The packing of four well-seasoned travelers. Image via sirexkat.
As an avid believer in carry-on travel, it still amazes me how many people I know who are still checking a bag. The usual response I get when I ask friends and family why they’re choosing to pay a $25 or higher fee instead of just packing a carry-on is that they could never fit all their belongings into one small bag. With these tips, you certainly can:
Realize A Carry-On Bag Isn’t That Small
There is a misconception that bringing a carry-on bag means you can only pack two outfits and a pair of flip flops; however, the truth is you can pack much more. For example, on a recent trip to Tahiti I traveled with just a carry-on and packed six sundresses, three pairs of shorts, six tank tops, a skirt and shirt outfit, a light jacket, two bathing suits, underwear, bras, socks, flip flops, a pair of Keds, a box of granola bars, a box of oatmeal, my outlet adapters, electronic’s chargers and two Ziplocks of toiletries (one liquids, one not). To the airport, I wore a pair of light pants, hiking sneakers, a t-shirt and a hoodie.
Remember You’re Allowed One Personal Item — Including A Laptop Bag
Your personal item doesn’t have to be a small purse. Use the size of a laptop bag to your advantage. I use the Drake Laptop Tote by Hex, in which I am able to fit my MacBook Pro, DSLR camera, snacks, magazines, a scarf, sunglasses, medications and a purse.
Choose A Color Scheme
Instead of packing your favorite outfits at random, choose a color palette so you can mix and match pieces. For example, choose bottoms and tops that are brown, white, pink and yellow, or opt for black bottoms and jackets that go with everything.
Heels. Image via MeiTeng.
Ditch The Heels
There are so many stylish flats on the market that take up virtually no space. You don’t need to bring your heels to look good. Plus, heels take up a lot of unnecessary space in your carry-on. If you really must bring them, think about wearing them to the airport instead of packing them.
Wear The Bulky Stuff
Once you’ve decided what items you’re going to bring choose the bulkiest pieces and wear them to the airport. For me, this usually means my thickest pants, sneakers or boots, a t-shirt, sweatshirt and a jacket if it’s chilly. Once you eliminate these items from your suitcase, you may realize you have more space left in your luggage for personal items than you thought.
Buy Travel-Sized Toiletries
The rule is you can fill a clear quart-sized zip-top bag with as many liquids under 3.4 ounces as you can fit. This means you can pack two liquids that are 3.4 ounces or less or 10+ items that are 3.4 ounces or less, as long as they fit in the quart-sized zip-top bag. Keep in mind, if you have a 6-ounce bottle of lotion that is half empty you still won’t be allowed to bring it on the plane, as the bottle as well as its contents must be 3.4 ounces or less.
The easiest way to pack with this rule is to head to Target — the store I’ve found to have the most impressive travel-size section — and shop for travel-size toiletries. If you’re staying in a hotel most likely shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion will be provided, so skip buying those. And remember, if you forget something you can always buy it in your destination.
Boarding Pass. Image via barchonok.
Check-In And Print Your Boarding Pass Ahead Of Time
Along with not having to pay a baggage fee or worry about an airline losing your belongings, a main benefit of traveling with only carry-on luggage is you don’t have to wait on line to check in at the airport (or at the baggage carousel once you land). Check in for your flight online and print your boarding pass before heading to the airport so you can head straight to security once you get there.
Just Try It
Challenge yourself. Next time you’re going on a trip, don’t just grab the big suitcase off the shelf. Make an honest attempt at packing a carry-on suitcase and laptop bag and see if you can make it work. Worst case scenario, you switch your belongings to the bigger bag.
The post Smarter Travel: Tips For Flying With Just A Carry-On appeared first on Jessie on a Journey.