I used to be an unapologetic overpacker, and the idea of packing in a carry-on felt completely unrealistic and unattainable to me. I always wanted options, “just in case” outfits, and backup shoes… even if I didn’t end up wearing it all.
And let’s face it, clothes and shoes are only half of it. The toiletries and hair tools are a much bigger challenge, not to mention all the extra travel paraphernalia you might need (or think you might need), especially on longer or international trips.
But after finally trying carry-on only a few times, I realized I was so much happier traveling that way. The more I do it, the more I prefer it. I still opt for a larger bag sometimes, but when I manage to fit it all into a carry-on and personal bag, I’m always so happy I did.
ruti On the Loose Pants // EVEREVE Callum Jacket // Faherty Muscle Tee // On Cloud Sneakers // Quince Carry-On Suitcase // Quince Transit Duffle
It’s so much easier to pivot when plans change, I love skipping the lines at check-in and bypassing baggage claim when I arrive, and it gives me a place to rest my (very heavy) personal bag as I make my way through the airport.
My biggest feat was managing to travel carry-on only for 10 days in England last spring, and after that, I was sold.
If you’ve ever felt like packing light just isn’t realistic for you, I get it—but it might be more doable than you think. These are the tips and tricks that helped me get there.
Start with the Hardest Part: Toiletries & Extras
This is where I always start, because honestly… this is the hardest part to wrangle.
For me, clothes and shoes are only half the battle. The toiletries, hair tools, medications, and all the other little things you might need? That’s where things can really get out of control.
The biggest shift for me has been paring down my routine as much as possible. I try to simplify my skincare and makeup to just the essentials—what I actually use every day.
From there, I decant everything into the smallest containers possible. It also helps to pay attention to how much of each product you actually use so you can pack just enough.
Contact lens cases are amazing for this. They hold more than you think. I always use one for my foundation and tinted sunscreen and just label each side with a Sharpie.
I also like these stackable containers from Amazon and this little set with the mini disposable spatula. They work really well, and they’re so inexpensive that I don’t mind tossing them and replacing them when they start to get gunky.
I’m currently testing the more luxe Cadence starter set, and while they’re nice quality and very aesthetically pleasing, they’re definitely not necessary. The inexpensive ones work just fine.
Travel Beauty Essentials: What’s in My Makeup Case & Toiletry Bag
If something can’t be decanted, then I’ll buy the travel size, but I prefer decanting whenever possible. It’s more cost-effective, I can control exactly how much I bring, and it’s easier to see when something is running low. (This is something I realized after taking the photo above. There are too many travel-size products in there!)
You have to be strict with yourself here. I decide ahead of time which makeup bag or toiletry case I’m using, and whatever doesn’t fit… doesn’t go. A few of my favorites are the Tumi Madeline and the Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag. If I can fit everything I need into one of those, I’m usually good to go.
Some people like to buy toiletries at their destination, and that can definitely work. Personally, I’d rather not spend time shopping for essentials when I arrive, so I prefer to bring what I need, but it’s something to consider, especially if you’re having a hard time fitting all of your liquids into a quart-sized bag.
For medications and supplements, I use a pill organizer and and a weekly pill box. And I like this mesh cable organizer for all of my cords and chargers. They keep everything compact and easy to manage.
You might also like: What’s In My Carry-On: My Go-To Travel Essentials
The Clothing Strategy That Makes It Work
Once I have toiletries figured out, I move on to clothes and shoes, which takes a different kind of planning.
If you’re new to packing in a carry-on, this is where you really want to start early.
As soon as I know my itinerary, I make a spreadsheet or a note in my iPhone with everything we’re doing each day and what types of outfits I might want to wear. As I narrow things down, I’ll add more specifics.
Then I clear off my rolling rack and hang up everything I’m considering bringing. It makes it so much easier to see what works together and edit things down.
Sometimes I drop photos of everything into a Canva whiteboard so I can move things around, try different combinations, and see how everything works together.
