Carry-on and Keep Calm
When travel feels crazy, like it does now, I am especially fond of carry-on luggage only.
This summer travel season is a BUSY one and one of the primary issues you will experience is lost or delayed luggage. But you can try to avoid that travel headache if you carry-on only!
Traveling lighter makes traveling easier. You won't worry about lost luggage or feel weighed down by big bags. When traveling through Europe - with all of the cobblestone streets and lots of stairs - lugging around a large suitcase can feel extra annoying. Sure, you may have help with your bags upon arrival at your hotel, but you won’t always have someone around to help you on trains or ferries. And yes, I’ve been that person dragging around a large suitcase up and down the stairs at a train station…it screams “I’m American!” (i'm only slightly kidding)
I always encourage clients to carry-on if possible as it makes the overall travel experience easier.
If you have a long trip, say 10 or 14 days in Europe or Southeast Asia, you may be unsure of how to pack everything you need in just one carry-on suitcase. But it can be done!
Choose the Right Carry-on Bag: Opt for a well-designed carry-on bag that maximizes space and organization. Look for features like expandable compartments, multiple pockets, and durable materials. Soft-sided bags often provide more flexibility when it comes to fitting into overhead compartments though I swear by my Away Carry-On.
Make a Packing List: This might be my favorite part. Create a comprehensive packing list tailored to your destination and the duration of your trip. This will help you stay organized and prevent overpacking. Consider the essentials such as clothing, toiletries, electronics, and any specific items required for your activities.
Embrace the Art of Versatile Clothing: Pack clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Stick to neutral colors and consider layering options for varying weather conditions. Go for lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics that dry quickly to save space and minimize maintenance. These also make it easier if you need to do some quick laundry on your trip.
Simplify Your Accessories: No more than two pairs of shoes. Shoes take up a lot of space in your bag so figure out what you need most and bring those. And always wear the bulkier shoes on the plane! Keep jewelry and other accessories light. You’re not going to need a lot of jewelry and you don’t want to worry about keeping it safe either. Bring a handful of items that you can wear throughout your trip and stick to less expensive/valuable items.
Invest in Packing Cubes: I had no idea how amazing these were until I took my 10-month long trip around the world and had to figure out how to bring a lot of stuff in a medium-sized backpack. They are perfect for t-shirts, underwear, socks - they not only save space, but they keep you organized too. It’s a lot easier to just pull out the packing cubes and find exactly what you need! I love the compression cubes from Sea to Summit.
Utilize Space-Saving Techniques: Roll your clothes instead of folding them to optimize space utilization and reduce wrinkles. Consolidate chargers and cables into a compact organizer to minimize clutter and tangles. I often recommend this one to clients.
Don't Forget Travel Essentials: Remember to pack essential items like travel adapters, a small first-aid kit, a reusable water bottle, and a travel pillow or blanket (tip: bring a scarf you can use for a blanket) for added comfort during your journey.
Slim Down Toiletries: Only pack the toiletries you really need and invest in a great bag that keeps things organized without taking up too much space. I love my Tom Binh toiletry bag and highly recommend it! I borrowed this from a friend while traveling around Asia and as soon as I came home, I bought my own.
Pack an Extra Tote or Two: I love traveling with an extra bag that I can use as a beach tote, computer bag, purse, or extra luggage should I buy too many goodies while traveling! These packable totes are easy to squeeze into your luggage and can be quite useful while you’re traveling. I also like using small pouches to organize little items in my bag - these pouches work well at the beach or as a purse if needed.