Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Episode: More Happier: Traveling Soon? 30 Hacks for a Happier Trip [Revisited]

Release Date: July 19, 2025

Gretchen Rubin and her co-host Elizabeth Craft dive deep into the art of traveling with their revisited favorite episode, "Travel Hacks Extravaganza." As the sisters prepare for their first-ever Sisters Reading Retreat, they reflect on past insights and introduce a plethora of practical travel tips sourced from their dedicated listeners. This comprehensive episode not only revisits beloved hacks but also infuses new ideas to ensure every trip is as joyful and stress-free as possible.

1. The Importance of Preparation

Gretchen and Elizabeth kick off the episode by emphasizing the significance of preparation in making travel enjoyable. They recall the value of revisiting previous episodes to reinforce effective habits.

• Gretchen Rubin [01:37]: "Our timing couldn't be better because very soon we are going on our first ever Sisters reading retreat."
• Elizabeth Craft [01:50]: "We got so many brilliant ideas from listeners, but you forget them. I needed a reminder."

2. Top Listener-Submitted Travel Hacks

a. Packing Essentials

A unanimous theme among listeners is the critical nature of thorough packing.

• Packing List:
  Gretchen Rubin [02:36]: "The number one suggestion was to make a list. Make a packing list."
  Gretchen [03:04]: "Don't only need to make a list, you need to remember to consult your list."

• Toiletry Organization:
  Elizabeth Craft [03:04]: "Create a travel toiletry kit so you don't forget something when you're packing."

b. Managing Clothing and Accessories

Listeners share ingenious ways to keep clothes wrinkle-free and organized.

• Ziploc Toiletry Bags:
  Elizabeth Craft [05:02]: "Use a clear Ziploc bag for toiletries. It doesn't take much room and prevents spills."

• Preventing Wrinkles:
  Lisa [07:54]: "Fold clothes in plastic dry cleaner bags before putting them in your suitcase."
  Kelly [08:31]: "Pack Downy Wrinkle Releaser to eliminate wrinkles on the go."

c. Enhancing Comfort During Travel

Strategies to make traveling more comfortable and enjoyable are highlighted.

• White Noise Solutions:
  Leah [07:12]: "Use a white noise app to drown out unwanted sounds during travel."
  Gretchen [11:23]: "Someone shared using white noise for their dog’s barking, showing its versatility."

• Power Management:
  Andrea [07:58]: "Travel with a power strip to ensure all your devices can be charged efficiently."

d. Navigating Accommodations and Routes

Maximizing hotel stays and choosing optimal routes contribute to a smoother trip.

• Room Requests:
  Listener [05:46]: "Ask the front desk for a better room or a nicer view."
  Gretchen [06:43]: "Asking politely can often result in room upgrades or better placements."

• Running Routes:
  Courtney [09:35]: "Check with the front desk for suggested running routes to enjoy scenic views."

e. Traveling with Family and Pets

Adapting travel hacks to suit family dynamics and pet needs ensures everyone's comfort.

• Fun Bag for Kids:
  Elizabeth [04:12]: "Use a fun bag filled with small toys and activities to keep children entertained during travel."

• Traveling with Pets:
  Jill [28:41]: "Find pet-friendly stores like PetSmart or Petco along your route to ensure your dog can accompany you safely."

3. Personal Hacks from Hosts

a. Odelia’s Tips: Enhancing the Travel Experience

Gretchen’s producer, Odelia, shares heartfelt and practical ideas inspired by her mother.

• Snacks for Airplane:
  Odelia [15:50]: "Bring healthy snacks from Trader Joe’s for a personalized airplane picnic."

• Reading Materials:
  Odelia [17:03]: "Pack engaging novels to make flights and layovers more enjoyable."

b. Gretchen’s Personal Insights: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Gretchen opens up about challenging her own travel-related limiting beliefs to enrich her experiences.

• Bringing Family on Business Trips:
  Gretchen [35:09]: "I challenged my belief of never bringing children on business trips and had a wonderful mother-daughter adventure."

4. Interactive Listener Engagement

a. Demerits and Gold Stars

The episode features a segment where listeners share their travel-related demerits and successes.

• Elizabeth’s Demerit [33:30]: "Procrastinating on booking a trip to Legoland, fearing it might be sold out."

• Gretchen’s Gold Star [35:09]: "Challenging a limiting belief by bringing her daughter on a business trip, leading to a memorable experience."

5. Additional Practical Hacks

a. Efficient Packing Strategies

• Advanced Packing Techniques:
  Suzanne [12:46]: "Pack a separate hotel bag with essentials for overnight stays to avoid unpacking the entire suitcase."

b. Weather Preparedness

• Rain Gear Preparation:
  Frankie [21:16]: "Check the weather ahead and pack raincoats or umbrellas accordingly."

• Luggage Identification:
  Nancy [26:14]: "Use colorful duct tape or distinctive tags to easily identify your luggage."

c. Memory Enhancement

• Scent Associations:
  Emily [20:39]: "Use unique room sprays or candles upon returning home to evoke vacation memories."

6. Conclusion and Takeaways

Gretchen and Elizabeth wrap up the episode by reflecting on the continuous influx of valuable travel advice and encourage listeners to share their own hacks. They highlight the importance of being prepared, staying organized, and embracing small joys to transform travel into a happier experience.

• Elizabeth [37:17]: "It's hard to believe there was a time before packing cubes. It just shows how much great advice we are always adding to the mix."
• Gretchen [37:32]: "Remember, the best time to start a happiness project is 20 years ago. The second best time is now."

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first getaway, this episode of "More Happier: Traveling Soon? 30 Hacks for a Happier Trip [Revisited]" is a treasure trove of practical tips and heartfelt insights to make every journey not just bearable, but truly enjoyable. From meticulous packing strategies to enhancing comfort on the go, Gretchen and Elizabeth ensure that happiness accompanies you on every step of your travel adventures.