Shoes are always the hardest, so I usually start there. I try to limit myself to three pairs and wear the bulkiest pair on the plane. Then I build outfits from the shoes, choosing pieces that can mix and match easily. I also try to select lightweight pieces that don’t take up too much space in the suitcase.
As I narrow things down, I go back to the spreadsheet and write out specific outfits, right down to the undergarments and accessories. That ensures I don’t forget to pack anything essential to wearing the outfits I planned.
I highly recommend trying everything on ahead of time and taking photos of the outfits. That way, you can make sure you like how everything looks together, and you can grab any undergarments or accessories you might need to make the outfits work. Plus, if you forget what you planned, you can refer back to the photos when you’re traveling.
The goal is to avoid those “just in case” outfits and focus only on what you know you’ll actually use.
It’s also important to make sure you really love everything you’re bringing, because you will be repeating pieces, and you want to feel good in all of them.
A quick note on packing cubes: This might be an unpopular opinion, but I don’t find packing cubes all that useful—at least not for saving space. They’re nice for organizing and can give you a clean way to store your things in hotel drawers, but I don’t feel like they actually help me fit more into my suitcase.
I also find them a bit time-consuming to use. I end up overthinking how to fit everything into them, which ones to use, and how to arrange them in my suitcase.
Even when I do use them, I rarely use them on the way home, so they end up feeling like more of a hassle than a help. Especially with a carry-on, which is already pretty small, I prefer to lay my clothes neatly on the handle side of the suitcase and let the compression straps do the heavy lifting.
When I went to St. Lucia, I skipped packing cubes entirely and didn’t miss them.
Of course, this is very personal—some people love them. But if you’ve tried them and feel like they’re more trouble than they’re worth, you’re not doing it wrong. You definitely don’t need them to pack in a carry-on.
Little Logistics That Make a Big Difference
Here are a few other practical things that make carry-on packing a lot easier.
I always use an expandable carry-on suitcase, such as the AWAY Bigger Carry-On Flex or the Quince Expandable Carry-On Suitcase. That way, I can pack carry-on only on the way there, and if I end up shopping or picking up a few things, I have the option to expand it and check it on the way home.
J.Crew cardigan (S) // similar tank // MOTHER Dazzler (30) // Paul Green Hadley Sneakers (8) // Mulberry Amberley // AWAY Bigger Carry-On Flex // AWAY Featherlight Backpack
You can also tuck an extra bag or packable duffle inside to use for souvenirs or for the trip home, and then check your suitcase on the way back. It’s still a pain if it gets lost, but it’s not as big of a deal as if it happens on the way over.
Another thing to think about is your boarding group. If you’re worried about being forced to gate-check your bag, it might be worth upgrading to an earlier boarding group if that’s an option. It just removes that stress.
Finally, I always recommend doing a trial packing run—but don’t get cocky.
Every time I do a practice pack, everything fits perfectly. And then when it’s time for the actual trip, I suddenly find 152 more things I think I need to throw in, and the next thing I know, I’m in the basement grabbing a bigger suitcase.
That has happened to me more than once, so make sure your practice run isn’t just a scrimmage. Make it the real deal. Pack everything you plan to bring, even if you have to unpack and use it before you leave.
similar trench // similar stripe sweater (M) // Pistola Kinsley Flares (29) // Paul Green Hadley Sneakers (8) // AWAY Bigger Carry-On Flex // AWAY The Everywhere Bag
It has definitely been a work in progress for me, but in my experience, it is so much easier, more flexible, and just a more enjoyable way to travel. At this point, it’s always my goal—unless I’m packing a lot of outfits for blog shoots. Even then, I managed it for St. Lucia, and I was so proud of myself.
If you’re thinking about trying this for your next trip, start small and give yourself a little time to figure out what works. It’s definitely a process, but once it clicks, it makes such a difference.
Over to you! Are you team carry-on only? I’d love to hear what works for you.
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67 Responses
Great tips. I hate packing cubes too. We travel overseas at least once a year and within the states multiple times and have never found them useful.
