a drink (it’s a long way down to any bar), any sort of alcoholic drink on a flight is going to be expensive. To be fair, this is mainly for domestic flights. Most airlines offer free beer, wine, and liquor on long-haul international flights.

Generally, the best way to get free booze on U.S. domestic flights is to either be an elite member of the airline’s loyalty program or to fly on a higher class of service, which could include the extra-legroom seats in economy.

One of the quirkiest ways to get free alcoholic beverages on a flight is to fly Southwest on a holiday. The holidays can vary, but there is generally one per month, and in the past have included:

• January 1 – New Year’s Day
• February 14 – Valentine’s Day
• March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
• June 17 – Southwest’s birthday (hey, it’s a holiday to them)
• July 4 – Independence Day
• September 20 – The anniversary of the launch of Southwest’s credit card (once again, it’s a holiday to them, we guess)
• October 31 – Halloween
• November –  Thanksgiving
• December 25 – Christmas

Traveling can be one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it often throws a wrench into our usual routines, especially when it comes to eating healthy. Whether you’re on a business trip, vacation, or visiting family, maintaining a balanced diet while on the road can be a challenge. Fast food, airport snacks, and unfamiliar restaurant options can derail even the best intentions. However, with a little planning and smart choices, it’s possible to stay nourished and feel your best. Here are some practical tips for eating healthy while traveling.

1. Stock the hotel mini fridge. “Put your own treats in the hotel fridge—easy protein and fiber sources like Greek yogurt, hummus, apples, and carrots is a game-changer,” says Kristen Lorenz, RD, private practice dietitian and owner of KLL Nutrition. “These options can either balance out carb-heavy convenience foods or serve as healthy, stand-alone snacks.”
2. Aim for balance. “When traveling, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to be either ‘perfect’ or totally off track with your eating,” says Lorenz. But it’s possible to find a happy middle ground. She suggests enjoying the local cuisine and experience, but also keep nourishing your body with some familiar, nutrient-dense options when possible.
3. Enjoying local food, but in smaller quantities. One of the best parts of traveling, is indulging in the local cuisine, and you don’t have to sacrifice health to do it. “Focus on savoring smaller portions of rich or indulgent dishes and balance them with lighter, nutrient-dense meals,” says Lorenz. She also notes that mindful eating—taking your time and really tasting your food—can help you enjoy every bite without overindulging.
4. Prioritizing fiber and protein. A good tip to help prevent overeating is to load up on fiber and protein. “When dining out, use the à la carte menu to easily add more vegetables or protein for a balanced, satisfying meal,” says Lorenz. This could be in the form of a side salad or sauteed vegetables, added protein to salad or broth-based soup with beans or lentils.
5. Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals when traveling can lead to overeating later, cautions Lorenz. Try to stick to regular meal times.
6. Pack plane snacks. “I like to recommend bringing healthy, pre-cut snacks, such as fruits and veggies, and sandwiches on whole-grain bread,” says Dana Ellis Hunnes, a senior clinical dietitian at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and an assistant professor in the department of community health sciences at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. “By doing this, you have more opportunities for fiber-rich foods that help keep digestion healthy and also are full of vitamins and minerals which help keep your immune system healthy.”
7. Don’t wait too long to eat. “When we are hungry we are less able to make ‘good’ and healthy decisions because everything can look, smell, or sound enticing,” says Hunnes.
8. Plan how frequently you want to eat out. “Restaurant foods, while amazingly delicious, also are often higher in sodium and saturated fat,” says Meghan Pendleton, Registered Dietitian, Owner at Meghan Pendleton Nutrition. If you’d prefer to be able to prepare some meals yourself, that might mean planning to stay at a rental with a kitchen.
9. Hit the local grocery store. “When traveling, I suggest hitting a local grocery store to buy some healthy snacks to have on hand—like fresh fruit, protein shakes, veggies, nuts, or yogurt,” says Nicole Ibarra, a registered dietitian.
10. Avoid or limit booze. It’s a good idea to avoid or limit alcohol while traveling since it dehydrates you and can also slow down digestion,” says Hunnes. Drinking can also increase hunger levels and cause excessive snacking. “I’d suggest trying to pick a day or two if you want to drink and stick to one or two drinks max,” says Ibarra. Alternatively, you can try to dilute your alcoholic beverage to make it last longer. For instance, if you’re having white wine, you can add some sparkling water.
11. Be active. “If you find eating a struggle when you travel, try focusing on other healthy lifestyle habits like activity,” says Ibarra. Go out to walk and explore the area. Focusing on walking is beneficial for your health by helping mental health, adding exercise in, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
12. Don’t be afraid to order sauce on the side. Restaurants are usually flexible with modifications, so feel free to ask for a healthier version of what’s on the menu.

