packing

IF you’re an over-packer who constantly battles to zip your suitcase shut, this Amazon find is a game-changer.

Shoppers are rushing to buy these compression packing cubes that do far more than just organise your holiday outfits – they actively squeeze your clothes down into compact bundles, too.

While regular packing cubes can save you around 15% luggage space, compression cubes can save you up to 50% – effectively giving you another half a suitcase to fill.

Travel Compression Packing Cubes, £19.99 (was £29.99)

The cubes are slashed to nearly half-price on Amazon, where you can snap them up for just £19.99 – 33% down from the usual £29.99.

These compression cubes come in handy for all sorts of holidays, whether you’re heading off backpacking or want to pack as many Ibiza party outfits as possible.

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They even have a waterproof compartment to separate any dry and damp clothes from after your travels.

One pleased shopper said “These travel compression packing cubes were a game changer when I was travelling around Thailand with just a backpack.

“The sizes are really well thought out, making it easy to separate clothes, keep everything organised, and maximise space”.

Another shopper said “Really good packing cubes for the price I paid.

“Makes packing much easier and more organised. I wish I had bought them years ago!”

Travel Compression Packing Cubes, £19.99 (was £29.99)

These packing cubes have rip-resistant double stitching and zip smoothly, even when you’ve stuffed them full.

Plus you’re even doing your bit for the environment by picking these cubes, as they’re made from recycled plastic bottles.

The compression packing cubes come in six different colours: grey, beige, blue, black, green and red.

As well as condensing down your clothing into tightly-packed bundles, packing cubes can be a great organising tool.

You can pick an item to bundle into each section – t-shirts, trousers, dresses, socks, toiletries – then pick a cube to pop each of them into.

That way when you need to grab something on holiday, you won’t be rummaging around in your suitcase – you’ll know exactly where to find it.

Travel Compression Packing Cubes, £19.99 (was £29.99)

Prices correct at time of publication.

Travel fans swear by the ‘game-changing’ packing method that prevents creases and saves space in your suitcase

A traveller has shared a “game-changing” packing hack that prevents clothes from getting creased in your suitcase. The popular method was demonstrated in a TikTok video posted by womenswear brand Sophie Cameron Davies.

Taking to social media, @Sophiecamerondavies explained why dedicating a little extra time to packing your suitcase can save considerable hassle during your trip. The caption said: “If your suitcase is full of floaty dresses, silk pieces or anything remotely crease-prone, try this. No more steaming out wrinkles for half your holiday.

“It’s simple, space-saving, and actually works. Save this one – your future self will thank you.” As shown in the clip, the method sees holidaymakers fold their garments as few times as possible, ensuring they stay flat within the suitcase.

Sophie said: “Lay your clothes completely flat, don’t roll or overfold. Fill the full width of your suitcase right into the corners, and fold only once or twice max to avoid deep creases.

“Then just lay each piece on top of the other like a stack. It keeps everything smooth and compact, so simple but game-changing.” The video racked up thousands of likes.

It also prompted commenters to share their preferred methods, and it seems many are devoted to Sophie’s approach. One fan of the idea wrote: “I have packed like this for years and it’s honestly a game changer! Less folds = more space.”

A second fan replied: “I’ve been doing this more recently!” A third viewer wrote: “I always pack like this – never have to iron.” Adding to the praise, someone mentioned: “I’ve always done this and left them on hangers too. So once I arrive, hang straight up.”

There was more feedback. A social media user wrote: “I do this too ….makes unpacking at hotel sooooo much easier.” Others shared their own methods, with a viewer writing: “I use the other side for clothes as it’s flat and the side you have put the clothes in I use for toiletries and shoes, swimwear etc .. it works no creases.”

Another response added: “I do this but I lay each piece flat hanging from the sides. Lay items on top then flip the sides inwards and secure it.”

Not everyone was so convinced, though. A commenter wrote: “Then when you stand the case up everything will fall down,” someone defended the method but highlighted a different criticism, saying: “No, it doesn’t. I’ve packed like this – just a pain looking for things when arriving at destination.”

B&M is selling the XL set ‘perfect for suitcases, backpacks, and carry-on luggage’

B&M shoppers can save space in their cabin baggage and suitcases with a £6 set. Known for selling budget-friendly accessories, the retailer is stocking the travel items ahead of the summer holidays. The bargain chain is selling a new pack of XL packing cubes in stores now.

For shoppers interested in the Beach Club XL Packing Cubes, the four-piece set could help to ‘simplify packing’. There are also three colours available, so families looking to streamline their luggage can each choose their own set to separate their outfits.

