No matter what vacation is on your calendar this summer, Amazon has you covered with several clever travel essentials to make your trip run smoothly from start to finish. You can save some much-needed packing time and luggage space with these genius travel finds from popular brands like Samsonite, Travelpro, and Bagail. Take your pick from expandable suitcases, packing cubes, and portable luggage scales. All of these items can be found inside Amazon’s Luggage and Travel Gear hub, with prices starting at just $8. Clever Travel Essential Deals at Amazon Samsonite Winifield 3 DLXHardside Expandable Luggage, $380 (was $680) Bagail 8-Piece Packing Cube Set, $18 (was $25) Travel Inspira Portable Luggage Scale, $8 (was $13) Travelpro Maxlite Hardside Suitcase, $128 (was $170) EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow, $30 (was $35) Charmast Portable Charger, $30 (was $46) Sure Lock Luggage Lock Pack, $14 (was $20) U.S. Traveler Rolling Carry-On Softside Suitcase, $43 (was $50) Samsonite Winifield 3 DLX Hardside Expandable Luggage Carry your clothes in style with this sleek three-piece Samsonite luggage set that comes with a 20-, 25-, and 28-inch suitcase. Each bag is made with a durable hardshell exterior to protect your belongings, and a spacious interior lined with built-in pockets and zippers to organize your clothing, toiletries, and other items. Each suitcase comes with a genius built-in luggage lock, so you don’t have to spend extra money buying external ones, or ever worry about losing the key. Bagail 8-Piece Packing Cube Set This No. 1 best-selling packing cube set comes with eight organizers of various sizes to neatly pack all of your belongings into your duffel bag, suitcase, or backpack, maximizing your luggage space. Each bag is made with a durable, lightweight fabric that’s also water-repellent, so your clothes stay dry. The set also includes a shoe bag, a makeup bag (that can also house your jewelry), and a drawstring bag for other items you can’t travel without. It’s no wonder more than 20,000 of the highly efficient organizer sets have been purchased in the past month. Travel Inspira Portable Luggage Scale The Travel Inspira portable luggage scale helps you pack smarter, not smaller, so you can bring everything you need without paying fees for overweight luggage. The nifty travel gadget is cleverly designed to loop around a bag or suitcase handle, so you can get an accurate reading before you even get to the airport. The device can handle up to 110 pounds of luggage at a time, so you can weigh your heaviest bags without issue. Its compact size is easy to pack, too, so you can bring it with you on vacation. Continue scrolling to see more clever travel essentials, and don’t forget to head to Amazon’s Luggage and Travel Gear hub to browse the entire assortment. Travelpro Maxlite Hardside Suitcase EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow Charmast Portable Charger Sure Lock Luggage Lock Pack U.S. Traveler Rolling Carry-On Softside Suitcase

It’s almost summer vacation season, which means air travel is picking up and airports are getting increasingly crowded. This means being in close proximity to a lot of people—some of whom may be sick and decided to fly anyway. “People are exposed to all types of germs when traveling, especially in a contained space like an airplane, where germs can spread easily in the recirculated air, or in crowded public spaces like airports, where many people are touching the same surfaces,” says Dr. Robert Biernbaum, DO. But no one wants their trip ruined by catching something on their outgoing flight. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid getting sick when you fly. To help you plan for your next trip, we spoke with two physicians who provided tips for staying well when you travel. Before You Travel To avoid getting sick when you fly, you’re going to need to start preparing before you step foot on a plane. Here are a few things you can do in advance of your trip. Boost Your Immune System Keep your immune system healthy by drinking plenty of fluids, managing stress, eating a vitamin-rich diet, and getting plenty of sleep and regular exercise, Biernbaum says. “These healthy habits help strengthen your body’s natural defenses so you’re better protected when you’re around crowds and touching shared surfaces at the airport or on the plane,” Robinson adds. Stay Hydrated Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water for a few weeks leading up to your flight. “While staying hydrated is definitely important for your overall health and immune system, drinking a lot of water the day before your flight isn’t a magic fix,” says Dr. Karla Robinson, MD. Instead, increase your water intake in the weeks leading up to your trip. There’s never a wrong time to start drinking more water! Choose Your Seat Wisely If you have a chance to choose your seat ahead of your