“Compression Socks”: 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling

We people are creatures of habits. And changing them can be quite hard. But it's possible, even when it comes to things that we've been doing for years or even decades.

A person who goes online by the nickname Mitjopudent made a post on the subreddit r/travel, asking everyone "What small upgrades have vastly improved your travel experience?"

As of today, they have received over 400 comments under that post, many of which share valuable information on everything from packing to surviving long flights, hygiene, and beyond.

This post may include affiliate links.

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Put a geotag in your luggage. You can track it anywhere as long as you have signal. On the last trip, I can tell the moment I landed that my bag was still stuck at the connecting airport. 13 hours later I can track the bag moving and heading to my home at 3am.

14bk41 , Đức Trịnh Report

Final score:

108points

POST

David Paterson 1 year ago

Wow!

14points

View more comments

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling I keep my toiletry bag always packed w everything so I never have to “pack” it. Basically I have two of everything… razor. Toothbrush, tooth pate, hair and face products, hair brush etc

AdditionalAttorney , Tyler Nix Report

Final score:

104points

POST

Hey! 1 year ago

Same. Because we travel so much too.

13points

View more comments

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling I have a checklist that I reuse every time so I don’t forget anything important as I often have to travel at short notice.

Excellent_Property38 , Ketut Subiyanto Report

Final score:

95points

POST

Rheb 1 year ago

I do this too, even when it’s not for short notice travel. Helped my packing anxiety. Now I just look at the list when it’s time to pack and stop worrying days in advance that I’ll forget something. It’s helped so much!

24points

View more comments

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling A small case that fits into the seat pocket on planes packed with everything needed during a flight — charger, headphones, lip gloss, meds, etc. Helps me board quickly and keep track of the little stuff.

Princess_PrettyWacky , FOX Report

Final score:

90points

POST

Maya 1 year ago

nice hack.

10points

View more comments

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Biggest upgrade is carrying less with me.

binhpac , Gustavo Fring Report

Final score:

90points

POST

Blondie23 1 year ago

I haven't flown in quite a few years but from what I understand, only having carry on luggage is the way to go!

1point

View more comments

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling An Anker 26k power bank. It's slim, and I can speed recharge my phone to full, 6-8 time, off a single charge.

AcropolisOfInput , SCREEN POST Report

Final score:

84points

POST

Ample Aardvark 1 year ago

I just got a powerbank after having a powercut brought on by garage lights dodgy wiring for 24h and only 20% charge on my phone (and I needed to use it a lot to find local emergency electricians!)

8points

View More Replies...

View more comments

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Compression socks. For long or long-ish flights. No swelling at all.

globely , Mikhail Nilov Report

Final score:

74points

POST

David Paterson 1 year ago

Thanks, noted.

15points

View more comments

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Having a place where my passport ALWAYS goes in. Been using the same spot for 30 years in my computer case where the floppy disk used to go.

DoneTravelling , RDNE Stock project Report

Final score:

73points

POST

Ken Beattie 1 year ago

Fireproof safe! Just like the other important documents.

10points

View More Replies...

View more comments

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Shower flip flops. No way am I stepping onto the likely 20 yrs of grime in the shower of my airport hotel.

jamesbrownscrackpipe , Nicole Queiroz Report

Final score:

68points

POST

Ace 1 year ago

Funny how you'll happily trust that the sheets and towels, which will be in close contact to infection-sensitive parts of the body, often for some time, are properly laundered, but you don't trust them to clean the shower which is being constantly rinsed as you use it and which is going be in contact with nothing more than the soles of your feet. Wrong priorities, I feel.

41points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#10

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling If you travel a lot, keep essentials in your suitcase at all times, don’t unpack them and replace/replenish as needed.
- Charging cables
- Have an entire set of travel size toiletries ready. Toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen, razor
- Small pill case with ibuprofen, melatonin, vitamins, etc.

katie_b4 , Kindel Media Report

Final score:

67points

POST

Justin Thyme 1 year ago

Yup. I have a go back always ready for a quick trip-- restock all essentials, using travel size stuff, no thought required, grab bag and go

8points

View more comments

#11

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Body/hand wipes for long haul flights. Bring to bathroom and wipe your pits, crevices etc, and you’ll feel great going back to your seat!

ceeearan , Towfiqu barbhuiya Report

Final score:

67points

POST

David Paterson 1 year ago

Choose alcohol wipes, that way the alcohol penetrates your skin and helps you "feel great". More seriously, avoid the non-alcohol ones.