Yeah, I realized I was making a lot more trouble by trying to use them, most of the time. I will say, though, when I pack a larger suitcase, they can be helpful for organization. I used them for the Iceland/Scotland/London trip, and I was glad I had them b/c I had basically 2 or 3 separate capsule wardrobes in one suitcase. I was able to divide things up so I knew which ones I didn’t need to open in certain locations. That was the only time I have actually found them useful.
Ever since our luggage lost on trip to Costa Rica, I’ve done only carry on. Even for a 2 week trip. Dri fit you can wash in hotel., etc.
I’ve been lucky. I’m not sure my luggage has ever been lost, in all of my travels. Crazy thing, though. Becca’s suitcase has been lost TWICE. Both times on the way home, so it worked out… but we gave that suitcase away. Decided it had bad mojo, lol!
I like packing cubes if we will be changing hotels every few days on a longer trip. A recent Europe trip had us in 6 different hotels/airbnbs in fourteen days. The cubes help keep everything organized and allow you to not have to unpack everything but still access what you need. Worked great for a 3 week carry-on trip around southeast Asia where the carry-on allowable size is much smaller (and also weight restricted!) than here in the U.S. and in U.S. airlines.
I love packing in just a carry on. On our last trip my husband brought his golf clubs so obviously those had to be checked. I decided to bring a bigger suitcase since we had to check anyway. I hated it! Too much stuff. It felt chaotic and inefficient. Never again unless absolutely necessary. Here’s the kicker… he never golfed. 🤣🙄
Haha! Of course… 🤪
My first time doing carry on only was for a 12 day trip to Greece. We were going to be moving around and I didn’t want to lug big suitcases. We did have access to laundry so that helped! I now try to do it for every trip. I agree that toiletries are the hardest so thank you for your tips.
I am team packing cube, if only for organization. I usually use them for dirty and clean clothes on the way home.
I’m still struggling with a good functional personal item. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Bon Voyage!
Great tips! I have been team carry on only for years! The simplicity of fewer choices and only taking things I love to wear just cuts down on so much stress.
This post is timely as we soon leave on a two week family vacation to Florida .I’ve always been a carry-on person, but because of the tickets that we purchased and all the extra costs now associated with travel we are doing a checked bag ..so my husband and I are actually sharing one large suitcase. I did use packing cubes which have been helpful because one side of the suitcase is his and I have all my items organized in three packing cubes. I also tried to downsize what I’m taking as we have laundry facilities in our house there…I even put one small packing cube in my carry-on tote to have a few things just in case! I’ll also take my skin care and make up on the plane in my carry on tote..
We will be using AirTags in our luggage, hoping everything goes well and our luggage arrives with us🤞
PS I did find using the cubes in a carry on suitcase more of a Challenge so perhaps next time I’ll try without them!
Great post! I’m trying to wean myself off of packing cubes although I stil use the small one for undies and personal items. I definitely have post trauma after having my bag inspected and the guy spilling the contents all over the airport floor!
Oh my goodness when we’re flying home from St. Lucia I was pulled aside for random check. When I tell you my suitcase was packed to the max, I am not exaggerating by any stretch. I had not used packing cubes so it was all just in there. If that guy had opened up that suitcase and started rifling through things, I don’t know how I would’ve ever gotten it closed again. Thankfully, he only messed with my personal bag, which was also pretty full and required a bit of finagling to get put back together. But fortunately, I had a bunch of small containers in that one so I was able to manage without too much drama.
