The Game-Changing Reddit-Approved Luggage Hack Used By Shopaholics On Vacation

While some travelers prefer to bring back nothing more than memories and a full camera roll after a trip, there's another group of adventurers that like their souvenirs to be a little more... tangible. From Tokyo's vibrant shopping district bursting with clothing brands you need to buy while visiting Japan to Spain's local markets brimming with regional delicacies, artisanal olive oils, and handcrafted leather goods, there are plenty of destinations out there known to test even the most restrained shopper's willpower. Throw in increasingly strict airline baggage policies and rising excess baggage fees, and you find yourself facing an all-too-familiar traveler's dilemma: How are you supposed to bring it all back home?

Thankfully, Reddit and TikTok users alike are praising a clever hack to help increase your packing space that's both practical, cost-effective, and simple. Enter: Nesting luggage. Think of it as a modern, luggage-based take on Russian nesting dolls — aka matryoshkas — but, instead of wooden figurines getting neatly tucked into each other, you're working with suitcases and bags.

The concept? Pack all of your essentials in a smaller suitcase, then nest it inside a larger one for your outbound journey. That way, when it's time to come home, you'll have not one but two full-sized suitcases to accommodate all of your newfound treasures — with no emergency luggage or global shipping service needed.

The "nesting suitcase" hack isn't really anything new — savvy travelers have actually been using this technique for years. However, as more people have started to share their space-saving packing strategies online — from using packing cubes to rolling and folding techniques — the solution has gained renewed attention for its practicality and simplicity.

@thepmtwins

Here's a pro tip for your next trip to Japan: pack a suitcase inside another suitcase! 🧳✨ This way, you'll have extra space for all the amazing souvenirs you'll find. #TravelHacks #JapanTravel #PackingTips #TravelSmart #japan #japantravel #traveltips #tokyo #souvenirs #luggage

♬ BIRDS OF A FEATHER – Billie Eilish

Nonetheless, beyond the relatively basic concept of packing one suitcase inside another, there are also a few finer details that can make this hack even more effective. For starters, make sure you always position the smaller suitcase wheels-up to protect its moving parts during transit. Along with that, you'll also want to use soft items like sweaters, scarves, or even bubble wrap to cushion the space between the bags. This won't only protect your luggage, but it'll also give you a touch of extra padding for fragile souvenirs on your trip back.

Lastly, for maximum flexibility, Reddit users even suggest packing a lightweight, foldable duffel bag that can easily fit into any of the remaining space. This will give you a third bag option for your trip home, in case you've been hitting the shopping a little too hard.