Staying Organized While Traveling: Packing Cubes vs. Vacuum and Compression Bags

Packing Cubes Gain Popularity as Smarter Alternative to Vacuum Bags for Travelers

As more travelers seek efficient ways to stay organized on the road, packing cubes are quickly becoming a preferred alternative to vacuum and compression bags. Offering flexibility, durability, and convenience, packing cubes solve many common packing frustrations without requiring special equipment.

Packing cubes work by dividing your belongings into separate compartments. Instead of tossing everything loosely into a suitcase or relying on vacuum bags that require pumps or vacuums, travelers use these lightweight, zippered fabric organizers to keep clothes, toiletries, and accessories neatly sorted. This makes it easier to find what you need without unpacking your entire bag.

Unlike vacuum bags—which can be bulky, prone to punctures, and dependent on vacuum cleaners—packing cubes are simple, compact, and flexible. You can manually compress them to fit different suitcase sizes and styles, from carry-ons to backpacks.

In addition to improving organization, packing cubes help reduce wrinkles in clothing and protect your belongings from damage. Made from sturdy materials like nylon and polyester, they generally last longer than vacuum bags, which can tear or lose suction over time.

They also add minimal weight while maximizing space, allowing travelers to pack more efficiently. Since they don’t require extra equipment, packing cubes make packing and unpacking faster and less stressful.

For those looking to try packing cubes, the Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes offer a popular and affordable option. This set includes five breathable, water-resistant cubes along with a laundry bag, designed to fit various travel needs.

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Key Benefits of Packing Cubes:

• Keep belongings neatly organized and separated

• Flexible and easy to compress manually

• No special equipment needed (unlike vacuum bags)

• Help prevent wrinkles and protect clothing

• Durable materials resist wear and tear

• Lightweight, maximizing suitcase space efficiently

• Simplify packing and unpacking

As travel returns to normalcy, smart packing tools like packing cubes are gaining attention for their practicality. They’re a simple yet effective way to reduce hassle and stay organized during any trip.

For more details or to purchase the Shacke Pak Packing Cubes, visit this link on Amazon.

Amazon Prime Day July 8 - 11

For the first time, Prime members have double the days to shop, so start planning now.

Get Ready Now

• Make a Wish List: Start gathering the items you want to watch for during the sale. This helps you jump on deals quickly.

• Try Amazon Prime: If you’re not a member, sign up for a 30-day free trial. Many deals are exclusive to Prime members, and prices on some items may drop even weeks before Prime Day.

Take advantage of early deals and prepare for the big event here:

Advance Auto Parts Coupon Codes 2025: Current Deals and Discounts

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  Use code AAPCART on qualifying items with a minimum order of $50. 

• 10% Off Storewide
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• 15% Off Storewide
  Apply code GEARUP for a 15% discount on all items. 

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  Automatically applied at checkout for eligible orders. 

• Military Discount
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TEMU Shopping App: The Upsides, Risks, and What You Should Know Before You Buy

The Bright Side

One of the biggest advantages of the TEMU shopping app is the wide variety of products available at competitive prices. The app makes it easy to browse through numerous categories or use filters to narrow down your search. If you know exactly what you want, the search function helps you find specific items quickly.

Another strong point is the ability to compare prices and product quality from different sellers all in one place. Customer reviews and ratings offer helpful insights so you can make informed choices before purchasing.

The app also offers a secure and convenient checkout process. You can pay using credit cards, PayPal, or TEMU Pay—the app’s own payment system. Once you place an order, you can track it through the app and receive notifications about shipping and delivery status, helping you stay updated every step of the way.

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The Rough Edges

Despite these benefits, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. TEMU depends heavily on third-party sellers, and not all of them are equally reliable. Some sellers might provide inaccurate or misleading product photos, descriptions, or specs.

There are also cases where sellers fail to deliver on time—or at all—or send damaged or defective items. Shipping fees and taxes can sometimes be higher than expected or not clearly disclosed upfront, which can be frustrating.

If issues arise, contacting customer service can be slow or difficult, leaving users waiting for resolutions longer than they would like.

