You’ve picked your destination. The itinerary is set and complete with activities, dining plans, and your hotel reservation. Transportation is all in order. Excitement is in the air, but one last (often dreaded) task remains: packing. It can be hard to know exactly what and how to pack in order to have everything you need for your hotel stay. Whether you’re the type to always forget something or always struggle to zip the suitcase closed, these packing tips we’ve rounded up will help you approach your next trip with a little more intention, and maybe a little less stress.

The Science of Packing Light

Packing light is all about bringing pieces that do more. Choose versatile clothing that can take you from exploring Chicago to dinner at the Albert, and look for layers that can adapt to changing plans and weather. Before adding something to your suitcase, ask yourself: Can this serve more than one purpose? A little strategic thinking can go a long way toward making sure you still have extra room for the things you end up wanting to bring home.

The Science of Organization 

Packing for a longer hotel stay doesn't have to mean bringing a bulky suitcase that becomes impossible to navigate after the first few days. Packing cubes are an easy way to maximize luggage space while keeping your belongings organized throughout your trip. Try grouping clothing by category, outfit, or activity so you can quickly find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase. You can even dedicate a cube to toiletries, accessories, or workout clothes to keep smaller essentials from getting lost. 

The goal is to create a system that makes sense for you, so your suitcase stays organized from check-in to check-out. Think of it as your own little organizational experiment: when everything has a place, settling into your hotel room and making yourself at home becomes that much easier.

The Science of Staying Connected

From navigating Chicago to capturing photos of the city, technology can be an important part of your trip. Bring the essentials you’ll actually use, such as your phone charger, headphones, portable battery, or camera. Just remember to pack strategically. There’s no need to bring every device you own when a few well-chosen essentials will do the job.

The Science of Sleeping Well While Traveling

A great night of sleep can make a big difference in how you experience a trip. Traveling can disrupt your usual routine, from unfamiliar surroundings to a different schedule, so creating a few familiar comforts can help your body and mind settle in. Create a small sleep or comfort kit with the things that help you wind down, whether that’s a favorite sleep mask, skincare products, cozy socks, a calming scent, or something familiar from home. Keeping these essentials together makes it easy to recreate your nighttime routine, even when you’re miles away from your own bed.

Once you’re settled into your hotel room, give yourself a few minutes to transition out of travel mode. Dim the lights, put your phone away, and stick to a familiar routine before getting into bed. These small habits can signal that it’s time to slow down and help make your hotel stay feel a little more comfortable. After all, well-rested travelers are better equipped to make the most of everything the destination has to offer.

The Art of Making Time to Unplug

Travel doesn’t have to mean filling every quiet moment with a screen. Pack something that lets you slow down and enjoy a little downtime. It can be a book, journal, sketchbook, or even a deck of cards. And when you’re staying somewhere like Hotel EMC2, you might find inspiration without packing anything at all. Take a few minutes to explore, notice the details, and let your surroundings spark a little curiosity.

Pack Smart, Explore Freely

The goal of packing isn’t to bring everything you might possibly need. It’s to think ahead, make intentional choices, and leave yourself room for the unexpected. With a little planning, your suitcase can become one less thing to worry about, and your trip can become more about experiencing everything your destination has to offer.

Whether you’re spending the day exploring Chicago, discovering something new around Hotel EMC2, or settling in for a meal at the Albert, pack with purpose and leave room for a little curiosity along the way.