5 Essential Packing Tips for Traveling With a Carry-On (Even On Long Trips)
The idea of bare-bones travel is appealing to many of us. It invokes the idea of true travel freedom. The ability to easily get from one place to another and change courses at whim. However, the actual logistics of such travel is a lot harder to imagine. Going to a foreign place without the safety net or convenience that comes along with overpacking can be a scary thought. However, through my many years of travel, I have found that, with a little bit of planning and flexibility, everything you need for any travel adventure can be tucked away into a single carry-on. Here’s how I do it.
1. Know your airline’s luggage restrictions
This may sound like an obvious one but there have been so many times that I’ve been at the airport and a fellow passenger was shocked that they were getting slapped with a luggage fee for an oversized bag or for having a carry on when they were only allowed a personal item.
Keep in mind that many budget airlines like Spirit require you to add-on any luggage you will be traveling with (including carry-ons!) and it is often cheaper to buy a checked bag rather than a carry-on bag.
If you are traveling overseas, international airlines usually have different restrictions on size and weight than American based Airlines. International Airlines typically only accept carry-ons that are much smaller and lighter then Americans are used to so be aware, double or triple check your sizes, and plan accordingly!
2. Packing Cubes, packing cubes, packing cubes!
I was skeptical of these at first but once I got my hands on these things, I realized what a total game-changer they are! Packing cubes not only help manage the space in a suitcase, but they also keep clothes wrinkle-free and help you stay organized during your trip. I think of these as mini-drawers and use the Kondo style of folding to maximize my space and to stay organized.
My packing cubes came in four different sizes and colors so I organize them by category. Socks and undergarments go in the smallest cube. Activewear and swimwear go in the next sized cube. Tops go in the second-largest cube and bottoms, dresses, and rompers/jumpers go in the largest cube.
Try to purchase packing cubes with mesh tops to give your clothes a chance to breeze and so that you can easily see what’s inside them. By using color-coded cubes and cubes that are see-through, you will easily be able to grab whatever you need while you’re on the go.
Check out the packing cubes I use here.
3. Lay everything out on the floor and then take away half.
Really!! Try it! Do you really need that second (or third) pair of jeans? When was the last time you went on a trip and actually wore everything in your suitcase? Even when I pack extremely light, there’s always something I don’t end up wearing.
Be ruthless. Aim to eliminate half of your original wardrobe and start whittling it down to as close to that as you can possibly get. If you start trying to justify to yourself why you may at some point need a certain item, leave it at home. In all likelihood you’re going somewhere you can buy that item in case of an emergency. Also, doing laundry is often more convenient than lugging around an overstuffed suitcase
4. Decide what is essential to you and prioritize accordingly.
Years of travel, 46 countries, and hundreds of frizzy-haired photos have taught me that a hair straightener is an ”Essential” item for me. Some hard-core travelers may find this item frivolous but, I’ve decided, it doesn’t take up that much space and it makes me a happier traveler.
You can read all the packing tips and download all the packing templates available to you online but, ultimately, it comes down to you. What is essential to you and what can you live without? Can’t travel on a plane without a neck pillow? Need a physical copy of your book instead of an e-reader? Okay. Just know that may mean leaving something else behind.
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5. Vacuum seal bags
These should definitely be approached with caution although there are certain situations where they can be a lifesaver.
My mom once packed for a trip to France using 3 to 4 vacuum seal bags. She was so excited about how much of her wardrobe she could fit into her small carry-on. However, once she got her destination she found that she had really over packed. Although the footprint of her items was smaller, her suitcase weighed a ton. To work properly, these bags need to be tightly fitted to a vacuum hose attachment so the air gets completely sucked out. Because of this, whenever she went destination that did not have access to a vacuum, her bags remained unopened because she knew that without that vacuum seal, they would never fit back in her suitcase. In the end, even though she had so many options, she ended up wearing many of the same items over and over again.
There are however some specific situations where vacuum seal bags are a good option. If I know I’m going to the place where I plan to bring back more than I took, I like to fold up one of these bags and place it at the very bottom of my suitcase. For example, when I visit my parents in Palm Springs, I know that I won’t be able to resist a good thrift store shopping spree (seriously they have the best stuff !).Because of this, I know to only pack a half-full suitcase and to bring along a vacuum bag for the journey home.
