We can all agree that one of the least exciting parts of planning a trip – second only to paying for it – is packing. The good news is that there always seems to be someone with a new hack, or advice on how to make it easier.

Ralph, a seasoned traveler, has written extensively on packing tips. While his advice is insightful, it doesn’t always work for me – convertible pants that zip off into shorts? No, thank you. But Ralph’s method allows him to pack for a week in just a carry-on, which is ideal for those who want to avoid extra luggage.

Personally, I don’t mind checking a bag, bringing a rolling carry-on, and a backpack (yes, it’s a lot!), if it means I’ll be comfortable and feel good about what I’m wearing for the week. Some cruise lines have dress codes, so be mindful of those, but most river cruises tend to be more relaxed on dress codes in general. I’ve seen everything from cargo shorts to sport coats in the dining room. The best advice I have? Wear what makes you feel good.

Packing lists will always vary from person to person, depending on travel style. My wardrobe is mostly made up of versatile items like button-down shirts, which are a great travel staple since they can be dressed up with slacks or a skirt, or down with jeans or more casual pants. Because I still prefer to dress up at night, dresses are also a great option because I can wear them with a jean jacket and sneakers during the day, and then with tights and dress shoes at night. This approach keeps me comfortable without the hassle of putting together an entirely new outfit before dinner.

Many of our readers follow a similar method. One wrote, “I have a closet of JUST black and white travel clothes that can all be mixed and matched … may throw in a colorful scarf.” Another added, “Simplify. I pick a color scheme so I can mix, match, and minimize what I need to take.”

Speaking of scarves, pashminas are a fantastic travel item. Many readers mentioned them as a way to elevate an outfit while being practical. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and perfect for chilly evenings on the sun deck.

While some travelers, like Ralph, believe in packing as little as possible, I don’t think a few extra shirts will hurt – unless, of course, you exceed airline weight limits. Make sure you are mindful of those. Space in a cruise stateroom is limited, but an extra outfit or two won’t make a big difference.

If you’re looking to save space, many travelers swear by packing cubes: “I love packing cubes; they not only allow me to fit more in my suitcase but keep things organized. I use one cube for tops, another for bottoms, and one for undergarments.” Packing cubes also make unpacking on the ship – or at home – much easier since everything is already sorted.

Another popular space-saving technique is rolling clothes instead of folding them. Personally, I haven’t noticed much difference, but many travelers insist it works. This could be because I mostly pack button-down shirts, which seem to take up the same space either way. However, rolling smaller items like socks and t-shirts and tucking them into shoes is a great way to maximize space.

Many of our readers prioritize comfort over style, which is why I suggested earlier to wear what makes you feel best. That said, I do prefer to dress up a little as I mentioned. I always pack at least two formal outfits because I don’t want to feel out of place at dinner or special events, like a formal farewell or Captain’s dinner. Dress codes vary, but I’ve also found that packing a suit gives me multiple outfit options: I can wear the full suit for formal night, pair the jacket with slacks for another night, and dress it down with a t-shirt for a casual look. This is a good tip for the men, too.

Originally, I used to insist on traveling with physical books. I held out against e-readers for the longest time – until I finally gave in and bought a Kindle Paperwhite. It wasn’t nearly as bad reading on it as I suspected, and I had access to multiple books without adding bulk to my bag. Recently, though, I actually swapped my iPhone for a Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which has replaced both my e-reader and tablet. I know this isn’t practical advice for everyone, but looking for multipurpose tech like this can be a great way to save space. I also switched my normal camera for a DJI Osmo Pocket 3, which has proven to be far more portable without sacrificing quality.

Before we get into more reader suggestions, here’s one last piece of advice: be prepared for lost luggage. I always check one suitcase with my main wardrobe and carry a rolling bag with essentials – underwear, a pair of slacks, two to three shirts, and toiletries. That way, if my checked bag is delayed, I have enough to get by for a few days. (Once, my luggage was lost for seven days!) A backpack is also a must for carrying my laptop, chargers, and other necessities.

On my most recent trip, I had to gate-check my carry-on in Atlanta all the way through to Budapest. Since I had a tight connection in Amsterdam, I was worried my bag might not make it to Budapest with me. Going forward, I plan to always carry an extra outfit or two in my backpack, which stays with me at all times. This small precaution might make a huge difference in case of lost luggage.

If you want extra peace of mind, arrive at your destination a day early so your luggage has time to catch up if needed.

Also, don’t be like the guy next to me on my last flight who spent the entire trip desperately searching for WiFi. Download your shows, YouTube videos, podcasts, or Spotify playlists in advance. New York Times Games even allows you to download crosswords offline – one of my favorite ways to pass time on the plane. (Bonus points if you get an answer from your seatmate.) You also can’t always count on the plane to have working WiFi or power. On my last flight, the USB plugs weren’t working, and I was beyond grateful to have a fully charged power bank to give my devices some juice on my 14th hour of flying. Here’s the one I use.

Here are a few more reader recommendations:

• Kikisol tunics: “They are the most lightweight cotton, and wash out and drip dry with few wrinkles because of the quality of the cotton … I can sleep in one, use one as a cover-up, and more.”
• Zip-off leg pants: As I mentioned, they’re not for me, but a good choice for unpredictable weather.
• “Make sure you bring sweaters for layering and something fairly waterproof. The temperatures are always lower when you’re on the water no matter what time of year. I have found cashmere and cashmere blends to be perfect for traveling because they are warm, comfortable and aren’t as bulky as other sweaters.”
• Lightweight winter jackets: Available at Uniqlo.
• Umbrellas: “Mostly useless and take up too much space. You can buy one if needed. Most cruise lines provide them for guests.”
• CPAP machines: “Many people don’t realize CPAP machines count as medical equipment and don’t count against carry-on limits. I never check mine.”

Final packing tip? Don’t stress about taking as little as possible—just be smart about your choices. You likely don’t need as much as you think, but as long as you stay within your luggage limit, you should be fine. Sure, this might go against Ralph’s philosophy, but with the right approach, you can save both time and space while still having everything you need.