The product description says: “Simplify packing for your next trip with our space-saving Beach Club XL Packing Cubes. Great for organising and separating outfits and accessories. Perfect for suitcases, backpacks, and carry-on luggage.”

B&M is stocking a selection of travel accessories ahead of the summer holidays. For shoppers looking for more packing cubes, there’s also a pack of six Travel Packing Cubes for £5. The description explains: “This set includes six packing cubes in various sizes, great for separating outfits and accessories with ease, and for maximising your storage space.”

The retailer also sells small accessories such as travel pillows, suitcase locks, and adapter sets. Meanwhile, shoppers looking for luggage items, including cabin bags and suitcases, could be in luck.

B&M’s current selection includes a £15 Excel Foldable Cabin Case and a £55 Havana Suitcase. The product description for the cabin case says: “Designed for your next getaway, this stylish Foldable Cabin Case is built to make travelling a breeze. Features an adjustable handle and plenty of space for your trip away, whether for work or leisure.”

For holidaymakers looking for more options, there are several budget-friendly retailers such as Home Bargains and Dunelm selling travel accessories. For instance, Dunelm sells £12 Sophie Robinson Packing Cubes.

Dunelm says: “These colourful cubes are the perfect way to sort and store your essentials, making packing and unpacking a breeze. With vibrant prints that add a dash of fun, they’re the ideal match for the coordinating luggage from this collection (sold separately).”

The set is popular with reviewers, with 4.8 out of five stars online. One happy shopper said: “I love the patterns, they are really pretty and make me smile. Much easier to spot which one you need. I spent ages looking for some which didn’t cost too much but were good quality.”

Another fan wrote: “Really nice quality and love the colours – makes a difference to other more boring cubes on the market. Took them on holiday and had no issues, zips worked well and I fit lots of clothes inside.”

Someone else replied: “These colourful packing cubes are delightful. Fit beautifully in my case, smooth zip and easy to wash.”

You must pack this essential travel item in your suitcase before your next holiday to take your pool lounging to the next level – and a game-changer at an all-inclusive

Packing one item in your suitcase on your next holiday could help make relaxing by the pool even more enjoyable.

Fleeing the miserable British weather and flying off somewhere sunny is something many of us eagerly anticipate as soon as we secure some annual leave, or when the children break up from school. We Brits adore visiting destinations like Spain, Greece, and Turkey for reasonably priced all-inclusive breaks where we can bask in the sunshine poolside and let our worries fade away.

However, if you’re arranging a trip this summer, one woman on social media has insisted you shouldn’t even contemplate travelling without packing one crucial item that could make those poolside days even more pleasurable – particularly if you’re booking to stay at an all-inclusive resort.

In a clip on TikTok, Josie Mills filmed herself with a tray of cocktails in small plastic cups that she had collected from the bar on her all-inclusive break.

Typically, you’d need to keep standing up to fetch a fresh drink, or risk them becoming warm in the heat if you collect multiple beverages at once – but Josie has a trick that can conserve your energy and keep your drinks chilled.

All you need to do is ensure you’ve packed a Stanley cup or other insulated drinking vessel. These will keep your beverages ice cold for hours and can contain far more liquid than the small cups the hotel provides you.

She captioned her video: “This is your sign to pack your Stanley so your all-inclusive drinks stay ice cold all day and saves you going to the bar every five minutes.”

Those commenting on Josie’s video who had brought their insulated tumblers on getaways agreed the tip was certainly worthwhile, as it can be a “godsend” in sweltering weather, even if you opt to fill it with chilled water rather than cocktails. Numerous people revealed they had even taken their cups straight to the bar and requested them to be filled.

One person said: “Just take your cup to them, they’ll mix the cocktail straight in there for you. Saves faffing with the little cups!”

Another added: “I do this every time. Save the plastic and just give them your cup, they’re happy to do it.” A third said: “We did this and it was a godsend in high 30 heat.”

While Josie’s suggestion was intended for guests staying at all-inclusive resorts who receive their beverages at no additional charge, you can do this at most hotels – though it will cost more. You can also fill your tumbler with water if you anticipate spending extended periods by the pool, as this will help maintain your hydration in the heat.

How to stay safe in the sun on holiday

If you’re intending to lounge poolside in the sunshine during your break, you should ensure you’re following proper sun safety measures. This includes applying sunscreen and making certain you’re adequately covered during the hottest periods of the day.

According to the NHS, you should make sure you: For further guidance on protecting yourself from the sun’s rays, head to the NHS website.

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• Never burn
• Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
• Take extra care with children
• Keep babies younger than six months out of direct sunlight
• Use at least factor 30 sunscreen – make sure to use enough and reapply frequently

For more detailed information on staying safe in the sun, visit the NHS website.