PACKING THE PERFECT CARRY-ON can be a huge step towards freedom and stress-free travel.
We dipped our toes in it on an extended weekend away to visit the grandkids and what a sense of ease it provided to our flights and flying time.
But there is an art to it and hopefully, these tips can help.
PICK THE RIGHT BAG
Beginning with the right bag, is the first step in your success.
Selecting the bag size and capacity, will all depend on what your airline will allow for carry-on, based on size, dimensions and sometimes weight. It's important to know and confirm this well in advance. Remember, if you're taking any low-cost flights other than major airlines, check their carry-on baggage restrictions. Often times, they are less in weight and smaller in dimension, than what you're used to. So that will determine your carry-on for the whole trip.
Where you're going, for how long, the time of year and purpose, will also determine it.
Warmer clothes mean heavier and bulkier items, compared to summer attire.
My carry-on bag of choice is a rectangular, hard cover, roller bag I can drag (roll) behind me to lift up into the overhead bins. If you can't lift it yourself, you should't expect anyone else to.
Photo: The hard cover, rollaway carry-on bag
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CLOTHES
Clothes easily mixed and matched, are key. The 3 best ways to fashionably stretch your travel wardrobe is to bring versatile layers, coordinate your colours and throw in some fun accessories. Jewellery is a compact and simple way to add style. Costume jewellery can mean no-worry if misplaced or lost.
Try the "rule of three" which limits you to 3 of every item you want to bring (3 shorts, 3 t-shirts, 3 jeans/bottoms). This gives 3 outfits - one to wear, one spare and one being washed.
Then footwear, which is the biggest challenge for me personally. Make sure it's comfortable and has already been worn and broken in. There's nothing worse than sore feet on the first day of a 2 week holiday - NOTHING WORSE!
Limit yourself to 2 pairs - one to wear and only one to carry. These days with multi-purpose and more relaxed footwear bridging between daytime and nighttime, it's easier than ever.
But it'll matter how active your trip'll be and if different activewear and footwear will be necessary for it.
Lightweight is a must to take up less space, dry quicker when it's time to launder. Pick pieces that can be multi-tasked. Will your sundress work for the beach AND a restaurant for dinner? Men - will your swim board shorts work for the beach AND for dress shorts in that restaurant in the evening?
Dark-coloured items show stains less. Could cover up both white AND red wine :)
Jeans don't quite have the same versatility in europe as they do at home. If you do bring jeans, bring a darker wash and try pairing them with shoes other than sneakers for a more "international" style. Cute, comfortable flats, a blouse or solid-coloured t-shirt casually tucked in at the very front (a so-called French tuck), maybe a light sweater or pashmina for warmth. The pashmina has multiple uses too, as do light weight scarves.
Wear your bulkiest items on travel days. Need a coat? Wear it until you're on the plane, then store overhead or underneath the seat in front of you. Same with bulky sweaters or shoes.
USE PACKING CUBES
We discovered thse babies a few years ago in Dollorama. They're one of the most revolutionary (and inexpensive) packing hacks to grace the travel world.
These durable and compact fabric cubes make it possible to fit all of your clothes easily into carry-on. REALLY!
They come in different sizes, colours, from shoe bags to large cubes for sweaters. Make sure to roll your clothes rather than folding them to avoid wrinkles and save even more space.
They protect your clothes from getting dirty, can repurpose as laundry bags for dirty clothes and keep everything organized in th hotel drawers too.
Getting dressed never's been easier.
Don't want to invest in packing cubes? Then try zip loc bags, again using the rolling method. But I promise you - once you've used the cubes, you'll never go back. Even my husband loves them.
Photo: Packing Cubes
PACK MINIMAL TOILETRIES
Even the lightest of travellers usually pack deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste. If staying at a hotel, chances are your room already supplies these.
Missing something? There's always a store or pharmacy nearby - and in some cases, may even be cheaper than at home. Travel sizes are easy to find.
**Be sure to comply with the 100ml per item, which must fit into a 1L bag provided at the airport, for your liquids and gels. Otherwise, it's bubb-bye to those items at security. You may want to consider solids rather than liquids.** CLICK HERE for CATSA'S "HOW TO PACK YOUR CARRY-ON for more details. **
I personally use refillable travel containers to save space. Then I can bring my favourite shampoo, conditioner, etc even if the hotel provides those.
And if you didn't suspect it already, I'm the WORSE for bringing home the hotel toiletries. I love to repurpose them for my own future travel.
Most hotels provide hair dryers - anything more specialized will have to be provided by you - so check the plug in / voltage situation if travelling to another country to be sure you've got the correct adaptor and converter with you.
MAXIMIZE YOUR PERSONAL ITEM
Your personal item (which is in addition to your carry-on with most airlines) is your best friend when travelling carry-on only. It can easily function as a 2nd bag altogether.
If you're having problems fitting everything into your carry-on, you should consider upgrading your personal item to a large purse or backpack. As long as it fits under the seat in front of you, you're golden.
A FEW LAST ODDS AND SODS
Most people travel with their smartphones, often times making it unnecessary to carry a tablet or laptop. You can access your travel apps, social media and email with the one item.
Don't forget to bring your earbuds for your device in order to listen to the airline onboard entertainment system, without disturbing your fellow passengers.
Unless you're serious about your photography, your phone's camera will suffice for good quality photos.
Perhaps a quick dry towel rather than your favourite fluffy Egyptian cotton beach towel.
Generally, a week's worth of clothes is a good rule of thumb. Some of your items will be able to be worn more than once. Laundry facilities are easily found almost anywhere in the world if you run out of clean clothes. Speaking of laundry - a little plastic bag of dry laundry soap is a very handy thing to carry too.
Clothespins. Yup, absolutely. From hanging up a hand-washed garment, to clipping closed curtains for a better morning sleep, to saving an opened bag of cookies for later, they have a multitude of purposes.
Don't forget a day pack or small zippered purse (and not a fanny pack PLEASE).
Photo: Ready to go in the airport
If in doubt about bringing along an extra clothing item, chances are you'll be fine without it. If you never wore it at home, you won't wear it on holidays.
Don't stress if you forget to pack something - it's a great excuse to go shopping!
Last but not least - BE SURE TO PACK YOUR PASSPORT and your Smile.
Hopefully the above may encourage you to give your first carry-on travel luggage journey a try! Start with a small trip til you get the hang of it.
What's your next unique and special adventure going to be?
Thinking about your next escape to the BEyond? CONTACT ME cause Planning a Vacation Makes You Happy (and me too!).
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Happy Travels Always,
Syndi xo