YOUR humble pillowcase might just be the ultimate travel companion – and not just for sleeping.
Savvy jet-setters are using it in surprising ways to save space, stay organised and even dodge airline fees.
Even if you’re not planning to smuggle clothes aboard disguised as a pillow, there’s still a strong case for packing an empty pillowcase.
It’s light as a feather, takes up barely any room in your bag, and proves surprisingly useful.
Here are six genius hacks that prove a simple pillowcase can make your next trip smoother, cheaper, and a whole lot comfier.
Travel pillow and extra bag
Clever are dodging with a genius hack – and all you need is a pillowcase.
Instead of coughing up for extra carry-ons or cramming your hand luggage to bursting, simply stuff a pillowcase with soft clothes like T-shirts, leggings and swimwear – and carry it on as a makeshift travel pillow.
don’t count pillows as part of your , meaning you can sneak on extra gear without spending a penny more.
Laundry bag
No more rummaging through your suitcase only to find it smells like your gym kit.
A pillowcase makes the perfect lightweight laundry bag, keeping sweaty clothes, damp swimsuits or grubby socks separate from your clean gear.
No need to rely on flimsy hotel sacks or plastic carrier bags.
Beach Bag Backup
Forgot your beach bag or don’t want to bring a bulky tote?
A pillowcase works a treat.
Just toss in your , towel, book and shades and you’ve got an instant, sand-friendly carryall that’s easy to wash after.
Bag Liner
Got a cute straw bag but worried about leaks or mess?
Toss a pillowcase inside as a makeshift liner.
It’ll catch wet swimsuits, sandy flip-flops, or rogue sunscreen bottles that love to burst at the worst time – keeping your beach bag clean and stress-free.
Shoe Cover
Don’t want dirty soles messing up your clean clothes?
Wrap your shoes in a pillowcase and keep the mud, sand and street gunk contained.
Plus, it’s a more choice compared to single-use plastic.
Snack Stash
Do you ever feel peckish during road trips or long journeys?
Use your pillowcase to carry , and without using a plastic bag or bulky lunchbox.
It is easy to tuck into your backpack and reuse again and again.
Emergency Clothes Bag
Spilled something on your outfit mid-flight?
A pillowcase can come to the rescue.
Store a backup inside and keep it handy – no rummaging through your entire suitcase needed.
Packing Cube Dupe
No fancy packing cubes? No problem. A pillowcase can do the job just as well.
Use it to group together smaller items like underwear, socks, or so your stays neat, tidy and easy to unpack.
Bonus: it takes up less space and weighs next to nothing.
Emergency Extra Layer
Caught out without a towel or cover-up?
A pillowcase can step in as a head wrap, sun shield, or makeshift towel at the or pool.
It’s not plush, but when you’re dripping wet or need quick shade, it gets the job done.
