Packing Tips for Traveling With Just a Carry On
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In 2019, I took at least one trip every single month, including 3 international vacations. I was in my travel BAG. literally. Twelve months of packing, living out of a suitcase, unpacking, and then repacking taught me a lot about what I actually need to bring with me. To make matters more complicated, I REFUSE to check baggage. Out of all my 2019 trips, I checked a bag once…and it arrived 2 days after I did…so it’s safe to say I am officially #TeamCarryOn. If you want to get down with the money team, check out my tips for traveling with just a carry on. Below I share how I decide what to pack as well as how I stuff all the things into my standard sized rolling bag.
What to Pack
Plan an Itinerary
If you are a last minute packer, you have probably found yourself at the airport staring at a scale befuddled by how two weeks of clothes could possibly weigh 52.5 lbs. The simple answer is, they shouldn’t. Packing ahead of time may help alleviate this, but let’s be honest….who has time for that? While you may not be ready for a packing list just yet, I know that you spend an adequate amount of time daydreaming about your upcoming vacation to plan a loose itinerary for the trip.
I’m not saying you need to plan every moment of every day for every trip. But, everyone *ESPECIALLY* last minute packers can benefit from having a general idea of what they will be doing each day. This will help you narrow down what you actually NEED to bring. You’ll be surprised how much room is in your carry on when you nix those “you never know” items we are all always packing.
Wear Your Bulkier Items
If you are traveling somewhere cold, wear your coat and heavy boots to the airport. You may look crazy leaving 55 degree weather in your Canada Goose. But, you will save yourself a checked bag fee, and that should be more than worth your pride (right?). This is particularly helpful for international trips where only the first bag flies free. Now you don’t have to debate whether you will check your clothes or your skis (or whatever people bring when they deliberately travel to the cold).
Versatile Single Item Outfits
As someone who sits in their house wearing the same t-shirt all weekend, I don’t know why I believe my vacation self will suddenly need three outfit changes for the Oscars. After I’ve circled back to tip number 1, I usually settle on dresses and rompers over multiple sets of bottoms and tops. Packing versatile single item outfits that can go from day-to-night with a few accessories always does the trick.
Leave the Shoes/Purses/Etc.
This one breaks my heart even as I type it. But, if you have already opened the expander on your carry on and the thing still won’t zip shut….you’re going to have to leave the shoes. I have a strict rule of traveling with no more than 4 pairs of shoes. First, because they simply take up too much space and second because I end up only wearing 3 (the sneakers I traveled in, a pair of flats, a pair of heels). The same with purses. I always want to pack my cute pastel mini bags. But honestly, I’m usually running out of the hotel with a basic crossbody. If you have to chose between leaving 3 outfits or 1 pair of shoes…always leave the shoes.
How to Pack
Use Compartments
I cannot tell you how old I was when I discovered the purpose of the sock/underwear compartment in my luggage. If you, like me, must pack underwear like you plan to poop your pants twice a day you will be happy to know that there is ample space for your 17 pairs of underwear. More importantly, taking advantage of this compartment will not detract from the space for the rest of your clothing.
Packing Cubes
I am a recent convert. I just bought my first set of packing cubes on Sunday for an upcoming trip. These things are a Godsend. I have fit more into my luggage than ever before. I may not need to pay any attention to the first 5 tips ever again.
I have always been a neat freak, over organizer so having designated cubes for bras and laundry gives me goosebumps. But, I initially missed this boat because I am also cheap. My luggage already had compartments and I just didn’t see the need to spend the money. But I started on this slippery slope in 2019 when I bought my first collapsable travel laundry bag. The upgrade from plastic garbage bags changed me, and I can never return. If this is the next step on my new path, I like where it’s going.
Roll Don’t Fold
Even inside the packing cubes, we let the laws of physics do their thing. Save yourself the headache and just roll the clothes lol. It takes longer, yes….but the benefits are endless. If you live out of your suitcase (instead of unpacking at the hotel/resort/casita/yurt) rolling your clothes makes getting dressed smoother and packing to go home that much easier because you can easily see what everything is without having to unpack. Not to mention the point of this entire post…MORE SPACE.
By now, maybe you’ve noticed that I didn’t follow any of my own rules in the thumbnail that brought you here lol. That’s because, this method isn’t pretty…but it’s effective.