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The Hidden Risks

Beyond the usual drawbacks, there are some more serious concerns users should be aware of. One major risk is the potential exposure of personal and financial information. Hackers or scammers could try to access your data, especially if you use TEMU Pay, which requires linking your bank account or credit card directly to the app.

Even with other payment methods, users who share payment details with unverified sellers or through suspicious links might be vulnerable to fraud.

Another risk involves legal issues. Buying or selling prohibited or counterfeit products—such as drugs, weapons, or fake branded items—can lead to fines or legal trouble. Users should always steer clear of these products and report any suspicious activity they encounter.

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The Full Picture

While TEMU offers a convenient platform with a broad range of products and attractive pricing, it comes with some serious concerns worth considering.

Many users find TEMU’s promotions can be misleading or feel scammy, advertising deep discounts that don’t always materialize or come with complicated conditions. The app’s close ties to sellers influenced by the Chinese Communist Party raise questions about data privacy and ethics.

Even more troubling are reports from independent merchants who say they have been exploited—often cheated out of payments or forced into unfair terms. This exploitation affects not only the sellers but also product quality and reliability for buyers.

Combined with unreliable sellers, possible security risks, and questionable business practices, TEMU may not be the right choice for shoppers who value transparency and trust.

If you’re comfortable with some risk and ready to do your homework—verifying sellers, reading reviews carefully, and using secure payment methods—you might find worthwhile deals. But if you prefer a straightforward, reliable shopping experience with strong customer support and ethical standards, it’s better to shop elsewhere.

Save on Gas

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Hotel Credit Card Fraud

The following incident just occurred to a friend of ours staying at a Dayton House resort in Myrtle Beach. It was a last-minute girl’s weekend at the beach. Our friend called the hotel, made a reservation, provided a debit card, and headed to the beach. Everything was normal with check-in and she got to the oceanfront room booked. Shortly after check-in, she received a phone call claiming that the front desk had an issue with the card provided, and they needed to run her card again. Without thinking, our friend gave them the card number over the phone. Luckily her traveling companion thought it might be a good idea to get an updated receipt from the front desk. At the front desk, they were told they did call her room. The desk agent then confirmed this was a known scam that was hitting area hotels. When asked why she did not warn them at check-in, the desk agent said it’s something that just happens, and they are not responsible. This was on a Sunday, so she was limited to locking her account. She then had to take time out of her vacation to visit a local branch to request a new card.

It is true that this happens regularly, and it is not normally the fault of the hotel. However, the hotel was aware of the problem. This is no different than signage placed in the parking decks to warn guests to lock doors, removal valuables, and that the hotel is not responsible for the loss. Signage is there to limit liability for the hotel and to provide a basic warning. So, what is the liability for attempted fraud in the hotel's name, if the hotel is aware of the issue? It is a good idea to check the state Attorney Generals' consumer for guidance. Per the consumer protection section of www.findlaw.com:

Generally, a hotel will not be responsible for crimes committed on or near the hotel’s premises. The exception to this is if the hotel should have anticipated the crime and failed to prevent it. A common example of this would be if the hotel were located in a high crime area, but didn’t put any safeguards in place (such as locked windows and bright lighting). Hotels must also warn of any known criminal problems around the hotel.

In this case, the hotel staff confirmed that this was a known issue, and confirmed they failed to notify the guest at check-in, but felt they were not responsible. To confirm if this was a property management issues or just the fault of a single employee, we checked the hotel's safety tips, and a generic comment is made about people physically attempting to access the room, but it does not mention any attempts to collect payment in the hotel's name.


To avoid a similar issue, we recommend the following tips:

• If you received any call after checking into a hotel claiming that there is an issue with your card. Always return to the front desk.
• If the person pushes back or threatens you, let them know that you provided a credit card to check-in, and will settle issues at check out.
• Although convenient, avoid giving credit cards over the phone. If the company you’re working with has a website, use that as an option, or just book a room. If the hotel does not have online booking, use a third-party website as an alternative.
• If you prefer paying at the hotel, websites like Booking.com, hotels.com, and Travelocity.com offer options for paying at the hotel instead of prepaying for the booking.
• If you do must give a hotel a credit card over the phone to book, I recommend using a prepaid card. You can request one from your bank or current credit card company. The prepaid card is issued in your name, offer cash back, travel, or rewards points, and provides a buffer between you and your backing information.