Capture your travel memories with these iPhone photography tips

When I’m in a beautiful setting — like The Chin of Mount Mansfield — I’ll get out my iPhone and begin snapping photos. Some places are too striking to ignore, and I’ll want to capture the moment to share on social media or reflect on later. Over time, it’s fun to build up a library and look back on those places.

Though iPhones are technological marvels, capable of taking vivid pics, there are ways to take your photography even further. Whether adjusting phone settings or capturing pics at specific times, you can turn your travel photos into amazing images. Here’s how.

A memorable photo brings a special satisfaction

During your travels, you’ve probably snapped a memorable shot now and then. That might’ve been the result of careful planning or happened while randomly viewing the surroundings. Either way, it’s fun to create these works of art, share them with friends, and store them for later.

For me, it was capturing the total solar eclipse on the summit of Mount Mansfield, the highest point in Vermont. As the moon covered the sun, a shadow enveloped the surroundings, highlighting the peach horizon, and Lake Champlain shimmering in the distance. I felt like I was on another planet.

5 tips for optimal iPhone photography

The following tips are simple, effective ways to optimize iPhone photography. Each gives your snaps that extra edge, taking them from good to great, enhancing your social media posts, and preserving the moment.

Take pictures during the Golden Hour

The Golden Hour — the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset — creates ideal lighting for photos that glow. That’s because, during these times, the sun’s at a lower point in the sky, producing indirect light that enhances warmth, creates shadows, and optimizes exposures.

Not only that, but with light changing minute by minute, every photo is different. Over an hour, you can play photographic artist, picking from a palette of lights and hues, for a library of shots.

Use Smart HDR for the perfect exposure

The right exposure — the amount of light that reaches the camera’s sensor — is key to producing vivid, clear photos. But when you’re hiking a mountain or exploring a city, you probably don’t want to fiddle with settings like shutter speed, ISO, or aperture. Your iPhone’s HDR (high dynamic range) feature does the work for you.

In HDR mode, your iPhone takes several pictures at varying exposures and then blends them into a single image, for an ideal exposure. Though you can manually turn on HDR, you can also configure it to automatically kick in. Just go to Settings > Camera, then switch on Smart HDR.

Turn your phone upside-down for low-angle pics

Certain settings invite low-angle photos. Maybe you’re by a lake as the sun rises, and the still water shimmers just right. You could be in a bustling city and want to capture the street surface as cars and people fly by. But doing that with an iPhone presents a challenge, with the camera lenses positioned at the top.

An easy solution is flipping the phone, so the lenses skim the surface, letting you take low-angle shots with ease. With the phone mere inches above, you’ll take pictures that capture interesting perspectives and memorable moments.

Use Live Photos to create long exposure shots

Long exposure shots slow down the shutter speed to blur moving objects, while stationary subjects remain clear. Picture a heron floating under a waterfall, or a spectator watching race cars fly by. The technique adds life and energy to otherwise pedestrian shots.

On your iPhone — instead of fiddling with exposure settings — you can use the Live Photos features to create the same effect. After taking a photo in Live mode, then open it in the Photos app. At the top, open the drop-down menu, or swipe up to show “Effects”, then select “Long Exposure”.

Utilize grid lines for better composition

Just as important as a photo’s lighting and exposure are its composition. That refers to the positioning of elements within the frame, which helps create a shot’s unique feel. One type of composition uses the “rule of thirds”, which divides the frame into thirds, vertically and horizontally, and positions the central subject at the intersection of the grid lines.

Using that rule, the subject occupies about one-third of the picture, and the surroundings the other two-thirds, generally accepted to create a good-looking snap. To do that on your iPhone, click on Settings > Camera, then select Grid under Composition.

Now you can create next-level memories

Sure, your iPhone can take good photos without any special techniques or settings. But that’s not what you’re after. When you visit Maui, Hawaii, or Lake Tahoe, you want pictures that capture the moment’s every detail. Not only that, but you want the mood to shine through. These techniques can help you achieve that and more, and better yet, don’t cost a thing. So pick a spot during the Golden Hour, dial in those settings, and create some memories.