How to Pack Like a Pro for Your Next Trip

Before I started COR Surf, I worked in the corporate world and traveled quite a bit. While I love traveling, going from airport to airport can get frustrating—especially when your luggage gets lost.

I also traveled internationally frequently, and one thing I disliked most was waiting for luggage after landing. I prefer to hit the ground running with everything I need already with me. Traveling with a carry-on also reduces the risk of an airline losing your luggage. There’s nothing worse than arriving somewhere new without any of your clothes or essentials.

When I traveled to Asia, my trips would typically last around two weeks. If I didn’t want to check a suitcase, I had to learn how to pack like a pro. That experience eventually inspired me to develop the Island Hopper Travel Backpack. It was designed to make airline travel easier and allow you to bring your essentials with you, so you can hit the ground running as soon as you land.

To Fold or to Roll?

I’ve definitely tried both, and I’m a firm believer in rolling. For most shirts and pants—with the exception of dress shirts—rolling is the way to go. You’ll be surprised by how much you can fit when you roll your clothes.

Some people say rolling creates more wrinkles, but honestly, most clothes are going to wrinkle when packed. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: hang the clothes you want to wear in the hotel bathroom. Before you shower, turn the water up and let the bathroom get nice and steamy. The steam can help remove wrinkles without having to waste time ironing.

Packing cubes can also make a big difference. If you roll your clothes and then place them in compression packing cubes, you can maximize the available space in your bag even further. The COR Surf Compression Packing Cubes come in four different sizes and include a laundry bag to help separate your clean and dirty clothes. As you get deeper into your trip, you’ll want to know which socks and clothes are clean—trust me!   

         

Bring only essentials

This is where planning becomes important. Will you have access to laundry at your destination?

If I know I’m going somewhere with laundry facilities, that’s a game changer. Many hotels offer laundry services, and laundromats are available in most parts of the world. I’d much rather spend a little extra on laundry than carry a massive suitcase around for an entire trip.

If you can do a little laundry during your trip, you can potentially cut the amount of clothing you need to pack nearly in half.

You also need to travel smart and prepare for changing weather conditions. Even tropical destinations can get surprisingly chilly. I was recently on a surf trip in Costa Rica and ended up using my rain jacket quite a bit.

Here are some key travel tips that can make your next trip easier:

Planes Are Freezing Cold

Especially on red-eye flights, airplane cabins can get extremely cold. Always bring a long-sleeve shirt and sweater, even if you're traveling somewhere tropical.

Having an extra layer in your carry-on allows you to adjust to changing temperatures throughout your journey. The Island Hopper Travel Backpack is perfect for this because it gives you enough room to carry several changes of clothes and additional layers.

Bring a Rain Jacket

Always pack a rain jacket and a few extra layers, regardless of where you're traveling.

Multiple lightweight layers can be more versatile than one bulky coat. You can add or remove layers depending on the weather while saving valuable space in your luggage.

Bring Your Own Towel

You never realize how useful a towel is until you’re traveling. Some hotels charge for extra towels, while hotel towels aren't always suitable for taking to the beach or on a day trip.

That’s why we created the COR Surf Travel Towel. It packs down incredibly small and is made from soft microsuede material that dries quickly. Use it as a beach towel, yoga mat, travel blanket, or emergency backup towel if your hotel or hostel runs out.

Bring Your Own Snacks

After a week or two on the road, you can get a little tired of the local cuisine. Depending on where you're traveling, some of your favorite snacks may also be difficult to find.

Keeping a few familiar snacks in your backpack can be a lifesaver. There may also be times when you can't find a restaurant and need a quick source of calories.

Trader Joe’s snacks are some of my favorites because they provide a convenient combination of protein and sugar to give you that extra boost when you need it.

Keep Your Toiletry Bag Organized

When traveling internationally, you might be surprised by how difficult it can be to find some of the everyday products you're used to, such as deodorant, toothpaste, nail clippers, and other personal essentials.

Of course, you can usually find replacements, but they may not always be exactly what you're looking for.

A well-organized toiletry bag makes things much easier. The COR Surf water-resistant toiletry bag has multiple pockets and compartments to keep your essentials organized and easy to access.

Bring Copies of Your Passport

Always prepare for the worst when traveling internationally.

If you lose your passport, having copies can be extremely helpful when dealing with an embassy or consulate. Keep a copy separate from your actual passport, and consider keeping a secure digital copy as well.

We designed the Island Hopper with two discreet pockets on the back panel. The zippers are difficult to see, and when you're wearing the backpack, they are positioned away from easy access.

It's also a good idea to keep your credit card company's customer service number somewhere safe in case your card is lost, stolen, or frozen.

In fact, I recommend contacting your credit card company before traveling internationally to let them know where you'll be. There's nothing worse than finishing a great meal only to discover your card has been declined because the transaction was flagged as potentially fraudulent.

Packing for a two-week trip with just a carry-on might seem challenging at first, but it becomes much easier once you learn how to prioritize what you actually need.

Roll your clothes, use compression packing cubes, plan around laundry, prepare for changing weather, and keep your most important essentials organized and accessible.

The goal isn't simply to pack less—it's to pack smarter. When you can travel with everything you need in one backpack, you'll spend less time worrying about your luggage and more time enjoying your destination.

I hope these tips help you plan your next trip, travel with greater ease, and avoid some of the mistakes I made when I first started traveling!