Walmart Layaway 2020

Walmart Holiday Layaway is available in stores during the holiday season. All supercenters offer layaway year round for jewelry purchases only. Layaway is not offered for online purchases.

How it works:

• There’s no opening fee
• All you need to do is make a small down-payment of $10, or 10%, whichever is greater.

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The rules:

• Minimums - Individual items must be $10 or greater. Total purchases must be $50 or greater
• Terms - Layaway begins August 28, 2020. Final payment and pickup must be made on or before December 9, 2019, at the same store where layaway was initiated, if not the Layaway account will be canceled. Excludes all wireless phones.

• In addition to our Every Day Low Prices, Walmart stores offer even more opportunities to save money while holiday shopping: 

Be sure to check out the online Savings Center where Walmart highlights their best values, including items on Clearance, Rollbacks, Special Buys—many of which can be put on Layaway in our stores. To get to the savings, simply visit the page at www.walmart.com/savingscenter

 

• Cancellation - If the account is closed or canceled, items will be returned to inventory. Down payment and payments made will be refunded, less $20 or $20%, whichever is greater. The cancellation fee does not apply in Ohio, Maryland, Rhode Island, or Washington DC. Cancellation fee in AL will not exceed $25. Cancellation fee in NC will not exceed $50
• Returns - Walmart Returns Policy applies to all layaway transactions

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Pickup & Pay:

• Location - Layaway may be initiated at the Pickup Desk, Photo Center or Garden Center. Look for signs at the entrance or see the Pickup Desk for details. Payments can be made at any register. Upon final payment, customers may be asked to pick up Layaway merchandise at a separate location such as the Garden Center

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Restrictions:

• In stores only (not available for online purchases)
• Available for Electronics, Auto Electronics, Large Furniture, Toys, Infant Toys and Furniture, Select Sporting Goods, Small Appliances and Jewelry
• Excludes all wireless phones
• Layaway not available on Thursday, November 26th

Worried about booking due to the Coronavirus - Airlines Waiving Change Fees

There is fine print, of course. The biggest, in all the change-fee waivers to date: you can’t buy a nonrefundable ticket under this policy and request a refund if your plans change or you don’t want to travel. You can change or cancel the ticket for free. If you cancel, you’ll receive credit for a future flight.

An airline-by-airline look:

American Airlines: American’s waiver allows travelers who purchase tickets between March 1 and March 16 to change or cancel them without paying fees that start at $200 per person. The new policy covers tickets purchased for travel through late January 2021.

On American, the fee will be waived for changes made up to 14 days prior to travel. So if you buy a ticket for a summer trip and need to change it for lingering coronavirus concerns or any reason, you just have to change it at least two weeks before departure to avoid the fee.

Fare differences will apply: If you book a $150 round-trip ticket from Chicago to Orlando and the going rate is $300 when you change the ticket to another date, you’ll pay an extra $150.

Delta Air Lines: Delta’s waiver covers travelers who buy tickets between March 1 and March 31 for international travel, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Flights within the U.S are not covered. Tickets can be purchased for travel as far out as February 2021. Fare differences apply to changed tickets.

United Airlines: United’s waiver covers travelers who buy tickets between March 3 and March 31 for travel to any destination. Travelers can change their ticket to another flight (fare differences apply) or cancel the trip and receive a credit that is good for a year from the date the ticket was purchased.

JetBlue Airways: JetBlue’s temporary change fee waiver, which applies to tickets purchased between Feb. 27 and March 11, covers travel through June 1. Travelers will receive credit for a future flight. Fare differences will apply on the new tickets.

Alaska Airlines: Alaska’s waiver covers tickets purchased Feb. 27 through March 12 for travel through June 1. Fare differences will be applied to any changes.

