Traveling is expensive enough without the added cost of possible luggage fees, knowing how to pack a carry-on can be the difference maker that some need when pricing flights and airlines.
There is an art to packing; learning how to balance essential items and airport security requirements will make you not only a wise traveler but a pro carry-on packer.
Packing list
Make a list of all the things you plan on taking, cross off as you gather your different items and add to the list as things come to you. Making a physical list will help you visually see all of your items instead of trusting your mind in those last minute packing situations.
Buy a lightweight carry on
Keeping the weight down on your initial bag should be an obvious things as it will allow you to add more items without going over the airlines guidelines. Try to mange by finding a bag that has lots of open space and size but light and durable.
Roll don’t fold your clothes
THIS! THIS! Many probably don’t know this trick but it is super handy and cuts down on the room your clothing items will take up in your bag. Roll everything you can and see how your carry-on seems so much bigger.
Wear the heavier/bulkier items on
If you are going somewhere that requires a bigger bulkier coat of jacket, wear it on the plane or at least have it on your person. Another way to cut down on weight for your bag.
Ziplock bags and Packing cubes
Both are ways to maximize your limited storage space. Ziplock bags are my life saver, using them to place lots of small travel toiletry items keeps them safe and compacted. Packing cubes can be purchased on amazon and help you create areas with in your open space carry on to further organize and maximize your bag.
Travel size
Can’t stress this enough, learn how to manage with travel size items such toothpaste and body-wash buy multiple of these but keep them travel size to save shape and also adhere to airline liquid guidelines.
Use your carry-on and one Personal bag to your advantage
Since you are allowed your one personal bag, pack as much in that as possible since it is not weighed by airlines.
Pack 2 shirts/tops for every pair of bottoms
Simple enough as it cuts down on clothes and helps your limited space requirements.
Bring half of what you initially layout
Layout everything you plan to bring and cut it in half, you usually don’t need most of what you think up as you prepare for a trip.
Shoes/sneakers in bags
Use bags to separate those items and keep your clothes from getting dirty in the process.
Use empty spaces like your shoes and stuff things inside
Those ziplock bags fit nicely in these spaces and again help you maximize your space.
Leave space for purchases and souvenirs
Always think ahead and if you plan on possibility purchasing items make sure you save space to add items to your bag (Bearing you keep weight in mind as well)
Don’t pack what will be provided
Hair dryers, straighteners and other items that will be at your lodging.
Wash clothes aboard if you can
This is a must if you can and will greatly cut down on what you have to pack clothing wise.
Know airline luggage limits
This is a given for anyone planing on traveling and one you should pay attention to depending on which airline you fly with. Buy a luggage scale for your home and be ahead of the game.
One of the biggest ways I can travel for weeks at a time with just 1 carry-on is by using my personal bag as one of my best travel companions. If you can master how pack it in coordination with your carry-on you will save yourself money and checked bags become a thing of the past. Through my travels I have acquired lots of different helpful gadgets that can fit into any personal bag and help you master your packing skills.
- Noise Canceling Headphones
- Good Book
- Music Playlist
- Portable Chargers
- Universal Plug Adapters
- Solar Charger
- Scrubba Wash Bag
- Portable WiFi Hot-Spot
- goTenna Mesh
- Water Purifier Bottle or Life Straw
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Personal Alarm
Some of the items listed solely depend on the type of trip you are planning to take, however all are great investments to make for any novice or pro traveller.
What’s your travel packing hack?
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Written by Ash H
With an Instagram feed that makes us jealous, Ash is a foodie, traveller and photographer extraordinaire. A lover of movies and all things LGBTQ related (YES!), you’ll most likely find Ash exploring somewhere new.
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