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I swear by my ‘genius' packing hack you need to try this summer – it'll save you a fortune on baggage fees

I swear by my ‘genius' packing hack you need to try this summer – it'll save you a fortune on baggage fees

The Sun07-06-2025

IF you're lucky enough to be jetting abroad any time soon, you've come to the right place.
And particularly if you've already spent a fortune on new clothes, beauty treatments and a posh hotel for your next holiday, then this could just be the perfect money-saving trick for you.
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Josh and Amber, a 'creative couple ' with a 'passion for travel ', have shared their top tip that will save travellers 'a fortune' on baggage fees.
So if you're going away for a weekend and are only travelling hand luggage, or you're a heavy packer and always have to take stuff out of your suitcase to get the weight down, you'll need to take notes.
Posting on social media, Josh and Amber shared the 'genius' way they manage to take more clothes on holiday without having to squeeze them into their suitcase or cabin bag.
The content creators demonstrated how they use neck pillows to take at least three extra tops, a pair of trousers and a hat on their trips.
Alongside a clip that was recently shared on Instagram, the couple questioned: 'Tired of breaking the bank on luggage fees? We've discovered a simple yet genius travel hack that's saved us a fortune!'
With this 'fly smart' trick, the travel fans are now able to take more clothes abroad, without having to stuff them into an already overflowing bag.
The duo simply removed the stuffing from inside their neck pillow and added in their belongings.
Overjoyed with the simple but effective idea, they explained: 'Remember this travel hack to avoid extra baggage fees.
'Your neck pillow can hold at least three shirts, a pair of leggings and a beanie.'
The Instagram clip, which was posted under the username @ first_class_seats, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and racked up 1.9 million views.
Not only this, but it's also amassed over 14,000 likes and 331 comments.
Social media users were impressed with the savvy idea and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this.
Holiday packing tips
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list.
'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.'
3. Try a hack or two
She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip.
"Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver.
'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
"These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
"I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived."
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
"Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it."
One person said: 'Well played.'
Another added: 'Great idea!!!'
A third commented: 'I guess this is smart.'
Meanwhile, someone else shared: 'Ingenious.'
At the same time, another travel enthusiast beamed: 'Smart packing!'
The Sun Travel team's holiday essentials
WITH decades of experience and hundreds of countries under their belt, the Sun Travel team have shared some of the essential items they always pack on a trip.
Here are some of the game-changing items we always pack - and some will barely cost you a thing.
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel - Global travel plug with USB (£64)
Caroline McGuire, Travel Editor - Hotel Slippers
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor - Pack of 40 earplugs (£40)
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor - 1 litre water bottle (£8.99)
Ryan Gray, Travel Reporter - Bluetooth eye mask (£16.50)
Giuli Graziano, Travel Writer - AirTag luggage location tracker (£29.99).

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