British Airways: British Airways’ “Book with Confidence″ policy covers tickets purchased between March 3 and March 16. Changes can be made any time before departure, but any fare difference will apply.

Is the $98 Vacation Village Offer too good to be true?

Vacation Village is offering a $2300 7 day / 6 night, two city vacation for $98. This is a timeshare. If you can handle the 2-3 hour sales pitch, this is a good deal. Keep in mind the units range from $5000 to $37,000, plus annual maintenance, and the biggest red flag is the company’s F rating with the BBB. 

https://bit.ly/2lO0uhd

So what do you get

3 nights accommodations in South Florida and another 3 nights in Orlando. All units have kitchens and living areas. On the downside, check in is after 4:00, and usually takes 2-3 hours, and check out is by 10:00, or you will risk being charged a late fee. Given that you will need to travel to Florida, and between South Florida and Orlando, this will need to be added to the cost of the trip. But discount carriers like Allegiant or Frontier can help cut cost. 

Well, is this worth it? 

No! You work hard, and should enjoy a stress free trip to Florida. As we mentioned above, the above low cost, and many standard airlines are offer discounted flights into Florida. If you want to go, but would like to cut travel cost, book early and go in the mid to late fall to avoid crowds or in the spring. With both time periods, you can take advantage of discounted o oneway rentals into or out of Florida. 

Like snowbirds, rental car companies’ move their fleets south for the winter. Instead of paying a fee to move the cars north, they offer special one-way rentals out of the state of Florida. This is a great opportunity to take in a Florida vacation for a fraction of the price, by combining a one-way fare to Florida through a low-cost carrier like Allegiant, or Spirit, with a one-way car rental home. 

We ranked the following offers starting with Alamo. We felt they offered the most flexible options and was the first to post complete program details. That said if you can earn points with one of the other companies, by all means, stack a cheap rental with points towards the next free rental or reward level.  

1. Alamo – Base Rate $9.99/Day

• Available on one-way rentals picked up at participating Florida locations and returned to a participating Enterprise location in the Continental US outside of Florida.
• Offer valid for reservations picked up between March 26-May 31, 2018 from the following participating Florida locations:  Fort Myers, Sarasota, Naples, Punta Gorda, Orlando, Disney Hotels, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, and Sanford.
• Offer valid for reservations picked up between April 1-May 31, 2018 from the following participating Florida locations:  Tampa, Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm, Key West and Boca Raton.
• Offer rate as low as $9.99 base rate per day applies to an Economy through a Full-Size vehicle, as low as $19.99 base rate per day applies to Intermediate and Standard SUVs and as low as $24.99 base rate per day applies to Minivans.  Base rate excludes taxes, fees, and surcharges.

Although Alamo advertises a base rate of $7.99, lower rates are available, depending on the renal location. The program may also be available through select National Car Rental and Enterprise locations, however, it is not advertised. We list Alamo as #1 because it offers the most flexibility for outbound locations.

2. Hertz – Base Rate $7.99/Day

• Pending Confirmation: Their offer is usually a little better than Avis. We will update as soon as the program terms are published. Be sure to subscribe to this post for updates. 

3. Avis – Pending Confirmation Usually has a base rate of $10.00 Per/Day

We have no details, and nothing has been set, but with a rate that is often lower than Budgets advertised rate, we fell that whatever they offer will be better.

4. Budget Car Rental – Base Rate $14.49/day

• Valid for rentals April 1, 2018 – May 31, 2018, with BSD Code BCD code S374100
  
  
• Vehicle must be picked up at a participating Florida location and returned to a different participating U.S. location outside the state of Florida; excludes pick-up from Pensacola and Jacksonville

Participating drop off cities include: Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, San Antonio, St. Louis, Boston, Buffalo, Hartford, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Richmond, Washington/Baltimore, Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Raleigh Durham, Albuquerque, Northern California, Portland, Seattle, Southern California

The base rate is higher than the other offers, with a short offer window. The one plus is the option of going coast to coast for a flat rate; which may work for college students heading home, or someone relocating. But the offer is available through Alamo for a lower price with a better vehicle inventory.