Enjoy summer with these travel hacks

Enjoy summer with these Travel Hacks

Finally your vacation is here, but the thought of packing all this into this is freaking you out. Stress-free travel starts with smart packing. And while you probably already know that rolling your clothes saves space, take this trick to a new level with this FOLD and roll technique.

The key is to create even layers and maximize every inch. Start with the bulkiest items. Stuff shoes with small items like resalable plastic bags filled with socks and underwear. Then, place individual shoes along the edges of the case.

Belts can also be laid along the edge. Fill in gaps with the smallest rolls of clothing- things like t-shirts and camisoles. Larger items like jeans, jackets and dresses should then be laid in flat layers, and packed in an overlapping layer formation. If there are gaps around the edges, take these flat-laying clothes and tuck them into the sides. A bonus tip for blazers and other lined clothing is to pack them inside out, to help avoid wrinkles.

You're doing great so far with light, space-saving packing, so don't get weighed down by toiletries and other extras! Save empty travel-size bottles to refill and use on trips over and over again. This saves space and time, and is good for the environment.

To avoid leaks and spills in your suitcase, place a square of plastic wrap over the bottles before closing the cap. Empty prescription bottles are also great for things like cotton swabs. An old contact case can be put to great use, from storing small supplies of foundation and other makeup, to little necessities, like safety pins. Keep delicate jewelry secure and tangle-free by laying them out onto a sheet of press n seal plastic wrap. Place another sheet on top, then seal, roll, and pack away somewhere safe.

A great tip for keeping earrings together is to secure them through the holes of a button. This way, they can be tossed into your cosmetic bag and still be super easy to find!

Also, try to divide your cash into separate purses. With these if the other is stolen or misplaced you will still have enough money to continue your vacation and go home safely.

Finally, ditch the heavy stacks of books and magazines and go digital! Loading titles onto your tablet or smart phone will save paper, money, and most importantly, your shoulders. If all these great tips still haven't lightened your load, remember -- you can always sneak the heavy stuff into your travel partner's bag.

More travel tips and destination at vacation-now.com