This is also why I’m team checked luggage. Years ago coming home from Vegas my bag and my 2 other friends’ bags were picked for a random check. The security guys were eating their words by the time they were done checking my bag! It took them over an hour to go through and had to scan every item. The one security guy was just let her through and his partner is I can’t , bc something is flagging as an explosive. They were hoping I was a smoker and had forgotten I had a lighter and I’m like no. So they had to put every item one by one through the machine. Everyone behind me got to see quite the fashion show with all the footwear I had. Stilettos , sneaks , sandals going one by one plus some shopping items, and every piece of make up one by one! The last item scanned, a Dior lip gloss, was the culprit! The kicker was that my carry on bag was a clear duffle that I would use only for shoes and then stuff a make up pouch and some purchases in. That security guy that said this should be easy bc it’s a clear bag will never assume that again anymore 🤣 He was grateful that he didn’t have to repack that bag. He would have been there for another hour trying to figure out how I got so much stuff in it!
Now I just check everything in a large suitcase. It’s less stressful for me going through security only bringing myself and my handbag only.
O my gosh, that is INSANE!
Like you, I was an overpacker….especially when I was working. But, my hubs and I tried carryon strategy in 2021 and haven’t looked back. We love it for all the reasons you mentioned. We actually travel internationally for about 3 weeks at a time. My strategy is similar to yours except I do set myself a clothing limit (like 15 clothing items including shoes) and pretty much stick to it. I lay everything out in stylebook and a spreadsheet to organize ahead of time. I like packing cubes if I’m moving from one location to another simply for the organizational benefit. But I agree they don’t really save on space. If you are flying to one location and unpacking everything, they simply aren’t necessary (thinking of a cruise).
We often use metro’s and trains and walking to get to our hotels as we don’t have the luxury of a private driver to take us where we want to go. A lightweight carryon suitcase plus a backpack is our strategy to manage travel.
I don’t believe that carryon only is for everyone though and I certainly don’t try to push it.
I agree it isn’t for everyone and it’s not even for every trip. When we take longer trips and have private transfers, I often still check a bag, but when we’re doing a lot of trains and public transportation, carry on only is a game changer. And for domestic flights I just find it makes life so much easier.
I’m not a fan of packing cubes either. Feels like I’m packing twice. Once is bad enough.
Ha! Exactly.
So glad I found this post as my husband and I are traveling to Ireland (first time international) for a 12 day tour. Great suggestions for laying everything out to pare down my too many choices! I am looking into new luggage and will check out your two options. Do you know if the expendable carryon can be used on international travel? Also love the idea of little set for toiletry items.
The overhead storage on some airlines/airplanes does not fit an expanded carryon. This is always my fear! I do like packing cubes for checked luggage but maybe only one or two, not the whole set!
You can use it anywhere, but keep in mind, if you expand it, it will need to be checked. I only expand it if necessary for the way back home.
Be mindful of carryon dimensions for flights overseas between countries or cities. The allowable sizes are often smaller than in the US.
I always use bar shampoo and conditioner when traveling, and pack a microfiber turban. The towel situation is not always sufficient.
Yes, I always travel with a hair towel! 🙂
Yes! I have been carry-on only, for probably over 30 years. This includes international travel. Like you said, it’s much easier to pivot when plans change, as well as the other reasons you mentioned. I do like packing cubes; mostly for organization. Thanks for this post. Helpful tips I can use!
We learned this strategy from a number of Rick Steves trips we have taken. They allow one carryon bag. No one is ever nasty if people bring more, but you handle your own luggage. They stay in local European hotels that sometimes have no elevators. Hotel staff sometimes help, but mostly you are in charge. And the cobblestone streets! The first trip I didn’t know how I could make it happen. But we learned. You get really sick of those clothes when you are gone three weeks but boy, it makes travel easier! I do use packing cubes when we will move every couple of days and we don’t unpack at each stop.
I travel frequently and I’ve discovered that I like to use a few packing cubes. If we have an overnight on the way somewhere (like a hotel stay before a very early flight) I like to pack a cube with everything in it I need so all I have to do is grab it and my toiletries and not disturb the rest of the suitcase. I also like to use one cube for pjs, underclothes and bathing suits. That cube can be stuffed, rolled, or folded to fit in the suitcase after it’s packed. And depending on what tops I’m packing, I use a 20-year-old cube that has a folding card in it that helps me fold each top so it fits in perfectly and then the card keeps the items flat and wrinkle-free. Everything else gets folded or rolled.
