Comments on: Why I Travel With (lots of) Ziploc Bags

By: JayTee

JayTee — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 02:19:36 +0000

Just read an excellent travel tip on SmarterTravel . . . use a gallon size zip-lock to line the airline seatback pocket (You know, the one where people put glasses, used tissues, Kindles, dirty diapers, food and trash?) in front of you. Keep your stuff handy and clean during the flight and toss the zip-lock at the end of the flight.

By: Irene S. Levine

Irene S. Levine — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:01:15 +0000

In reply to Laura. Once you start, it's positively addicting!

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 16:57:55 +0000

I’m really late on this post! I don’t travel much but I also travel with zip-loks and use them for a lot of the same reasons you mention. I also buy whatever brand is cheapest as I’ve never seen a difference.

Love the clothes folding idea. I never knew the bags could prevent wrinkling.

By: Irene S. Levine

Irene S. Levine — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 04:29:16 +0000

In reply to Linda. I use the freezer size because it takes less time to put things in and out than the gallon size. Wish it worked for face wrinkles! Let me know when you find the solution to that one:-) Best, Irene

By: Linda

Linda — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 04:26:46 +0000

Just curious as to what size zip lock you use for your tops, blouses and sweaters. Are gallon bags a good size; freezer or storage? Thanks for all the tips. I use zip lock for many of my travel needs, but I have never used them for clothes. I have heard that plastic in general, i.e., bags from the dry cleaners help prevent wrinkles, so I am going to try the zip lock for my clothes. Do you think they will help the wrinkles on my face?!!

By: Irene S. Levine

Irene S. Levine — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 09:29:43 +0000

In reply to BJ Nguyen.

Thanks for adding the tip about the strapping tape, BJ.
Don’t you feel great when you catch a spill in a bag—compared to what could have been?
Best, Irene

By: BJ Nguyen

BJ Nguyen — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 02:41:25 +0000

Regarding preventing spilled liquids in your suitcase, I take 2 preventative measures: 1) I use 3M strapping tape (the type you use to seal a box for shipping) and I seal every bottle I bring with strapping tape(even tilt caps). 2) Then I load all those little bottles into a toiletries carrier I got from Mary Kay years ago that has 4 zippered plastic pouches which roll up & velcro together to cushion each other. Since doing this I have only had 1 bottle come open & it just spilled into the plastic pouch which I was able to wipe out later. I now carry strapping tape (as well as baggies)with me in my suitcase so that I can strap all the bottles back up again when I am ready to travel home. It takes a little time but saves lots of hassles later. I also use baggies for all sorts of things when packing including most of the uses you list above (going to try it on clothes now though). Thanks for the great tips.

By: PJ Malin

PJ Malin — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 15:11:58 +0000

In reply to Irene S. Levine. Hi Irene, I have used the plastic bags for years when traveling and rarely throw them out (they can be recycled, though, with other plastics). Most of my trips are short and domestic, so I never put clothes in a dresser drawer in a hotel room. It also makes it quicker to keep the bags and clothes in your luggage in case you want a late breakfast, a last-minute trip to the fitness center or a late swim before you have to check out. (I always think checkout times are TOO early, but maybe it's because I'm a night owl and late riser!) The ziplock bags also keep dirty shoes and sneakers from coming into contact with clothes. I pack my lighter sweaters or blouses in small, light mesh bags about the size of a folded-up blouse. They're TIDY TOTES from a company called Blink. They're like the large-size mesh laundry bags. The dollar stores used to sell the small mesh bags 4 for $1 and I also bought them as a gift for traveling friends.

By: Irene S. Levine

Irene S. Levine — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 00:03:09 +0000

In reply to Laura. Yes, it does take a bit of extra time but I think it's well worth it!

By: Laura

Laura — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 19:02:33 +0000

I never once thought about packing with Ziplocs and am amazed by all your commenters who do it routinely. I’m going to go to Target and get a stash of cheap Ziplocs and try this packing tip for my next trip. My husband refuses to pack until 30 minutes before we leave so I can’t imagine he’ll be joining me in the zen of Ziploc packing. (-:

By: Michele Wojo

Michele Wojo — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 13:13:47 +0000

Irene,

I’ve been using ziplock bags for years when traveling. They keep everything safe from spills. I haven’t used them for clothing, though. Interesting tip!

By: Tobias

Tobias — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 14:40:07 +0000

Thanks for that great post! I myself found ziplock bags very, very useful on my travels so far and I will most definitely take some with me when my journey to Asia starts in December. I didn’t use them for clothes though but I try it out!

Thx again and have a sunny day!

By: Marcia

Marcia — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 14:15:41 +0000

Sadie was a beautiful bride!

I ALWAYS travel with Ziplock bags as well. My stash never leaves my suitcase unless I had a spill but as soon as they dry out, they’re back in the suitcase. In addition to ziplock, I’ve got bags from Canada customs and laundry bags from every hotel I’ve stayed at.

By: Irene S. Levine

Irene S. Levine — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 12:49:54 +0000

In reply to Paul Glassman. Just until you have time to wash it or dry it! Good idea about the hair dryer but I prefer plastic to mesh!