Pack Smart: A Guide to Traveling Light with Carry-On Luggage

The last time we checked baggage was when we took our honeymoon to Italy, and after that experience, we swore we would never do it again. We believe carry-on luggage is perfect for any destination for any length of vacation because it provides so many benefits! The biggest is eliminating all the hassles that come with oversized checked baggage. For example, it saves time (and money) at the airport since you no longer need to stop to check bags, and it removes any worry about whether your bags will arrive at your final destination with you (that's never a good way to start a trip). It also inherently means you're traveling lighter. We have both packed carry-ons for up to 16 days away, and we can't recall when we needed something that we didn't have packed. Here are some tips on how to pack light with carry-on luggage, no matter how long your trip is.

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Planning

Traveling only with carry-on luggage takes a bit more planning and organization. Knowing what activities you will be doing helps you coordinate what outfits you may want to bring. We like to create 'capsule wardrobes' for our trips, including basic tops and bottoms and then a few fun patterned or colored pieces of clothing. That way, you can mix and match different tops and bottoms but always have a different outfit. We also try to pack lightweight, easy-dry clothing whenever possible.

Do laundry

We usually will do laundry while we are on a more extended trip. I know that may be the last thing you'd want to do on vacation, but trust me, doing laundry to help consolidate packing in carry-ons is better than dealing with oversized checked baggage. Having a washer or laundry service wherever you stay is helpful. We've even packed laundry detergent sheets and have done laundry in sinks and bathtubs when other laundry accommodations weren't available. Doing laundry allows us to re-wear certain staple pieces in our capsule wardrobe or just some socks and undies, allowing us to pack less and fit the clothes we need into carry-on luggage.

Consider a backpack

Since transitioning into only using carry-ons, we've invested in some great travel bags. These have been a lifesaver! Since moving to use backpacks, it's helped us be more portable and functional while traveling. We no longer need to worry about rolling luggage in and around airport bathrooms and escalators, onto public transportation, or across crowded streets. The list is truly endless. Plenty of options exist, ranging across all shapes, colors, sizes, and prices.

Rolling clothes

Rolling your clothes vs. folding them saves so much room and leaves your clothes less wrinkled while traveling. However, I have a few exceptions to this. I wouldn't say I like to roll jeans or any more oversized sweaters. Laying them flat gives me more room to compact once my bag is closed. It is like a puzzle to pack everything as compactly as possible.

Packing cubes

Once you know what bag you will bring, you can determine which size packing cubes are best suited. Packing cubes keep us organized while traveling since we usually go to multiple destinations on a single trip. It also keeps everything significantly compressed, along with rolling the clothing items. The other bonus is that it keeps similar items together, making everything easier to find. I have one shoe packing cube in my bag and four small packing cubes for my clothes.

Bonus Packing Hacks:

• Utilize space inside shoes by filling them with socks or belts.

• Wear your heaviest items during your travels instead of packing them.

• Ensure to downsize liquids into smaller containers that meet the 3.4 oz (100 ml) carry-on requirements for flying (aka the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule). Contact cases or craft jewelry containers are perfect for filling small amounts of liquids.

• Depot your makeup by taking makeup pans out of their original packaging. Doing this allows you to consolidate all your makeup needs into one pallet. I used an old pallet that I deconstructed and magnet backers to keep everything in place.

• Utilize essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash at your lodging.

• Remember, if you run out of something, you can buy it at your destination.