SamMy best travel advice is always the following: always travel with just a carry-on if possible.
For me, and for many others, luggage is one of the more stressful parts of traveling. It’s expensive to check for a flight. It could potentially get lost. You have to sit around and wait at luggage claim at the end of your flight. And carrying around bulky luggage is such a hassle.
However, those of us who tend to overpack (and then not touch 90% of the items we brought with us), can struggle with sticking to just what fits in a carry-on suitcase. Here are some tips on how to pack a carry-on suitcase to help you on your next trip…
Keep in mind that these are all general guidelines, and you will need to adjust slightly based on your destination and the activities you have planned!
What to Avoid When You Pack A Carry-On
Unless you have an event, avoid packing any items that are not going to be adaptable for you. The best thing you can do for yourself is pack only items that are going to mix and match easily, and be worn for a multitude of different activities. What that looks like for everyone differs, but keep in mind that the more adaptable each piece is, the less pieces you will need to bring in total. Everything should be multipurpose!
For each category of items, you can pin it down to about 1 or 2 pieces each. While it may seem like not enough, I promise that the focus of your trip will be the fun you are having, and not the limited clothing items you have. I almost always overpack when I check luggage, and I wear only 10% of what I pack.
Finding the necessary and key pieces is what is going to allow you to succeed in packing just a carry-on for your trip!
And remember to keep in mind that nearly all airlines allow a personal item, so save space in your carry-on by putting necessary or convenient items into a backpack or handbag that you will be carrying with you.
Tops
Regardless of where you’re going, or what you are doing, I recommend packing 2-4 tops. These items you can usually rewear a handful of times before they need to be washed, if at all.
- Tank Top or Long Sleeve
- T-shirt x2
- Sweatshirt
Bottoms
Jeans: Unless I am going on a hiking trip or something of the sorts, I nearly always bring one pair of jeans with me. It is an easy item that can dress up an outfit for a night out, and is also more warm.
Shorts / Long Pants x2
Weather Dependent Items
- Swimwear: always at least 2 pairs if you are going to be swimming frequently. There is quite literally nothing worse than putting on a wet swimsuit.
- Snow Gear: I recommend layers than can be worn individually or together. And of course an outer layer that is waterproof
- Rain Gear: A lightweight waterproof pant and jacket will do. And make sure you have waterproof shoes as well!
Shoes
- Activewear: No matter where you are going, you are going to want shoes that you can comfortably walk around in for prolonged periods of time. Whether these are sneakers, tevas, or hiking shoes, make sure you have a go-to pair of shoes.
- Casual: A pair of shoes that is quick and easy to slip on for running errands and casual activities. For my warm travel destinations, I always bring a pair of flip flops with me.
- TIPS: To save space, always wear your most bulky shoes on the plane, and pack your more lightweight, compact shoes.
How To Pack
I always pack my suitcases Marie Condo-style. It makes every thing very small and compact, but this method also allows for each item to be easily accessible. This usually allows for my bag to stay organized longer than it would else wise, which is an added bonus.
I personally am not a huge fan of organizers, but they work great for a lot of people so I definitely recommend giving them a try. There are multiple ways that people use these organizers, but I recommend putting each category of item in a separate compartment. All of your tops together. All of your bottoms. All of your undergarments, etc. This way you will always know where everything is, and it will be easy to keep organized throughout your travels.
I tend to avoid space savers, such as compression bags, solely for the fact that I do not want to repeatedly undo and redo these bags as I travel from destination to destination. For me it is quite the hassle and not worth my time. I want everything I bring with me to easily fit in my suitcase. However, if you are going to one destination, and you are adamant on bringing a few extra items than what fits comfortably, this is a good option!
Packing List
- Tops: 2-4
- Bottom: 1-2
- Loungewear
- Personal Items: skincare, haircare, hygiene products, medications
- Weather Ready Items: snow gear, rain gear, heat protection, etc.
- Shoes
- Outerwear