flight, you may want to be strategic about it. For example, a 2018 study found that for multiple reasons, people sitting in window seats are less likely to be exposed to germs. A 2022 study drew similar conclusions about sitting in the back of the plane. Stock Up on Supplies According to Robinson, it might be helpful to stock up on common medications for cold and flu symptoms before your trip, in case you start feeling sick while you're away. Also, pack healthy snacks and an empty water bottle that you can fill up at the airport to stay hydrated throughout your flight. During Your Flight But you’re not off the hook once you board the plane. Here are some ways to avoid getting sick during your flight. Wear a Mask “Some of the top ailments we see are respiratory viruses,” Biernbaum says. If you’re serious about not getting sick, a face mask is your best bet. “Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from respiratory infections like the common cold or flu—especially in crowded planes with recycled air,” Robinson explains. Wash and Sanitize Your Hands In addition to washing your hands with soap and water whenever you use the restroom, bring a travel-sized hand sanitizer and use it frequently, especially after touching surfaces like doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons, and public transportation handles, Biernbaum says. Wipe Down High-Touch Surfaces Bring a few disinfecting wipes with you and wipe down commonly touched surfaces such as tray tables, armrests, and seat belts, Biernbaum says. And it’s not just to protect you from respiratory viruses. If you’ve ever seen a parent change a baby on a tray table, you know why this is important. After Your Flight You’re not in the clear the moment you step off your flight. Here’s what to do after you deplane. Wash Your Hands It’s a good idea to wash your hands in the airport after getting off the aircraft. And keep it up throughout your trip. “Regular hand-washing is key,” Biernbaum says. If a sink’s not available, use hand sanitizer. Keep Up Other Healthy Habits It’s easy to throw your regular schedule and healthy habits out the window when you’re on vacation, but Robinson says that’s not a good idea. “Staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and eating nutritious foods can help your immune system stay strong after travel too,” she explains.

Few places are as hectic and unpredictable as the airport, where tight schedules, long lines, and unprepared travelers create a perfect storm of stress. Amid the chaos, it’s easy to forget basic etiquette—but that’s all the more reason to mind your manners. To make the experience smoother for yourself and those around you, here are four things you should never do at the airport. Be Rude to the People Around You Jenny Dreizen, modern-day etiquette expert, says it’s important to mind your manners when traveling. “Air travel is a real stressor," she says. "It can be easy to get flustered and take it out on the people around you. I am a believer that you catch more flies with honey, but more than that, I am a believer that if you start off at a ten, you have nowhere to go.” Do your best to be kind and considerate to the people around you—especially airport staff. Not Dress for Airport Security Unless you’ve never been through airport security before, wearing high lace-up boots and four sweaters while being screened is likely a bad idea. “For your sake and the sake of your fellow passengers, wear clothes that are going to be easy to get through the security line with: slip-on shoes, not a lot of layers, pockets empty, not a lot of jewelry,” Dreizen says. Drink Too Much An airport bar is a great place to get a cocktail and relax for a few minutes before a flight, but if your flight gets delayed, it’s best to avoid going overboard. “Do not lose control of yourself," Dreizen says. "Airports are all-day drinking locations, but this isn't an excuse to make the long, un-awaited sequel to The Hangover 2—and don’t forget, you might not be able to fly if you're too intoxicated." Also, if you plan on having a few cocktails on the plane, it’s probably a better idea to order a mocktail at the airport. “We deal with intoxicated passengers quite a bit," says flight attendant Aiden, who didn't give his last name for privacy reasons. "That’s very tough. What most people don’t understand is that when you drink any sort of alcoholic beverage on an airplane, you become intoxicated at a quicker rate than you would on the ground. This is mainly because the change in atmospheric pressure gets lower. That being said—if you ask for a ‘double,’ you're already getting one!” Show Up Late For everyone's sake, try to get to the airport early. “Do not show up to the airport less than one hour before your scheduled departure," Aiden says. "This may seem like common sense, but you’d be amazed at the number of people who think they can show up an hour prior