12points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#12

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Packing cubes. Before I bought some I thought they were superfluous, just adding weight and taking up space in my bag. But now I realize they allow me to be much more organized, which makes packing easier. Everything has it's place in the main compartment of my pack. And if I realize I packed something I need on my person, it's so much easier to just open the one cube I need to grab that particular item, and then everything just goes back in in its designated place. Before using them, I ended up having to remove half the contents of my bag to rummage around for that one item, then everything had to get refolded/rerolled to go back into my bag.

Queasy-Ad-6126 , Timur Weber Report

Final score:

62points

POST

David 1 year ago

ROLL UP YOUR CLOTHES instead of folding. They take less space and IMO it is easier to remove an item without messing up the other items.

35points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#13

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling I got a second toothbrush that I always keep in my travel toiletry bag. Since I couldn’t pack my toothbrush until the last minute, I ended up forgetting it and having to buy a new one. It’s such a small thing but it soothes my brain.

mitjopudent , alleksana Report

Final score:

54points

POST

Hey! 1 year ago

I do the same for my husband and myself.

11points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#14

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling I carry rolls of painters tape, as it is nonstick but super sturdy to help close lids and secure things without leaving glue residue on them. Extremely useful.

And also zip ties. A lock broke? No problem, zip tie the bag and cut it open at destination. Many uses.

Appropriate-Beach424 , jose aljovin Report

Final score:

53points

POST

Ken Beattie 1 year ago

I saw another post where they used zipties when their shoelaces broke. They're now on my hiking/traveling list for that reason alone.

19points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#15

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling "Splurging" for bottled water everywhere I go. I have a sensitive stomach and the peace of mind is worth it to me.

Hangrycouchpotato , Ketut Subiyanto Report

Final score:

51points

POST

Justin Thyme 1 year ago

Not a splurge-- depending on where you're going local waters may not be tolerated

14points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#16

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling 1. Compression packing cubes. More for the organization ability than the compression, to be honest.

2. Airplane foot hammock. The strap goes over your tray table, and the "hammock" cradles your legs or feet, holding them at a better angle than resting them on the floor during long flights. I used it while I was sleeping on a flight out recently, and while I was using my laptop on the flight back and found my legs and knees weren't nearly as sore as usual.

UhohEatenByAGrue , Alexander Schimmeck Report

Final score:

48points

POST

Linus Bourque 1 year ago

Also not all airlines allow these.

14points

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#17

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling using plastic freezer bags as packing cubes allows you to see what's inside each one quickly, without opening them up and digging through them.

Sniffy4 , Nolwenn Leduc Report

Final score:

46points

POST

GadgetGirl 1 year ago

I don't think they make freezer bags in my size lol

5points

View more comments

#18

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling A digital suitcase scale. No more weighting myself with and without a suitcase. I take it with me and wight the suitcase to make sure I don’t pass the limit on the flight back.

miri002 , Ari Helminen Report

Final score:

39points

POST

David 1 year ago

YES. Moderately priced, last a long time. So useful on an international trip where our suitcases were limited to 50 pounds each and there was a large overage fee. Related - if you are at all in doubt about your carry on - take it to your local airport if you have one near you and compare it to the sizing box many airlines have near the ticket counter. You can often find specs online but sometimes not and just the wording about how it 'must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin'.

8points

View more comments

#19

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Getting rid of old clothes on travel to empty your carryon for more souvenirs. I bring old shirts, pants, sweaters, underwear, socks for travel to get rid of them as I go. I hate checking in luggage and I will have plenty of extra room to bring things back.

fitDEEZbruh , Ketut Subiyanto Report

Final score:

37points

POST

David Paterson 1 year ago

Had one flight where one bag with many clothes was accidentally left behind. We had a great time shopping for new clothes.

