How to pack 15 days in a CARRYON

Packing is a skill. A skill that few have mastered and many attempted. Packing a for a trip is always difficult. Very few individuals pack without forgetting something, at least one thing when they leave on their trip. I am definitely not the expert on packing, or remembering all of the things. But I love to travel. So I have learned different ways to pack.

And while I can’t claim to be an expert. . . I have definitely been able to pack 2 weeks in a carryon multiple times over. It’s harder when traveling to colder climates… but definitely easy peasy traveling to warmer climates. Regardless of have learned after multiple trips in a carryon… that I don’t need to pack as much as I used to. But I do need to do laundry if I plan to pack less.

Regardless of the amount I’m packing this time… I’m definitely making a list. And checking it twice (ha!). Everything needs to be on the list to make it in the bag. Otherwise the packing just becomes random, unorganized, and forgetful.

So here’s my list. Or at least the start of it. I’ve got time. For now. 😉

Something many people would find excessive/overpacking is that I always pack a set of workout clothes. Largely because sometimes I need to get a work out in. And sometimes I just feel like I’ve prepared for everything that way.

Since we’re going wine tasting during part of our trip I’ve packed a maxi dress. While there are plenty of wineries that don’t have a dress code, I love to wine taste in an outfit deserving of wine tasting. Don’t ask. It’s just my thing.

But since this is my trip. I’m packing for what I want to do. Dress for wine tasting. Bathing suit for snorkeling the reef. Clothes for touristing in the rainforest and clowning and around.

Tricky thing is that I have 2 trips in 1. The major trip is Australia, or international travel. The second is a short weekender in Orange County. Home Sweet Home.

Luckily both trips are to warmer climates than I live in currently, and they are both involving the beach. Hello Warmth. Goodbye Frozen Tundra.

Here’s where I started:

Wear them again clothes:

Current packing list includes 1 dress, 4 bottoms, 5 tops, pjs, workout gear, and swimsuit plus towel. Oh and the warmer out wear for landing and take off. I also packed 2 pairs of flip flips. I love my rainbows. I’ll wear the bulkier items, such as my jeans, vest, sweater (not pictured – laundry!), and runners on the plane. Leaving the suitcase to hold the other items.

All of these items can, if needed, be worn again. And if not then I can wash them and wear them again (😉). Jeans are thankfully easily worn multiple times before you need to wash them… or at least I wear them multiple times before laundry day. They can also all be switched and swapped to create different outfits depending on the mood I’m in. I need to add a regular tee shirt to the mix but otherwise this is largely what I plan to wear for my 10 days in Australia, 2 days in California and several days traveling.

Travel Size or Travel light:

Some seasoned travelers will tell you to skip the toiletries and use the hotel samples. I am not a hotel sample user. I prefer to ensure all of my necessary items to keep my skin and hair in check are packed along with the rest of my things.

For this I pack small trial/travel sized versions of my can’t live without products.

This entire line of Murad products, plus my shampoo, conditioner, dove soap, and contact solution all manage to fit in my quart sized baggy. The only “liquid” that doesn’t… my contacts. And my deodorant. But they haven’t stopped me for my contacts before. So lets hope they don’t start on this trip.

I also don’t put my wet wipes, or facial wipes in the quart sized baggies. Not sure that they actually need to, but larger quantities (like baby wipes) will stop you at security.

If you don’t want to do travel size… then check your bag, or travel light and buy it when you get there. I personally think both is a waste of money. But I’m just sayin….

Organize your packing:

There’s nothing more important than being organized while planning a trip. Or at least nothing else more important to me when I’m packing. If my bags are a mess, I’m a mess. So I try to keep my bags organized both before and during my trip.

When packing for longer trips I started rolling my clothes. At times I felt like this helped. Other times I thought it was unhelpful and frustrating. Then I learned about packing cubes. I love them. I’m not entirely sure that I save space with them… but, again, I do enjoy organized packing.

My trip to Italy I rolled and used packing cubes. It kept my clothes and bags organized and easy to use. For this trip I opted to buy new packing cubes. Depending on the amount of items I pack I may use both sets… But so far I’ve only needed the 3 from the new set.

Make sure to use allll the available space:

The groves lining the suitcase are a great place to stash flat items like my sandals. If you are a reader, but aren’t going to read the book during your flight you can stash your book within the groves as well.

Pockets, zippers, and grooves. Use all of it. Available space is only useful when you use it. I used to use the upper outside pocket for important to me items. I lined the grooves of the bag with sandals, sports bras, etc. For this trip I bought a new carryon from Macy’s. It’s pretty amazing so far. No outside zipper pockets, but I’m stoked for the inside pouches and zippered compartments!

It matches my need for organization, practicality, and it’s pretty.

Organization:

It’s compartmentalized. The two halves of the case are lined with mesh/nylon zipper compartments. This helps to keep items in there place better than elastic straps that tend to slip, slide, or stretch.

Practicality:

It’s hard outer shell will protect from the rugged abuse that most bags get while traveling. It also houses a rechargeable battery that snuggly fits on the outside of the case for ease of access. I always travel with a back up battery. Now my suitcase can carry it for me!

Pretty:

I’m a Navy girl… (GO YANKEES!) The sleek design, easy to drive wheels, and handles are completely soft to the touch. This case says: She’s going places. And boy am I.

But this case was pricey. I got in on sale on sale. So while it’s double what I would normally pay for any piece of luggage… it was a steal. I can’t wait to use it!

Keep frequently used items easily accessible:

My personal item will hold my phone, iPad, chargers, and passport. It will also hold my water bottle that will need to be filled once I’m through security.

I’m also packing my camera in my personal item. If my carryon gets checked… then I’ll likely add necessary items in my personal item. Things like a change in clothes (my travel day is 25+ hours), disposable toothbrush, facial wipes, and brush. Ya know. The bare minimum of items to keep you fresh and clean.

Last thing that needs to be packed in the personal item? Snacks. Let’s not forget that I am a Gluten Free Girl on the GO! Over the next few days I have to decide what specifically I’m going to use for my personal item and what I’ll be most likely to want come travel day.

The trick is finding the right sized carryon, personal item, and packing them just right. If you’re a last minute packer good luck! It always takes me a minute or several to fit everything in. But don’t forget to weigh your bags! US airline companies may fine you for overweight bags, but rumor has it that international companies aren’t quite so forgiving. Gulp. So far I’ve been lucky to stay within the weight restrictions… Here’s hoping I continue to do so!

Happy Travels!

Nattie