and magically get to their gate on time. TSA wait times fluctuate depending on many factors, so assuming that just because you have a 6:00 a.m. flight security will be fast isn’t the smartest thing to do.” The plane is already at the gate one hour before departure, Aiden explains. The crew is (most likely) onboard, and the gate agent is handling pre-departure duties. “This is especially important if you are flying internationally," he says. "Showing up one hour prior would just add stress to you and your travel companions because you still have to have your passport verified at the gate, check your bags, get through security, etc. If you are late to the gate—to the point where they are calling ‘final call’—the gate agent may have already given your seats away to other passengers.” Still, if you get caught in traffic or something unexpected happens before your flight, take a breath—you can't be in control of every situation, and things will be okay. “Rest assured that if this happens, your airline will work with you to rebook you on a later flight," Aiden says.

You can’t forget to bring water when walking your dog in hot weather. Dogs get overheated easily, especially if they have a thick coat, so having water on hand is essential. While I usually just carry a dog water bottle in my hand, I recently found a bag that makes it so much easier to take with me: the Calpak Water Bottle Holder. Even if you don’t have a dog, it’s useful for carrying your own water, too, whether you’re going on a summer walk, heading to the beach, or packing for your next vacation. With an adjustable crossbody strap, the Calpak bag makes it easy for me to be hands-free while walking, which is particularly helpful when I already have my dog’s leash in one hand. The bag has four exterior pockets (one zippered and three slip pockets) to hold a variety of belongings, too. I was able to put my wallet and keys in the zippered pouch, and I put my phone in the back slip pocket for easy reach. Calpak Water Bottle Holder The top of the bag has a drawstring closure to keep your bottle securely in the bag. My dog’s water bottle didn’t slide out, even when I bent down to pick up dog poop. The inside is also insulated to keep your drink cool, and it’s water-resistant, which means you don’t have to worry if liquids spill in the bag. Made of a durable nylon-blend material, the bag is so easy to clean, too: Just wipe it down with water. You can shop the bag in 13 colors, including summer-ready shades like powder blue, light pink, lavender, and peach. There are some fun patterns to choose from, too, like gingham, daisies, and checkered. Not only is the bag great for long summer walks (with or without a dog), but it would also be perfect for traveling. While walking through the airport or train station, you can keep a water bottle handy while still having your hands free to hold carry-on luggage or a duffle bag. Or if you’re planning to be out all day touring around different locations, you can stay hydrated on the go. “This is just the perfect water bottle holder/purse to bring on a hike, walk, travel etc.,” said one reviewer. “I go to Disney World frequently, and this is my purse at the park. It holds everything I need, and the design is so cute.” Grab the Calpak Water Bottle Holder before the weather really heats up, and shop more versatile bags for travel, work, and everyday use below. Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag Calpak Kaya 15-Inch Laptop Backpack Calpak Insulated Lunch Bag Calpak Luka Mini Tote Calpak Fit Gym Bag Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag With Shoe Compartment Calpak Luka Duffel Calpak Luka Expandable Laptop Tote

Sleep can already be a pretty stressful thing for many of us, but sleeping on a plane? Talk about an added degree of difficulty. And it can be pretty crucial to get that sleep. Especially if you decided to take the 4 a.m. flight to avoid delays later in the day or are taking a red eye. Heck, even if you're just trying to catch up on some missed naps, a plane is a good place to get more hours in. The problem is that there's a lot of pressure. It's like the moment you have to go to sleep, you suddenly aren't tired or can't get comfy (and is it OK to recline your seat?). To help, we asked some frequent flyers for their best tips and tricks for mile-high shut-eye. Just Focus on Resting Sometimes the pressure we put on ourselves to fall asleep is precisely the reason we can't. "My advice for sleeping better is to try not to focus so much on the actual sleep," says TV host and travel expert Darley Newman. "Sometimes rest can be good enough." So, next time you're on a red eye, try just enjoying the resting time and seeing what comes of it. Mimic Your Nightly Routine We all have our own agenda of things we need to do before bed. While you might not have your actual bathroom vanity and bed available, you can get pretty