How to Travel with Just a Carry On
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There are two kinds of people in this world: those who check bags, and those who carry on. And people tend to be very entrenched in their camps.
People who like to check bags do so for a couple of reasons. Sometimes they don’t like to lug anything through the airport. More commonly though, they overpack and cannot fit everything they bring with them into a suitcase small enough to carry on a plane.
Personally, I do anything I can to not check my bag on a flight (more on the how and why below).
Are you in the first camp but looking to move to the other side? If this sounds like an impossible task – how can I fit a week of my life into a little wheelie bag? – then you’ve come to the right place!
It is possible, and dare I say, preferable to do so!
Let’s begin by covering WHY it is better to carry on (though I imagine you already know why, or you wouldn’t be reading this).
I came up with four scientifically proven reasons (i.e. things I yell at my best friend when he talks about checking his luggage):
1. No fears about lost luggage.
Because nothing is worst than ending up in Botswana without clean underpants.
2. Less time waiting in line to check in.
Unless you are my dad, you likely don’t show up to the airport three hours early. And even if you do, wouldn’t you rather spend that extra time on the other side of security sipping a white wine? The fact remains that it makes the check in process – which sucks already – easier with one less line. Yes, you may have to remove your iPad and toiletries to run through the X-ray machine, but you’re already standing there waiting doing nothing, so it takes no extra time.
3. Less time waiting upon landing.
When I land somewhere, particularly if it was a long flight, I like to get up and go and start my vacation as soon as I step off the plane. The momentum stops if you have to stop at baggage claim and elbow your way through the crowd that inevitably and rudely steps right in front of you after you’ve established your spot near the conveyer belt.
4. Accessibility.
This one is frequently overlooked, but there’s no being unable to access something you want during the flight that you accidentally packed in your checked bag. Everything is accessible!
Now we get to the HOW and WHAT.
1. Downsize your packing list.
It’s easier than you think with a few helpful tools! Unless you are going to New York Fashion Week, to your brother’s wedding, or skiing in Whistler, chances are you don’t need 12 pairs of shoes, a dress that must be hung, or athletic equipment. In other words, everything can fit into a wheelie bag. Start by laying out everything you want to pack then remove a third of it. If that does not fit in your suitcase, remove a third of that.
I will specifically address shoes here because shoes can take up a ton of room for not much utility. I once went to Dominican Republic for four days with a friend, and she checked a bag because she brought 5 pairs of heels. To a beach resort. For 4 days. How many shoes do you really need?
As a general rule, it’s good to have a pair of sneakers/comfortable shoes for sightseeing, flip flops, and an optional cute pair of shoes for dinner (even better if they’re sandal-y rather than something like chunky ankle boots).
Overall, another good rule is to have a packing checklist that includes true essentials that work generically for any trip.
This list that I use includes space to write additional things you may need and plan out your outfits (planning is key here). If you include these items, you can add fun extras (additional snacks?) if there is room.
2. Maximize space.
This means rolling your clothes (you save a lot of space this way) and storing underwear and socks in shoes or around toiletries (they provide cushioning, so they are less likely to explode).
3. Ensure double duty of everything in that suitcase.
In terms of clothes, pick a color palette (black and white, neutral, whatever) of clothes that will match each other. That means you can re-wear the same things, but it looks like two different outfits for your travel picturesàless clothes needed!
Also be sure items serve multiple purposes. A pashmina can both serve as a blanket on the flight in addition to a wrap on a chilly night walking around town. If you plan to work out while you’re away, you can sightsee in those same clothes with a cute sweater thrown over them. And a good hand cream can do double duty for smoothing your hair (and I’m also guilty for having put it on my face). Speaking of skin care…
4. Load up on travel sized toiletries.
Yes, you can get travel bottles and fill them with shampoo and such. I love this cute set! However, my strategy for filling my bag is a subscription to ipsy.
You take a quiz where you can identify your hair and eye color, skin type, and even preferences so that you get products you are likely to actually like.
My profile is set to skin care and mascara, so I get lots of options for eye creams and moisturizers to try on trips. It’s actually pretty fun to try fun new products while I’m on vacation!
5. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane.
While I discuss further my ideal plane attire in How to Actually Enjoy a Long Haul Flight, I suggest wearing your sneakers and sweatshirt/sweater/coat on the plane. If it’s on your body, it doesn’t take up valuable real estate in your bag.
6. Pack travel detergent.
You can wash anything in a hotel sink if necessary. I look at this as more of a backup (if you spill coffee all over yourself, for example) rather than a rule.
Underpants and socks don’t take up too much space, so you should be able to take enough with you for each day of your trip.
7. Choose the right bags and put the right things in them.
My ideal combination is a small wheelie bag and a tote, one for the overhead bin, and one for under the seat in front of me.
The wheelie gets all the stuff I likely won’t need on the flight (pajamas, for example).
The tote has snacks, a kindle, an iPad, and the things that will help you sleep (eye mask, thick skin cream, ear plugs).
With these tips, you should be able to go at least a week in one carryon and one personal item, while looking and feeling chic in the process!
If you have any additional tips, email me and let me know! I am always looking to improve my packing game!
And now that you are in the traveling mood, it’s time to start thinking about your next trip! If you’re afraid to travel alone or hate long flights, I have lots of posts below than can help you get past that and learn to love both!
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How to Enjoy a Long Haul Flight
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Conquer Your Fears about Solo Travel: Avoiding Loneliness and Boredom