I have my toiletries dialed in. I like the small Cadence stack for sunscreen, foundation, etc. I have used the Stak, but don’t love that it’s hard to get the plastic clean enough to reuse. Timeless has single-use packets, which I buy on sale and keep in my refrigerator.
That said, I rarely do carry-on only. I used to, but the last couple of times I did it, I felt frumpy in my sensible outfits and wished I’d had pieces I left behind. I find I can do it for warm-weather trips, but not for cold-weather trips.
I have two of those packing card items and love them. For my own good shirts and dresses and my husband’s shirts. I iron before I pack and these mean things usually come out ready to wear. Im also team packing cubes for organization and putting the whole cube in hotel drawers. Carry on is for 5 days or less for me. I can’t re-wear tops and some trips don’t provide a laundry opportunity nor the time
The time.you saved at baggage at the airport is more than lost doing laundry.
I am team one carry-on, and have been for couple decades. We don’t fly, we drive to our locations. The carry on, has the clothes for week to 10 day duration. I use a backpack, to carry my computer, sleep clothing, and one outfit/change for the overnight hotel stays on the way. By having an outfit and sleep clothing in the backpack, when we arrive at the “travel hotel” we just need to grab the backpack, and we do cheat, we have a duffle bag, that holds our travel coffee cups, a small fan, and snacks for the hotel room, and my make-up stuff is in the duffle. We leave the carry on in the vehicle, because it’s not needed for the overnight. I will use your suggestion to decant foundation and moisturizer into contact cases, because I want to get that bag smaller. I did upgrade this year to a small rolling computer bag, instead of the backpack, it still holds the same items.
I LOVE the ease of Carry-on only travel however I wish I could make it work for longer trips. My last trip to Europe was 3 + weeks and so I checked a medium sized suitcase (plus I brought a carryon size and personal bag on the plane with me- way too much stuff!) but the checked bag got lost on the way there so I was without it for the first two days- horrible experience. This fall I’m going to Europe for 16 days and would love to do COO. I’m really going to try hard to make it work.
That’s a challenge, for sure! You really have to like your clothes, lol.
You have inspired me to get to the carry on stage!
I too am not a huge fan of cubes either except for a smaller ones which compress down. Great for socks, undies, etc that has helped me keep organized
Shoes are so hard! (Especially with bad feet)
Thank you
Love this post! I find how people travel endlessly fascinating. As I hit mid-life, I might have to purchase a seat for my supplements soon, but they will be organized!
Haha! I hear ya.
After my practice pack I lift my carryon over my head to make sure that I can stow it by myself. It always annoys me to see women traveling alone and board with a carryon but, have to ask for help to lift it.
Yeah, I won’t ask but I will accept help when offered, lol!
Timely post as I’m heading to The Netherlands end of April with my father. Definitely team carry on! Question about travel sized curling iron/flat iron. Any suggestions? I have the T3 travel blow dryer. Thanks!
I have the t3 flat iron and curling wand.
Great article! I too am an over packer and found your words very helpful. Thank you 😊
I love my packing cubes, pink for me black for my husband. Last August we took a 14 day vacation to Paris, France and took trains to Germany, Amsterdam, Belgium & London. We ended up changing hotels 6 times so those cubes kept me & my husband organized. Our carry-on suitcases were small enough that when packed I could lift them into overhead compartments myself & wrangle them. My husband had his small foldable electric wheelchair (he can stand it’s walking long distances he can’t do).
I used a lot of your tips to plan this trip. My hanging toiletry bag was fantastic in France at the boutique hotels as there was no countertop space in the bathrooms. The other thing I was so glad I took was laundry sheets that I precut into smaller sizes. I was able to do laundry in the sink. One hotel had laundry service but it was expensive for shirts & I saw a laundry in Paris but we didn’t use it.