close, says travel writer Michelle Joy, "At home, this involves a shower, skin care, and clean pajamas before crawling into bed," she says. "For my scaled down plane version, I brush my teeth, use a wet wipe and moisturize my face, and put on fuzzy socks." Swap Out Your Earbuds "I always bring a blackout sleep mask with built-in Bluetooth speakers—it's much more comfortable than earbuds when falling asleep on a plane, especially on overnight flights," says David Brodie, the founder of Voyascape and host of the Travel in 10 podcast. What should you listen to? Brodie suggests downloading podcasts about the destination you're heading to so you can immerse yourself before you land. Opt for a Window Seat Yes, an exit row or first class would be amazing, but if those pricier tickets aren't in the cards for you, travel journalist Wendy Helfenbaum implores you to get a window seat. "You can lean against the wall, and won’t be woken up by seat mates having to use the loo!" Download a Helpful App Erin Carey, Director of Roam Generation, a PR agency specializing in travel, says one of her biggest tips is to use the Timeshifter app. Download this before jumping on a plane headed to a different time zone and it can help you prep in advance. "It helps you adjust to the new time zone. I follow it's recommendations to a a tee, avoiding caffeine and taking melatonin at the suggested times to help regulate my sleep cycle." So, if you're supposed to be sleeping on a plane to help avoid jet lag, this could help!

If you’re like most plant enthusiasts, you probably spend a lot of time making sure your plant babies are properly watered, placed in the perfect spot for sunlight, and nurtured with the right soil and supplements. But what happens when it’s time for a vacation? If you think there’s nothing you can do, you might want to think again. With a little planning, your plants can not only survive while you're away, but actually thrive. Here's what experts have to say. Choose the Right Plants While some plants require constant hands-on care, many plants will be perfectly fine if you travel for long stretches or go away on weekends. So if you are currently plant shopping, it’s important to choose wisely, says garden and landscaping expert Andrew Parwol. “Some plants, like snake plants and ZZ plants, are naturally more tolerant of drought and can survive a longer period without attention," he says. If you're worried about outdoor plants, Parwol recommends choosing lavender, rosemary, or ornamental grasses that can handle the dry, humid weather easily. “Knowing which plants can go longer without water will help you plan ahead," he says. Use Self-Watering Planters Similarly, self-watering planters can be a game changer for plant owners who are constantly on the go, Porwol says. “For container plants, consider using self-watering planters, which can keep moisture steady for up to two weeks.” Swap out those planters and leave for vacation knowing your plants won't be thirsty while you're gone. Consider Hydrogel Crystals If you're really concerned about your plants getting thirsty, consider water crystals. “You can also add hydrogel crystals to your soil mix," Porwol says. "These [crystals] absorb water and release it slowly, giving your plants consistent hydration." Make a DIY Drip System DIY drip systems are an easy and cheap option for plant maintenance, especially if you're taking a trip at the last minute. “Fill a wine bottle with water, invert it, and stick it into the soil,” Porwol says. “The water will slowly seep out as the soil dries, [making it] ideal for a quick getaway.” Move Your Plants to the Bathtub If you're planning a longer trip and have a few moments to spare before you head out, Porwol advises grouping your plants together in a bathtub, ideally lined with a towel and a shallow layer of water. “This creates more humidity and is perfect for plants to survive," he says. While this might seem inconvenient or unconventional, it can mean the difference between coming back to a home filled with thriving plants or greenery gone brown. Store Your Plants Away From the Sun Plants that are constantly in direct sunlight could wilt if they can’t be watered, says garden expert Mark Thompson. In this case, he suggests moving your plants out of sunny spots and opting for shadier rooms instead. “If you’re going to be gone for three or four days, just by moving them out of the full sun, you could potentially keep them from getting wilted,” Thompson says. For Long Vacations, Hire Help If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, longer than a couple of weeks, you might just have to pay someone to water your plants, Thompson says. “I would suggest finding a neighbor or a neighbor's kid who might water for you." On the other hand, if you really want a pro to take care of your plants while you're gone, consider hiring a plant sitter in your local area.

