If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Save up to 57 percent and skip checked bag fees with these expert-approved tricks.

It wasn’t until I became a travel editor that I realized the error of my ways.

Genius Travel Essentials Packing Hacks

Credit:Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Rinlist Travel Backpack

Amazon

First, you must have areliable personal item bag.

The anti-theft zippers can help keep your valuables safe from pickpockets.

According to the brand, the six-piece set can free up to 60 percent of luggage space.

Carry-on Travel Backpack For Women Men Flight Approved, Personal Item Backpack Casual Daypack Waterproof Hand Luggage Bag, Travel Must Haves Essentials, Olive-green

Amazon

Mokura Hot Hair Tools Travel Bag With Heat-resistant Mat

Now, this is genius.

and it folds up flat, no matter how much is inside.

Zcyxuuw 2-piece Wet Bag Set

This is about to be the most versatile item in your carry-on.

BAGSMART Fanny Pack Black

Amazon

After you test it out, I’m sure you’ll find even more uses for it.

You won’t lose track of them because they come in three different colors.

Pro Outdoor Microfiber Bath Towel

Nothing hogs up luggage space faster than a towel.

TravelWise Packing Cube System

Amazon

Next time, bring a compact microfiber towel instead: it’s lightweight, super-absorbent, and multipurpose.

Shop More T+L-Approved Picks

BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes, 6 Set/4 Set/2 Set Travel

Amazon

Amazon EACHY Travel Makeup Bag,Large Capacity Cosmetic Bags for Women

Amazon

DEPOZA 16 Pack Travel Bottles Set

Amazon

MOKURA Hot Hair Tools Travel Bag with Heat

Amazon

Amazon BAGSMART Electronics Organizer Travel Case, Small Cable Organizer

Amazon

2 Pcs Wet Bag, Wet Dry Bag, Wet Bag for Swimsuit, Travel, Beach

Amazon

Amazon MEACOLIA 3 Pack 8 Compartments Travel Pill

Amazon

Amazon Knild Magnetic Wireless Charger for iPhone

Amazon

2 Pack European Travel Plug Adapter, One Beat Internationa

Amazon

Amazon Apple iPad (9th Generation)

Amazon

Microfiber Bath Towel Terry XL - Compact Multipurpose Fitness,

Amazon

Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes

Amazon

Doc Miller Open Toe Compression Socks, FitFlop Women’s Lulu Wedge Sandal, iHealth Neo Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor, and 7 For All Mankind Men’s Austyn Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jeans on a blue background

Kate Spade Madison Lilly Pochette, Staci Medium Tote, Flora Flower Bouquet Crossbody and Gwen Espadrille Flat on a blue gradient background

People wearing Alo Airbrush High-Waist 7/8 Bootcut Legging in Espresso, Navy and Black on a concrete background