16points

View more comments

#20

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Maybe this isn't vast, but it's something I like to do: I keep a wrapped bar of soap in each piece of my luggage. It makes the luggage smell nice when it's in storage, and then I can use it while traveling (I hate liquid soap and have a preference for a certain brand of bar soap).

adept1onreddit , Greta Hoffman Report

Final score:

35points

POST

peace 1 year ago

i will copy this, inspired by the lovely smell.

11points

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#21

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling You can request a fan at a hotel.

Makes a huge difference when you’re room temp doesn’t drop below 70 and you’re used to sleeping in the tundra.

praisedawings247 , Toshi Kuji Report

Final score:

33points

POST

Kenny Kulbiski 1 year ago

I always request one but more for the white noise than anything else.

16points

View more comments

#22

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling TSA pre-check

I_Am_Not_That_Man , Michał Parzuchowski Report

Final score:

31points

POST

kitteh floof lover 1 year ago

and for americans...global entry

16points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#23

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling A mesh laundry bag.

It allows me to comfortably divide my clean and dirty clothes, and not have to sort through them in my luggage when it comes time to do laundry. It's helpful on business trips and vacations, and short or long duration trips. Whether I just do my laundry when I return home or have to do it while traveling, the laundry bag helps me keep everything together and easily carryable so I can do my laundry when I am able.

Also, it takes up hardly any space on its own, and anything going into it was already in my bag before.

pHScale , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:

29points

POST

Diolla 1 year ago

I prefer to use a plastig bag because I don't want my smelly socks or underwear to stink up the entire suitcase.

55points

View More Replies...

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#24

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling My "small" upgrade was literally teaching myself to pack super small, light, and in a single 20L backpack for any trip, any event or activity I might attend or do, in any location, or any weather. My bag stays permanently packed with these items. The only thing that changes is that I might throw in a swim suit.

Everything about this has improved my travel, 100%.

For example, I am going to the UK next month. My flight lands at 6:30am. My bag is so small, no airline would ever flag it to be checked. Lost luggage isn't a thing in my world. Because my kit is so small, I can walk out of the airport and spend all day carrying my pack, sightseeing, and not even notice I'm carrying it until 3pm when i can check into my hotel. The pack is so cute, it just looks like i choose to carry a pack instead of a purse.

But for items, I can't live without... my document organizer. It's my lifeline. I love it. Another thing I dont leave home without is a big pashmina scarf... there's a million and one uses for it!

Xerisca , Abdullah Al Mallah Report

Final score:

27points

POST

Ample Aardvark 1 year ago

Good luck wearing the same thing all day in the UK. Apart from heatwaves and dead of winter you'll need a t-shirt, light coat, heavy coat, waterproof coat, nice shoes, comfortable shoes and wellies if you're out for the day

45points

View More Replies...

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#25

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Rubber band for your passport.
You’ll naturally hold onto the rubber band when you hand someone your passport so it reminds you to get your passport back, plus it keeps your travel documents snug inside!

bd3851 , ARendle Report

Final score:

22points

POST

David 1 year ago

Better IMO is a passport wallet. I hang it around my neck and tuck it inside my shirt when going through the actual airports but the whole neck strap part is optional. Just handy for not having to dig it out at the counter and it makes me super aware of it.

3points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#26

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling A foldable travel pillow- not the kind that wraps around your neck, but an actual small memory foam pillow that folds into a traveling bag. I use it on trains/planes and to provide neck support at hotels

Apple AirTags

A Xanax prescription

SplitOpenAndMelt420 , HS You Report

Final score:

21points

POST

David 1 year ago

Travel pillows - nice to have but whatever you get check it out before the trip to make sure it fits your neck. I had a really nice high quality memory foam one and found it was just too thick to be comfortable for me. Turns out a cheap poly filled one I bought in PI for two or three bucks was way more comfortable for me.

5points

View more comments

#27

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling A denim button up. That sucker can go with everything and is an easy layer to add over singlets and under jumpers.