They say it's about the journey, not the destination—but when air travel is involved, the journey can often be more difficult than enjoyable. Still, that doesn’t mean that basic courtesy should go out the window. In fact, it's all the more reason to be extra considerate. Here are eight things you should never do on a plane. Touch the Flight Attendants According to flight attendant Aiden (who didn't reveal his last name for privacy reasons), there is never a time when it's appropriate to touch a flight attendant. “Do not touch your flight attendants, period," he says. "When we are moving about the cabin—whether it is to serve a meal, prepare drinks, or collect garbage—we can still hear you! A simple ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’ will get our attention.” After all, it’s generally not appropriate to touch someone you’ve just met. Ask to Use the Lavatory Right After Boarding Need to use the bathroom right after boarding? Be aware that you may be holding up the plane. It’s the worst time to be anywhere but your seat—plus, you likely had a chance before boarding. “Why didn’t you use it in the terminal?" Aiden asks. "When you're boarding, the flight crew has different tasks to handle, both those you can see and, more importantly, those you cannot. Things like monitoring overhead bin space, identifying passengers we can rely on in an emergency, and communicating with the flight deck and ground personnel.” If you're still not convinced, know that bathrooms in the airport are far better than compact airplane stalls. Put Your Arms, Legs, or Feet in the Aisle Aiden acknowledges that airplanes aren’t the most comfortable environments, but you need to keep your limbs to yourself. “Sometimes you need to stretch, but when we're trying to pass through the cabin—whether it's for service or just monitoring—it’s frustrating to have to wake every single person blocking the aisle," he says. "That being said, please just be courteous about your space, and if we ask you to move, please do." Run to the Front of the Plane Right After Landing Sure, you might be eager to get off the plane, but so is everyone else. “Upon landing and arrival at the gate, please don’t stand up and bolt to the front of the airplane," Aiden says. "It’s quite rude to other passengers, and frankly, it’s inconsiderate." Question the Flight Crew Aiden warns that doubting the flight crew—or refusing to listen—is a bad idea. “If we ask you to do something, we have a reason," he says. "Please don’t question us. Flight attendants go through five to eight weeks of rigorous training before we’re even allowed to step foot on a real aircraft. Many flight attendants, including myself, compare their initial training to taking a full semester’s worth of college classes in under two months.” You might not know that flight attendants are trained to do much more than serve drinks. They learn how to open multiple types of aircraft doors, perform CPR and AED usage, deliver babies, and even fight fires. “Yes, we know how to pour Diet Coke, but there is so much more to our job than that," Aiden says. "We are aviation’s first responders, so please treat us as such.” Put Your Feet on Someone Else’s Armrest Etiquette expert Jenny Dreizen says that putting your feet on someone else’s armrest is a big no-no. “We’ve all seen it: the toes creeping from behind our armrests—it’s like a horror movie with a very boring premise," she says. "I live internationally from my family, so air travel is a big part of my life, and I know as much as anyone how wildly uncomfortable flying is—but you still cannot put your feet on the back of someone else’s armrest, I’m sorry. We must maintain some decorum.” Go Barefoot Dreizen insists that taking off your socks is not only unacceptable, it’s also unhygienic. “Plane floors are dirty, and I don’t want you to catch anything," she says. "Also, we don’t want access to your feet. Keep them sheathed. The best idea is to wear your shoes and keep your socks on at all times.” Recline Without Consideration It's okay to recline, but it’s important to be mindful of others, according to Dreizen. “As annoying as it can be to have someone recline in front of you, it’s not their fault that the airplane is shoving everyone too close together—they’re just trying to be comfortable," she says. "That said, it’s a good idea to recline slowly if you can." And check behind you to see if the person has drinks or a laptop on their tray—a quick heads up that you're about to recline is courteous.