Yes, I did find them helpful for the Iceland/Scotland/London trip when we changed hotels constantly and each location was almost a different capsule wardrobe. They were definitely worth it for that trip. I bring laundry sheets too but haven’t used them yet. I wash and rinse my bathing suits out in the shower when I get in from the beach or pool, so I can rewear them.
Great post! I just returned from a trip to Ireland/Amsterdam and found that I agree completely with your thoughts on packing cubes. I packed everything up in them and felt like they took up way more space than they saved. So I took everything out. The thing is, there end up being a lot of little pockets in a suitcase because shoes, for example, are oddly shaped. Socks and adapter plugs fit inside those. I did keep one small cube unfilled and used it for dirty socks/undies for the trip home.
I would like to know how you make shoes work. They take up the most space in a very impractical way! Especially when traveling in colder climates, how do you make the bulkier shoes work? Pack them at the bottom?
I stuff shoes with underwear and other small things, and I put them in shoe bags, toe to heel, with the soles facing out, and then I squish other things around them. Always pack that stuff on the flat side of the suitcase, not on the handle side. They are definitely the bulkiest, most awkward things to pack. That is another reason I try not to bring many.
Great tips! I once had a job that required frequent travel on a very small company plane with a tiny baggage area. One of our pilots told me the best tip – pack “light and tight.” He said people focus on smaller bags but forget to pack each tightly. For example if you have room to rummage in your makeup bag, it’s too big. I stuff all my makeup into the smallest bag it can fit in, then when I get to the hotel spread it out on the bathroom counter. The added bonus to doing it this way is that if it’s packed tightly, it’s less likely to break! Same logic applies to clothes, if you have two stacks but they’re only half as high as the suitcase, they could be one stack. In which case you either have room for something else or can downgrade your suitcases size. Once I really embraced this theory, I was shocked how much I could cram in one small suitcase!
I heard that recently as well, that it’s less likely to break things that way. I was amazed at the amount of clothes I fit into my suitcase for St. Lucia. I’ve never tried to pack things down that much. I just assumed it wouldn’t close. Major lesson learned.
What size did you purchase for the quince wool scarf coat. It’s lovely on you. Your travel advice is excellent. Thank you
I have the small.
Thank you
I tried carry on but went back to a checked bag. On two cruises, the other wives had a different dress on each night, while I re wore the same three. I felt frumpy and tired in my same dress and swore to never do it again. My checked bag is included in my airline price. I do have the hassle of checking it and waiting at the carousel but to me it’s worth it. But once checked, I don’t have to drag a suitcase around the airport.
It would be different if it was a beach vacation where you only need swimsuits, cover ups, shorts & tees, and a sundress.
I’ve never used packing cubes and never wanted to try them. I roll my clothes & tuck small things inside shoes & purses. I think they would take up extra room and be a bother packing.
I get that. In that instance, I would bring whatever size suitcase I needed. I did manage to get like 10 dresses into my carry on to St. Lucia tho, lol! I think they often hold more than we think.
Carry-on is my only option as I no longer even own a larger suitcase. I tried packing cubes once and could not figure out what all the hype was about so I’m glad to hear you say that. I am totally floored by the contact case suggestion- that is so genius and I will be adopting it immediately. Thank you!
I buy them in bulk. They get messy and are hard to clean, so I just replace as needed.
Just be careful what you put in the contact cases. I put a Vitamin C serum in one for a trip, and for some reason it leaked out everywhere! It was a mess!!
Packing cubes are good if they have compression straps. Coming home, I pack my dirty clothes by lights & darks in my packing cubes. Makes unpacking easy. I’ve had to gate check recently, and I was given my bag as I exited the plane. It was actually really nice.
Yeah, I don’t mind gate checking. Pretty convenient!
Every year (well over 25 years), I go on a fall road trip with my best gf. Its been known as the Thelma & Louise trip–lol. We always seem to overpack and its a joke to see us go thru the hotel lobby with the roller trolly stacked to the max–but that also includes a cooler for beer, etc. (: . We both have a vintage school lunch tray that we use to go retrieve our free breakfast and bring it back to the room to enjoy while catching a movie b4 we head out shopping and antiquing. I cannot tell you how many times we’ve been stopped by guests asking where the stack of trays are–LOL. On a side note–I see you pack or use Timeless Coq10 serum? I use that every morning — I absolutely love it!