A good and sturdy leather satchel. It's got a flap and zip so everything is secure. It sits across my shoulders and at my front hip, so easily looked after. It fits the necessities for the day but is compact enough to slide under the plane seats or sit on my lap on a train.

whitewitch1913 , Lum3n Report

Final score:

21points

POST

David 1 year ago (edited)

I am a guy but on my last couple of trips I switched to a soft bag designed for carry on. It is made to be able to fit under the seat in front of me. I put my 'want it now' type stuff in there (electronics, snacks, wet wipe, whatever) and then I don't have to get it from the overhead bin when I want access after takeoff.

7points

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#28

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Not upgrades really, but wearing leggings with pockets is so great bc I can put my phone and airpods in them along with boarding pass and/or passport. I don’t have to dig in my bag and I know they’re securely on me.

I also bought an airplane blanket that has its own little holder bag that can be used as a pillow - it hooks to my backpack and there’s enough extra space that I stick my snacks, water bottle, whatever else in there that I’ll need at my seat. So I can put all that in prior to boarding and then I can just throw my backpack into the overhead bin and keep the blanket pack thing at my seat

tallestgiraffkin , Pew Nguyen Report

Final score:

17points

POST

baby frog 1 year ago

i always get some sweatpants with DEEP pockets, for my own comfort and to make sure i don’t get stares from weird people

3points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#29

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling I take contact lens cases and put a bit of ointments and gels in them. Label with a permanent marker.. P for polysporin, etc

briansbrain112 , Nataliya Vaitkevich Report

Final score:

15points

POST

mhoulden 1 year ago

A lens case with unidentified gels sounds like a good way to get stopped by security.

27points

View More Replies...

View more comments

See Also on Bored Panda

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#30

"Compression Socks": 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling Scrubba Bag. It is great to be able to refresh your clothes between washing machines and allows me to wear them a few times more.

Iogwfh , Robynlou Kavanagh Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Funhog 1 year ago

But, I don't want you to wear my clothes.

24points

View More Replies...

View more comments

What do you think ?

Robert T 1 year ago

If you are taking a laptop with you, buying the correct power cable for your destination can save a lot of hassle with heavy adpaters that fall out of the wall socket. Most laptop power supplies have one of two standard connectors on them and you simply buy pre-made lead with that connector and the mains plug for your destination. I had the UK one mine came with, a US one and a Euro one. It was when I was teaching a training course in the US that I had the issue with the heavy UK plug and adapter falling out of the wall and didn't notice until the battery alarm went off on the laptop!

DJR 1 year ago

If you are using a heavy adapter, you are carrying extra weight. I haven't seen a laptop power supply in the last 20 years that didn't accept 110-240vac. All you need is a plug converter. Same goes for your phone and nearly every other electrical thing you travel with. Every electrical device has a label with its input voltage requirements.

Load More Replies...

Cassie 1 year ago

Binder clips. You can use them to close stubborn hotel curtains, hang stuff from hooks that might not stay well otherwise, hang shoes or hats from hangers, hang paper notes in noticeable places, etc. The pinch arm can easily be removed if placing on a hanger that doesn't come off the rack and the pinch arm is also great for resetting device and pulling the felt back in a Zippo lighter, among other things. Just incredibly useful and don't take up much space.

2points

Deborah B 1 year ago

On longhaul flights, if you have trouble with the dry air affecting your eyes & nose, then eyedrops, damp cotton pads under your eyemask, and using a cotton bud to lightly coat the inside of your nose with vasaline, especially before sleep, really helps. The vasaline sound weird, but it really helps with the dry-itchy nostrils. Chew peppermint gum for fresh mouth and to releave the constant dry throat/mouth feeling as well.

They make a saline nose gel. Look for "Ayr Saline Nasal Gel".

Load More Comments

“Compression Socks”: 30 Small Things That People Say Greatly Improved Their Traveling

Games

Rokas Laurinavičius

Rokas Laurinavičius

Dominyka

Dominyka

Word Search

Sudoku

Crossword

Word Flower

WordroW

Jigsaw

Picdoku

Killer Sudoku

Kriss Kross