Packing for a short trip can be more challenging than packing for a long vacation. If you have a lot of activities planned for just a few days—packing light is crucial, especially if you don’t want to carry around heavy bags or pay those expensive luggage fees. While you probably know what you need to bring on your next weekend jaunt or business trip, knowing what you don’t need can help simplify the packing process even more. Here’s what you should never bring on a short trip. Too Much of Anything Adeela Hussain Johnson, president of BÈIS, tells me packing too much of anything is a bad idea. “Packing light is key,” she says. Whether you’re taking a carry-on-sized bag or a weekender, start by accepting the fact that there is limited space and think logically from there. For example, it’s a smart idea to bring an extra dress shirt if you’re going on a business trip. But you probably don’t need to bring more than one bathing suit if you plan on swimming in the hotel pool. Clothing You Can’t Mix and Match Bringing items you can’t mix and match will only weigh your bag down. “Make sure you have mix-and-match options for your clothing, shoes, and bags so you can switch things up while maximizing space,” says Johnson. “Neutral bottoms work so well because then you can add your pop of color with shirts, which are smaller and easier to pack so you can bring a few extra." Lots of Toiletries If you have a ten-step skincare routine, you might need to par down slightly when you’re on the go. Johnson suggests using a BÉIS Dopp Kit for beauty and skincare products and limiting your selection to only what you can fit in that. “You can put your toiletries in the top section and your makeup below,” she says. In terms of cosmetics, try to bring multitaskers, such as foundation with sunscreen, or a hair product you can use for both de-frizzing and finishing. Handbags and Shoes That Aren’t Versatile Handbags and shoes can take up a lot of space and get heavy. While you might be tempted to pack those super-high heels for one night out, you’re better off opting for something more practical that you can wear for the entire trip. Keep color in mind, too. Black or tan shoes pretty much go with anything. The same goes for bags, explains Johnson. “Bags that can be versatile are perfect," she says. "The convertible weekender works so well because it’s the perfect size when packing for a short trip. When you arrive, you can unzip the bottom and leave that behind while the top of the bag converts into your day-to-day tote.” She also advises bringing along a crossbody or sling bag. “Crossbody or slings are so perfect for any kind of trip but, for a short trip, they can serve as the essentials bags for travel documents and your day-to-day carry bag," she says. "These bags also make a great snack carrier, as that’s always needed.” Full-Size Toiletries Valerie Batrice, vice president of consumer marketing at Travelpro, avoids packing full-size toiletries that she can purchase locally. "You can purchase trial-sized hygiene products once you arrive at your destination, which also allows you to try products that are made by local artisans," explains Batrice. By shopping locally, you can support small businesses and bring back travel-sized toiletry souvenirs from your trip. "During my trip to Portugal, I discovered the most amazing soaps and facial hydrating cream made with honey from France—a win, win!" Batrice says. One Outfit a Day Think less is more when it comes to your capsule wardrobe for a quick trip. "Avoid packing one outfit a day at all costs. Instead, follow the rule of three's: one pair of pants, one skirt, and one dress," explains Batrice. These clothing staples are easy ways to create lots of outfits without overflowing your suitcase. As an added bonus, this gives you extra room in your suitcase for you to shop during an international vacation. "This packing method leaves room in your luggage for souvenirs or new clothes if you decide to shop in a different country," says Batrice.