I have two trips this year, two weeks in Japan with lots of walking (and it will be hot and humid), and 10 days in Seattle (and 3 surrounding national parks with lots of hiking). I’d love to do COO but I struggle to create outfits that look different and I’m worried about having room for purchases, especially in Japan. Too many outfits end up looking the same. I’d love to you to do a post where you take a travel capsule wardrobe and show us all the different outfit options and how to make each outfit look different so it looks like you brought more outfits than you actually did (I’m very visual so I need to see the different outfit combinations). I love all your posts! I bought the Evereve Kut linen shorts (in the clay and olive) and that cute green striped tshirt with the hood all of which will be coming with me on both trips! It was my first Evereve purchase thanks to their amazing sale that you shared.
I think the key is having a couple of outerwear options. If you are wearing a coat in every picture, and it’s always the same coat, your outfits will all feel the same. I took two to England last year, you can see my travel capsule in action here: https://jolynneshane.com/what-i-wore-lately-vol-154.html
I prefer a carryon. I put a clean trash bag in there and use it for dirty laundry. Then I cram that bag into the carryon for the trip home.
Thanks for the toiletry tips! That part has always frustrated me.
Great advice! I’ve gone from being a major over-packer who alway checked a bag to begrudgingly doing carry-on (still packing way too much but in a smaller bag) to fully embracing carry on! We took a 3 week trip to Europe last summer and I packed everything I needed in a 45L backpack ( I wish I’d done a roller) and a Foldie tote bag. We did have washing machines in our Air BnBs but I tried really hard to make sure everything I brought could mix and match.
With that experience under my belt, doing carry-on for most other trips feels easy now! I like how a small bag forces me to be intentional about what I pack.
This post is great. I am preparing for a 13 day trip to Eastern Europe with my son at the end of May. He and his wife travel a lot (both work and pleasure) and only do carry on, so that is my only option. Also, once we get to our first stop all other travel will be by train and one small suitcase and backpack will be so much easier. My liquids and my supplements are my first priority, so I am making sure all liquids I have to take fit in my quart bag. I think I will try the contact lens case for my sunscreen and foundation and maybe moisturizer. I will definitely be trying on my outfits and practice packing and making a list of everything I need and want to take. Do you have a suggestion for an affordable small crossbody bag that would be big enough for my passport, credit card, phone and small camera?
That sounds like fun! I would look for something like this or this.
What brand is your large burgundy suitcase Jo-Lynne?
My husband and I will be traveling this summer. Thanks!
It’s the Quince Expandable Carry On.
I love your travel packing ideas! I have been using carry on for several years now & its amazing how well it works! I have always used the roll your clothes routine for both my husband & myself & can even get my C-pap machine in one of the bags! Even though it’s considered medical & doesn’t count as an extra bag, it is one more thing to deal with, so in the carry on it goes. We use back packs for our under the seat bag, & my purse, jacket, chargers & jewelry all fit in there, no problem. I’m 75, & my husband is 80. We’re a long ways from being done with traveling. I’ve been following you since Musing of a Housewife more than a decade ago, but honestly don’t remember if it was before or after I retired in 2008. I got started because of your gluten free recipes, which by the way, I miss very much. Our oldest daughter is your age, & our youngest is 40. I find your clothing information still relevant for me even tho I am of an age. I apologize this is so long, but thought you’d like to know. Thank you for all the subjects you cover & your photos!
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing.
I created a dedicated tech bag with cords, wired and unwired earbuds, power bank so I don’t have to move my home setup. It’s just ready all the time. I store it in my carryon 2nd bag, so I it ‘lives’ where it will be needed.
Yep, that’s what I have. It’s so helpful.