The older that I get, the less I like to have a lot of luggage when I travel. Gone are the days when I’d pack 10-12 outfit options in a huge suitcase for a 3 day trip. Girl, who is going to carry all of that?! Plus, I’m terrified of my luggage being lost, so now I try to travel with just a carry-on, even if I will be somewhere longer than 3 days. When my family traveled to New York a few years ago, that trip is what made me realize that if I edit things down and actually curate my wardrobe for the trip, I could still have just what I need for any style occasion without having to carry a heavy load. Basically, pack smarter, not harder.
I don’t know much longer we will be able to travel safely before another lockdown (I hate to say it but it seems imminent), but in the meantime, here are some tips to help you with packing so that you can travel with a carry-on bag only on your next trip.
First things first: check the weather
Always, always, always check the weather of the city that you will be visiting. There can sometimes be a 10-30 degree temp difference, so you don’t want to back tank tops and shorts when in reality, you need hoodies and closed toe shoes. Dress for your actual itinerary. If you’re planning to visit a city that will require a lot of walking to get around, a pair of really comfortable, yet cute walking shoes are a must. Everyone’s comfort level is different, but I don’t suggest packing heels on a hiking trip. Feel me? Make sure they’re neutral in style and color, because you want to be able to style them with as much as possible. The goal is to limit it to 1-2 pairs.
Curate a color palette
If you stick with a palette of only 2-4 colors, this alone will help you save time and space with packing. Easy dresses that can be worn under jackets, that work well over blouses that are cute with jeans/shorts, etc. should be how you build your wardrobe for the trip. If you know that you love to wear jeans, pick 1 favorite pair and style it 2-3 ways so that you can reduce the bulk in your bag. If you need a layering piece and it’s not too cool where you’re headed, try a kimono vs. a heavier jacket, or pack your favorite cardigan that goes with everything.
Invest in a tote bag for double duty
When you travel with a carry-on, you’re usually granted one more personal item/bag. For most women it’s a purse, but to keep yourself from having to lug around a lot of different bags (and risk accidentally leaving your purse somewhere), invest in a tote or messenger bag that is large enough to hold your laptop, camera (if you like to take pictures), a magazine, wallet and makeup bag. This sounds like it could be huge but it’s really not. You can still pack a smaller, more stylish bag in your carry-on that you can use while you’re out and about on your trip, but using a larger tote will cut down significantly on your baggage and help you feel much more put together.
Save the samples
Instead of trying to pack full-size bottles of everything. stock up on travel and sample size toiletries of your favorite products. An easy trick is to look at gift sets from your favorite brands. Unless you’ll be somewhere remote for over 5 days (and won’t have access to a store), sample size products should be more than enough for you to take with you. If they’re products that don’t expire, keep them packed up in a clear travel bag under your sink so that you can replenish when you get home and be ready to roll without having to repack everything again. This will also ensure that you don’t accidentally take a full sized bottle of product with you that’ll get tossed at the airport because it’s too big. Nobody likes to waste money!
Keep it sleek and cute
While I do sometimes use a smaller suitcase that has a roller bottom, I much prefer to use a weekender bag. My favorite one thus far is this faux leather one that I ordered from Amazon. The quality is extremely nice, it’s spacious, and it’s very affordable. It has 2 strap options so I was able to carry it both on my shoulder and in my hand, and because it’s such a pretty cognac color, it’s neutral and doesn’t clash with my outfits.
I’m sure there are a ton of other tips out there that can help you with folding and other space saving tips, but if you at least do what I listed above, you will definitely be able to travel with just a carry-on!
Do you check your bags or travel carry-on only?