I tend to spend the entire day on the go when I’m traveling. I just got back from a month in Madrid, and basically every day’s itinerary went something like: museum, cathedral, shopping, and copious amounts of walking. When spending almost the whole day out and about, I like to make sure I have everything I could possibly need with me, so I turned to this surprisingly spacious Uniqlo bag. Trust me, you need the $20 purse for your upcoming spring and summer vacations. You know that scene in Harry Potter where Hermione reaches her entire arm into her clutch and pulls out clothing for three people? That’s how it feels using this bag. It’s compact, but it fits a ton. I put my wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, umbrella, water bottle, chapstick, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, headache medicines, portable charger, tissues, and airpods (and probably a few other things I’m forgetting) in the purse. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag While the bag can fit a lot inside, it folds flat for storage when not in use. It took up next to no room in my carry-on suitcase for the flights to and from Spain. Thanks to the purse’s water-repellent nylon material, you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain without an umbrella. Plus, it’s super easy to clean if anything spills on it. The bag zips closed on top to keep everything safely inside and has interior pockets to contain small items. Aside from its large capacity, my favorite aspect of the purse is that it’s a crossbody. I can keep it close to my body while doing touristy things to avoid pickpockets, which is important when traveling abroad. You can also shorten the strap to wear it on your shoulder if you want to change up your look. I’m not the only one who’s impressed with how much the small bag can hold. One reviewer said, “I put all our family’s passports, my iPhone, wipes, tissues, sunglasses, gum, lip balm, face powder, and sunscreen in it during our two weeks trip in Europe. It has been a lifesaver, easy, and safe!” And the Uniqlo purse has even gone viral recently, with one TikToker packing three days’ worth of clothing and toiletries in it. Grab the Uniqlo bag to use for your next trip or just on a daily basis for running errands. You’ll find more similar styles to shop below, too. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag in Gingham Uniqlo Shoulder Bag Uniqlo Round Ultra Mini Bag Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag Away Featherlight Crossbody Athleta All About Small Crossbody Hobo Bag Lululemon City Essentials Shoulder Bag Lululemon Slouchy Sling Bag 6L Quince Revive Nylon Crescent Shoulder Bag Quince Revive Nylon Convertible Crossbody Shoulder Bag

After years of jam-packed travel-writer trips trying to see every must-do at a destination, that became my default setting for every vacation I planned. And even though it was a ton of fun following up a surfing lesson in Hawaii with snorkeling and a hike, that do-or-die vacation mode often left me and my traveling crew exhausted—and even, sometimes, sick—by the time we headed home. So after one too many "I need a vacation from my vacation" trips, I've embraced a kinder, gentler travel-planning style. If you're trying to create a vacation plan that leaves you feeling renewed and refreshed—while still giving your Type A, do-it-all monster a little space—incorporate some of these tips into your next getaway. 01 of 09 Choose Your Destination Wisely If you're the type to be tempted by all the activity in a destination (and Type A folks are definitely the type), avoid locations that are jam-packed with too much to do—like bustling cities or massive theme parks. (If you've found a way to make a Disney World vacation relaxing, you're a better travel planner than I am!) Fewer activity options equals less FOMO. 02 of 09 Minimize Travel Headaches Getting to and from your travel destination are the least enjoyable and most stressful parts of every vacation. But there are things you can do to ease the pain—and maybe even add a little fun to the proceedings. Avoid peak travel times and days—so you can spend more of your time off relaxing than in rush-hour traffic or a long airport security line. Choose flights that require minimal layovers or are direct, if possible. Every time you have to change flights is a bit of a drag on your energy, and any delay along the route could increase your chances of stressful missed flights and lost luggage. Break up a long road trip. Have I driven 11 hours with minimal rest stops? Yes. Was it fun for anyone? Nope. We've started making the journey part of the vacation by seeking out fun stops along the way, like a cool ice cream stand or a scenic overlook. 