Packing in a Carry-on

Are you a light packer or heavy packer when preparing to go on vacation? I have always been the person to check a full size suitcase and carry on a bag and big purse. I always felt like I needed ALL my things to travel out of the country.

Well…last Fall I embarked on a wonderful, guided tour of Portugal and Spain. My friend and I were gone for 9 nights and 10 days. With all the airlines struggling with misplacing bags, I was convinced that I must try to carry on. 

Fast forward two months later and I am carrying on again for a long weekend trip to Cancun. Remember I was always an over packer and even checked bags for long weekend getaways.

Here are some tips and tricks for how to carry on your luggage. Get some packing cubes. Then plan your outfits around 2 pairs of shoes and a base color. Clothes that will roll easily, roll and place in packing cube. You can fit more in the cube when you roll them. My jeans I packed flat in the bottom of a cube. Depending on time of year of travel a scarf is an easy piece to throw in your carry on. Be prepared to wear pants 2-3 times. I packed 2-3 pairs of earrings, 1-2 necklaces, and a bracelet or two. That way you can dress your outfit up with jewelry. Also, I travel with a lightweight jacket that rolls easily up in my packing cube, and ties around my waist if the weather warms up in the afternoons.

 I grab 1 quart size Ziploc bag for my liquids. My liquids included face cream, face sunscreen, small face wash, shampoo, and conditioner. I placed the Ziploc Bag in an easy area for me to grab if I had to place it in a bin when going thru TSA. I take a smaller toiletry bag that includes a small toothpaste, small body lotion, toothbrush, hair brush, small can of hair product, make up face remover wipes, and moisture eye lid wipes.

After my packing was complete I still had a little room in my luggage for any souvenirs. So if I can pack in a carry on, I am convinced you can too.

- Meredith Carrell