We canvassed peripatetic globe-trotters who divide their time between the city and the sea and they all agree: packing is less about wanderlust and more about logistics. It’s learning how to keep two versions of life running in parallel, shifting coats to caftans, wool to linen, and a bundled schedule to an unbothered ethos. The seasoned traveler knows that ease takes planning and likely has a few hard-won packing hacks double-folded and tucked away in their carry-on. Here are a few of our favorites…
Make a List
The first step is deceptively simple and absolutely essential for family travel. A shared digital checklist, organized by category in the Notes app, keeps the household in sync. Everyone can see what’s packed, what’s missing and what needs replacing. More importantly, it saves you from starting over each time. Think of it as a living archive of what worked on your last trip: the SPF that held up in the heat, the sandals you actually wore, the serums you didn’t need. It’s especially helpful for everyday essentials such as toiletries, vitamins, skincare and makeup — items that can be stocked in two places rather than shuttled back and forth.
Double Up
Rather than overpacking, think in duplicates. Keep a second set of chargers, toiletries, and SPF in a pouch that’s always ready to go. Mirror your skincare routine, tweaking for climate: swap a dense winter cream for a lighter gel, or a full-coverage foundation for a tinted moisturizer with SPF. When it comes to clothes, build a capsule summer wardrobe that stays partially in place: linen-blend trousers, silk slip dresses, crisp white shirts and neutral sandals in classic styles that work year after year. Stick to a restrained palette like white, sand, olive or navy for easy mixing and matching and introduce color through accessories: a scarf, a sarong or a watch strap that updates the mood of the season. A wide-brimmed hat is essential under the Bahamian sun; when traveling, secure it with a chic magnetic hat clip that fastens as neatly to a carry-on as it does a beach tote.
Go Flat
If you’re overhauling a closet or traveling with bulkier items like towels or bedding, compression bags are indispensable. Opt for a durable brand like Ekster that will last you years rather than the less expensive dupes across the internet. Families can take the system further: a hanging shoe rack makes an ideal organizer for children. Fill each pocket with a rolled-up outfit, then slip the whole thing into a compression bag. It’s efficient, compact, and ideal for growing wardrobes that change with each season.
Start Smart
Packing well is a craft. The rolling hybrid – half roll, half fold – keeps clothes compact and crease-free: roll soft fabrics like tees and knits, fold structured pieces like linen trousers or dresses, and layer shoes at the base for balance. To keep linen shirts looking relaxed but intentional, roll sleeves inward, fold loosely with tissue, and pack those pieces last so they’re not crushed. A light mist of fabric spray before zipping up helps release wrinkles mid-flight.
Simplify the Process
For the most adept, packing cubes are essential. Brands like Monos, Away and Calpak make durable, stackable sets that keep categories separate and suitcases streamlined. Don’t waste a single inch — fill shoes with socks or other small items, nest smaller bags inside larger ones and frame the edges of your suitcase with belts. Tuck in a 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger to power your phone, watch and earbuds without an abundance of cords and blocks. And for larger hauls, skip the heavy lifting altogether: ship oversized items like baby gear, golf clubs, bicycles and even diving equipment ahead with companies like Luggage Forward, which collects everything from your front door and delivers directly to your island address. Because the goal isn’t just to pack light; it’s to arrive lighter.