03 of 09 Embrace JOMO, Not FOMO If you're Type A, you're probably looking for ways to "win" at vacation—ensure that you see all the must-dos, get that perfect Instagram shot of that eye-candy scenery, and eat at the best spot in the area. But rather than being afraid of missing that one last detail that'll make your vacation a thrill, look for joy in picking and choosing more mindfully to ensure plenty of down time. To that end, we have everyone we're traveling with list their one must-do event, and that's our itinerary. We don't find ourselves missing those to-the-minute itineraries of the past—and we're finding there's a lot of joy in missing out on all that crowded "must-do" nonsense. That's exactly what Kayla Inserra DeLoache, consumer travel trends expert at KAYAK, recommends. "Keep it simple by planning one main thing to do each day. When you don't cram too much into your schedule, you can enjoy your vacation without feeling rushed or anxious about time. It's the perfect way to kick back, enjoy every moment, and truly make the most of your time off." 04 of 09 Leave the Laptop at Home—and Minimize Your Phone Time Another major source of stress on a Type A person's vacation? The things you can't leave behind at home. In fact, about 68% of people actually work on vacation, according to a 2023 survey by ELVTR—and my guess is that number is much higher among Type As. That means you need to put in roadblocks to make it harder for you to be on call or check in at work. Leaving the laptop at home makes it tough to draft long emails or work on time-suck projects, so you're less tempted to spend a lot of time catching up with the office. DeLoache recommends keeping the phone tucked away as much as possible. "Nothing disrupts relaxation more than constant notifications pulling you out of the moment, whether it's work emails, group chats, or random distractions. By putting away your phone, you can fully enjoy the present moment and make the most of your experience without any interruptions." Even if you can't give up your smartphone entirely, silence notifications, put time limits on the use of work-related apps, and turn the phone completely off when you're not using it so it's harder to stay in touch with the stress of work. 05 of 09 Set Aside a "Wing-It" Day We reserve our last day of vacation as the Anthony Bourdain Day, in honor of the late culinary writer's encouragement to wing it for a more authentic travel experience. "Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I'm always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary," he said. Our Anthony Bourdain Day is when we do whatever we really want—like relaxing on a pool float at a country house rental, or people watching with baguette sandwiches on a Parisian park bench—and those are often ranked among our best vacation memories ever. 06 of 09 Add Buffer Days Before (or After) Your Vacation If you can afford the extra time off, consider adding a day off on either side of your vacation that doesn't involve you traveling or doing anything stressful. That'll help ensure you're more relaxed when you arrive on vacation, or allow you to ease back into your daily life. DeLoache also recommends making the first day at a destination your buffer day. "There's no need to rush into a packed itinerary the moment you arrive. Instead, embrace the gradual transition, which can help you unwind and settle into a more relaxed state of mind." 07 of 09 Work in a Spa Treatment If I'm at a destination that offers a massage or a facial, I'm booking it! I've found that having a spa event a few days into a vacation gives me more time to enjoy that relaxed vibe while I'm still on my getaway. 08 of 09 Don't Be Afraid to Change Plans—or Opt Out With our past high-energy vacations, we often soldiered on, even if we (or our kids) were exhausted. But now, if someone's not up to an activity, we make space for that—whether we all opt out of the excursion for a plan B (i.e. napping at the pool), or split up so some can chill on the beach while the others go paddleboarding. 09 of 09 Get Back to Nature Even in the largest cities, you can find parks or botanical gardens where you can bask in the natural beauty. But as we've shifted toward more relaxing vacation plans, we've found that nature destinations—whether it's a lovely beach rental or a spectacular visit to a national park—have really allowed us all to unwind.