Don’t Ever Travel Without Packing Cubes

Ok, here we go! I think it’s about time to share some of my best travel advice. I love using compression packing cubes to save space when packing. I’ve been traveling for decades to a myriad of destinations. I’ve traveled in cars, planes, trains, ships, subways, buses, and more, so hopefully I’ve learned a thing or two from my experiences. My number 1 recommendation, especially for long trips, is to use the best Compression Packing Cubes.

I promised I would take some time to share some of my best travel advice from what I’ve learned over the years. If you’re looking for more tips, you’ll find them in the menu under “Travel Planning“. You can also find my recommendations for the best “Travel Resources” here, like hotel and vacation rental booking, train tickets, flights, luggage, insurance, etc.

Travel Pros Use Compression Packing Cubes

These packing cubes are recommended by major travel gurus, like “Travel and Leisure” magazine, Rick Steve’s forum, and more. I discovered packing with travel cubes farther along in my journey, but now I LOVE THEM! I’m not sure how I managed without them. They’re SO helpful. They compress your clothes so they take up less space AND keep everything organized!

One of the great benefits is that using compression packing cubes can save enough space that you’ll be able to travel with a carry-on size bag instead of paying extra and having all the bulk of a larger checked bag. I have traveled for three weeks in Europe with just a carry-on! I saved money on baggage fees and saved my back trying to lug around a more bulky piece of luggage.

A Variety of Sizes

Currently, my husband and I each have three different sizes of Gonex compression packing cubes, but there are many sizes available depending on your needs and preferences. I bought sets in two different colors, so we always know whose cubes are whose too. They’re also washable if they accidentally get dirty. Here’s how I use them for a typical week-long trip:

Medium travel packing cube (11.8″ x 9.1″) holds things like t-shirts, , pajamas, leggings

Small packing cube (9.8″ x 7.5″) holds undergarments – bras, panties, tank tops, camisoles, or scarves

Extra Small packing cube (7.9″ x 5.9″) can hold socks, ties, belts, soft hats. The mesh packing cube design allows everything inside to breathe.

Of course, how you use each one is totally up to you and items can be combined in different cubes depending on the length of your trip. I can get all the items above in these 3 packing cubes to cover at least a week of travel, plus some extra days.

So many uses for Packing Cubes

How do packing cubes work? Skip down to see my detailed steps for “How to Pack a Compression Packing Cube“

Why I Use Compression Packing Cubes:

They Keep Everything Neat

They’re great in your carry-on, checked bag, duffle bag, in a backpack or even for camping. The smaller ones can even work in a purse or briefcase! Have you ever tried to pull out one piece of clothing from the bottom of your suitcase, only to make a mess of everything else? Packing cubes keep clothes neat and folded, even when you’re digging around for other items.

I wish I had known about these when our kids were young because they’re especially helpful for keeping the family organized on the road. The cool colors make travel more fun and if you let each child choose a different design they can keep track of which cubes are theirs and keep their luggage more organized with less chance of things getting left behind in the hotel room.

Reduce Wrinkles

I had the constant challenge of keeping my clothes from getting wrinkled in my luggage. But since I started using these packing cubes a few years ago, my contents stay nicely folded, with little to no ironing when I’m ready to wear them.

Increase Packing Space

Double zippers compress the size of the clothes inside the cubes to allow more space for other items and better use of space in your luggage. This is especially handy for long trips when space is at a premium. Just remember that although the size is more compact, the weight is the same, so be sure you stay within airline weight limits if you don’t want to pay overage charges

Keep Clothes Organized and Easy to Find

It’s so easy to pull one cube out to retrieve an item. I always know which type of clothes are in which size cube. But even if you decide to use more than one cube of the same size, you can buy different colors or just tie different colored ribbons or yarn on the handle of each cube so you can tell which is which.

Unpacking is Simple

Unpacking while on the road is a piece of cake. All you have to do is take the compression cubes out of your suitcase and place them in a drawer. So easy!

I’ve been using my Gonex Packing Cubes for nearly a decade now, and they’ve held up great! Below are links to a few of the best compression packing cube options that you might be interested in. Note: It appears that Gonex doesn’t sell the 3-pack like mine anymore.

Skip Down to See How to Use Packing Cubes

National Park Design Packing Cubes

I just came across this fun 6-piece Compression Packing Cube set by Tripped Travel Gear. They’re the perfect organizers for travel with a fun National Parks theme. Great for kids and adults. Save space and easily identify which cube has which types of clothes in them, by the design on the outside. They have a 4.5-star rating on Amazon.

My Experience with Gonex Packing Cubes

For many years my husband and I have used Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, as pictured below in the “How to Use” steps. I like their high quality and great value and consider them to be the best compression packing cubes for the money. These Amazon packing cubes have a 4.6-star rating on their site, which is excellent!

I’ve used them on every trip we’ve taken that’s longer than a weekend and they’ve held up perfectly. The fabric and zippers are high quality and I had no issues with sticking zippers or tears. I also like that my husband and I have sets of different colors so we can tell our travel packing cubes apart when we’re on the road. These packing cubes sets are perfect for your carry-on, backpack, or RV.

How to Pack a Compression Packing Cube

So, let me know what you think, and be sure to share this great tip with your friends and pin it on Pinterest to refer to later.

More Travel Accessories

There are other travel brands, like Eagle Creek packing cubes, that cost quite a bit more, but I don’t know if the quality is any different or if you’re paying for the name.

Personally, I’ve been very happy with my Gonex packing cubes that my husband and I have used since 2017! I’ve never had the zippers jam or had a tear in the lightweight fabric. I also love the Gonex toiletry bags because they hold a lot, but don’t take up much space.

Have you used Compression Packing Cubes?

Do you think you’ll try these great packing cubes? Just think of what cool gifts they would make for your favorite travel lover too. Here are a few more gift ideas for travelers.

Do you have questions or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you.

Next time I’ll talk about Packing Envelopes

Are you getting ready to head out on a road trip? Here are a dozen reasons to start planning it with the Roadtrippers planning app.