The numerous stories of lost baggage this summer should motivate anyone traveling by air to commit to a carry-on bag. It’s not difficult once a strategy is in place with the discipline to heavily edit being key.
I start by collecting everything I’m considering to pack and then specifying where and when I would wear each piece. Nothing makes it in the bag if it is a stand alone item that doesn’t work with a number of looks. That’s fairly easy once a strict color palette is established. Mine is usually anchored in black, white and a neutral.
I always pack at least three comfortable shoes (which includes a pair of sneakers) for day plus a pair to elevate my dinner looks. I’ll wear my most bulky shoes on the flight to free up suitcase space.
Toiletries and valuables (in case my carry-on gets gate checked) go in a large tote bag that fits on top of my suitcase. I’ll also put my handbag and any inflight necessities in the tote including a pouch filled with things I like to access easily – lip balm, wipes, glasses, moisturizer, etc.
If I’m traveling to multiple destinations, packing cubes keep everything organized and take the head ache out of frequent repacking. A flat expandable tote slides into one of the outside pockets of the carry-on. If I need extra space for purchases, I’ll use it as an additional suitcase and check the carry-on bag for the return flight. I’m less concerned about a delayed bag when the final destination is home.
See my other packing guides below:
A FORMULA FOR CARRY-ON PACKING
MY SIX TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
PACKING FOR PARIS
PACKING A CARRY-ON FOR A WEEK IN COLD WEATHER
POSTS ON PACKING
IN FLIGHT STYLE
I Can’t Believe How Much I Fit in A Carry On
My In-Flight Travel Essentials
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Susan
What’s the maximum length of time you can pack in a carryon? I was going to try it for an upcoming 2 1/2 week trip and it just seems way too ambitious.
Karima
I managed a little under 3 weeks once on a summer trip to Italy. A lot of light weight pieces I could roll up.
Leah
I often can travel for 3 weeks with just a carry on. I pack 6 interchangeable outfits and take some laundry pod detergents with me. I plan for places with laundry facilities so I can do laundry on the 5th night. It works for our family of 4. Everyone takes their own backpack and one small handbag with snacks and electronics.
Karima
Laundry is key!
Rhonda Caron
We have spent two months in the south of Spain which included a cruise with just a carry on and a backpack. Do laundry, rotate clothes, leave most makeup at home, buy toiletries when you arrive. Roll your clothes and fill a zipper plastic bag with undies and another with socks then squish the air out of it. Bring one pair of walking dress boots, bring one pair of tiny slip on sandals for dress up, bring a green garbage bag for laundry and to separate dirty clothes when moving hotels. Bring a tiny purse that lays flat and fits in your backpack. We moved hotels every three or four days. Book AirBandB’s with laundry or near laundry facilities. My husband brought a suit jacket that he rolled and had pressed day one of the cruise. Invest in a puffy travel jacket that packs into a bag to hang off your backpack and use as a pillow. Bring two scarfs one you wear on the plane the other you tie on your backpack. Enjoy your holiday, if you need something you can provide buy it there.
Kim
Wow you go girl! I hate packing and moving to Florida flying the first time. Wish I could bring everything
Pam
We’ve gone 60+ days with carry on. No ptoblem. Every piece is a solid color, no prints. I can wear every top with every bottom.
Mary
What about skin care products? I”m a senior and am pretty devoted to my skincare routine but most of the products are in containers over 3-4 oz. I guess I should just do without for a 4 night trip?
Kathryn
See if your skincare brand does samples or travel packs.
Kathryn
If you are going to a hot climate it’s doable, packing for cold weather is more difficult. I’m a big fan of lightweight dresses because why pack two items when one will do.
Shelly
Fantastic Karima! Thanks so much for these all in one place. You have really helped me with streamlining my packing. Think I need those Birks after all these years admiring them.
Shelly
Brenda
Birks become comfortable after 3 or more weeks of usage. You need to break down before your travel
Lisa
Do you use the Rimowa bag tagged in a prior post? Do you think a hard case holds more than soft sided? Your tips are great!
Karima
I don’t use the Rimowa. I prefer a classic bag with exterior pocket. I’m also not a fan of the “oyster” style opening.
Leslie
Agreed! They take up too much space and are awkward while open.
Janet
Are you still using your Briggs & Riley toe? Or have you updated to one that works even better!!!
Karima
Still using it! Haven’t found anything better to replace it with.
Kathy W.
Doesn’t always work! Returned from an international trip to Scotland with a checked bag and a carry on. Carry on was confiscated at last minute due to full overhead bins and then was LOST! The checked bag made it while the carry on was the lost bag….
Marie
We’ll be on a 2 week tour with no time to do laundry. Is a tote and carry-on still doable?
Karima
I’d say depends on where you’re going. Climate, activities, etc. would make a difference.
Polly Wolf
please let me what luggage you recommend for carry on and or checked ? thank you 😊
Karima
I like Tumi bags and a Briggs & Riley tote.