I’m often asked how I manage to squeeze everything into a single suitcase. My readers are amazed at how I seem to never wear the same thing twice (which I definitely do! Hello, laundry. Hello, layers.)
The number one thing I learned from packing in a carry-on was that I could still fit an incredible amount of clothes inside. 10 outfits…TEN. Plus a cosmetic bag, shoes and accessories. I was so proud of myself and I hadn’t even boarded the plane yet.
What’s more? No baggage fees! It wasn’t until I landed at Charles de Gualle Airport, however, that I realized I packed the wrong clothes. It was supposed to be summer in Paris, but 65 degrees and rain isn’t summer in my book. Oh well. “The sun will come out tomorrow,” I thought…and it did, as seen in these photos!
And now for the moment we’ve all been waiting for: here come the tips for packing light!
Maximize Suitcase Real-Estate
- Wear your heaviest items on the plane.
- Ah yes. The fold/roll debate. I’ve always been a folder, but there are rollers out there who swear by this space-saving technique. Apparently it does numbers for minimizing wrinkles as well.
- Often overlooked is the technique of placing heavier items (shoes, toiletries) towards the bottom, or near the wheels of your carry-on. It does make a difference when wheeling around.
- The one item I pack too much of: shoes. I don’t need that many shoes. A recent discovery of mine were the Sanuk Yoga Devine Sandals. To me, these are my necessary pair of flip flops and my nice pair of flats all in one (that go with everything and are comfortable enough to wear walking around a city). The best part? They’re made from real yoga mat material…which makes me feel like I’m always getting a workout in 😉
What to Always Bring (no matter what!)
Always pack a scarf and a swimsuit no matter where you’re going. You never know when you’ll come upon a desert oasis. It may sounds weird, but a plastic bag never hurts, either. I use them on multiple occasions, whether it be for a wet swimsuit or organization.
Liquids, Gels and Aerosols
Travel-sized products have come a long way. You can find just about anything you need in a cute, little fun-size container (3.4 oz or less) these days. (Take a look at some of my favorite beauty products here.) I never pack items that I know my hotel will have for me, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. To pack (most) hair products is to waste space. I don’t even own a hairdryer anymore! If you’re a hair snob, well, I can’t help you there…
Electronic Devices
This is a big one for me. I travel with tons of camera equipment (see my favorite camera gear). I found the perfect bag that will carry my Nikon, three lenses, my GoPro, cords, charges, accessories AND my laptop. Score! Unfortunately, this always counts as one of my two carry-ons on trips, but it’s part of the job. At least we live in a digital world where we can read books on Kindles, get news on iPads, and do business on iPhones.
Suitcases
I’m a lover of many different suitcase brands, but I love Victorinox’s Global Carry-On. Each airline is different in terms of carry-on dimension requirements, so either check with them beforehand or make sure to get a smaller bag to be safe. The biggest hurdle for me is the 1 carry-on and 1 personal item rule, especially because my camera bag is not optional. UGH. I typically try to stuff my purse inside my carry-on (depending how big it is) or hide it underneath a scarf at the gate (guilty…). Whatever the case, just make sure to throw everything up top for optimal space underneath the seat in front of you!
Over to you! If you have any tips for packing light, please share!
Hey there, I’ve travel coast to coast for years – always light! I rarely check a bag and agree, there are times to fold and times to roll. Backpacks have helped so recommend using them for incidentals – you can roll a lot of items into the pack pack well. This leaves room in the larger bag for bulky items like shoes. Guys have to consider suit jackets as they take a lot of room, but can always wear one. You gals have the real challenge. Keep the tips coming and thanks!
Yes! Backpacks are a great item to have. I go between those and camera bags with lots of pockets 🙂
I packed for a 3 week British isle trip in 1 carry-on and 1 personal bag. I use my personal bag to tuck my purse, cosmetic bag and camera bag in and it fits under the seat. Best thing I discovered are the travel bags – put your clothing in the bags, zip closed, push air out. You can fit so much more which often causes me problems in my checked bag as I have lots of space remaining but reach my weight limit – GREAT for carry ons. LOVE all of my Sanuks!
Three weeks and 1 carry-on?! Nice job. Although it’s definitely easier when your destination in an island 🙂
Nice tips , I also travel light where ever I go. It is important to me the purpose of the trip and destination plus the weather were I’m going. I always take with me things that I can’t live without even for 3 days, a week or months. As long as I have my facial moisturizer , basic stuffs lots of t shirts and my smartphone I’m fine.
Thanks, Elaine! And I agree – as long as I have the basics and wifi, I’m good to go.
Hey, I love your outfit! Can you please share the details on where it’s from?
Hi Lesley – can you share what bag you use for your electronic and other items (laptop, kindle, snacks), etc. I’m always on the hunt for the perfect one that’s both comfortable and fashionable as I go from airplane to train to office frequently. 🙂
I am definitely ordering the Sanuk sandals thanks! I am always looking for comfortable sandals to travel with that aren’t over $100. Have you heard of Tieks flats? Don’t know if I should order those since they are $175. One advice I have is purchasing packing cubes! I traveled to London and Paris for 9 days and had SO much room just by rolling my clothes and tucking them in the cubes. You can order it online but I found 3 sets of packing cubes at TJ Maxx for only $14.
Hi Lesley…loved you on Winter Games….I admire what you have been through and your courage. When I was single, I loved travelling alone…love your sense of adventure. My husband and I are going to Croatia in September (Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, Mostar, etc.). Have you been there? Do you have any tips or suggestions? Hope you are happy and enjoying life with Dean!
xo
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia! I haven’t been to Croatia but hear amazing things! Let me know how it goes, and safe travels 🙂