How to Pack for One Week in a Carry-On
I know. It's so hard to know what to bring on a trip, that you end up shoving everything you might need into your suitcase, and don't wear half of it. What's more, you end up filling a bag is so big you need to check it, and end up paying extra fees. With some careful packing and planning, you can pack for one week in a carry-on bag. That's right! It's possible! Here are some tips (If you buy from the provided links, I get a small commission):
Use a capsule wardrobe: select one major color to wear for the entire trip, and build around that. I usually choose navy blue, and then add white, black and tan to add outfits together: A white T-shirt, jeans, and a navy sweater. A navy dress, and blue & white patterned scarf. A white blouse with blue/black pattern, and black pants. A couple more T-shirts and/or blouses, and that's it! I can mix and match the items to make different outfits.
Only bring two pairs of shoes. I know this is hard, but if you pair your wardrobe down to one major color, then you only need two pairs of shoes: I usually have my walking shoes, and some flats for dressing up (I don't wear heels often). If you wear the tennis shoes and pack flats, it will save you space.
Use packing cubes: There are two kinds of packing cubes- those meant for simply organizing your stuff, and those that zip so you can condense your stuff. If you really want to save space, use the ones that compress. You may need to iron at your destination.
Pack your purse, and use a tote bag for your wallet/ID etc. when traveling. Since you can only carry on two bags, one is your suitcase, and your second bag is a tote bag. Get one that has a pocket on the inside so you can put your wallet, ID, phone, and boarding pass within easy reach. Bring a small-ish purse, that will pack easily in either your suitcase or your tote.
Only bring the essential skin care and makeup. You don't need to bring your whole skin routine; consider bringing moisturizer and a cleanser. If you want to pamper yourself, then bring a mask: they pack flat! As for makeup, bring a small full-face pallet like this one. Any other must-have products, pour into travel-size containers.
Plan on doing laundry. I find that for a week-long trip, I'm usually active the first two or three days, then I want a rest day. That's laundry day. I make sure that the hotel or B&B I'm staying in has laundry available ahead of time, or there is at least a laundromat nearby. That way, I really only need three outfits.
Invest in a foldable jacket. Unless you need a thick parka, a packable lightweight jacket can be a versatile addition to your luggage. You can add a jacket like this one to your suitcase in case you run into weather, but won't have to carry it around with you in the airport.
Once you realize that you can pack for a week in a carry-on, it will make traveling so much easier! If you end up buying a lot of souvenirs, you can always check your bag on the way back and carry on your purchases. You don't need to lug heavy baggage from the airport to your hotel or bed and breakfast. If you stay in more than one place, you can be packed up and ready to go in just a few minutes. Try these tips and let me know how they go!
Happy Traveling,
- Annabelle
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