Packing for Weeks of Travel With Just a Carry-On

Ah, the great debate; to check a bag, or not to check a bag? After many trips of paying ridiculous fees for simply bringing my stuff with me, I’ve basically sworn off checking luggage. “But what if I’m going on an extended trip?” you say. “I NEED 8 pair of shoes, and my entire bathroom cabinet, I NEED them.” No worries, I’ve got you covered. It IS possible to pack everything you’ll really need into a carry-on bag, and I’m going to tell you how.

First of all, get a functional carry-on bag. My favorites are the ones that double as a backpack. As fun as it is rolling a bag around the airport and sidewalks, backpacks are so much easier. The one I have is from REI (naturally), and the straps zip into the bag to turn it into a more streamlined suitcase. Make sure that your bag meets the carry on size standards as well. There’s nothing like being forced to squeeze your bag into that fake little suitcase and finding that it doesn’t fit.

Use packing cubes! I am such an advocate for packing cubes. It’s actually pretty amazing what you can squeeze into those little things. They do a wonderful job of condensing what could otherwise be a messy and bulky bundle of clothes. Mine are water resistant, expandable, and made of ripstop nylon. I use one for shirts, one for pants/shorts, one for toiletries, and one for undergarments/swimsuits. The four of them stack nicely in my carry on, and only take up about half of it’s space.

Pack for one week, and do laundry. Nearly any seasoned long-term traveler will tell you that whether you’re leaving for one week or four, pack what you would need for roughly one week. You can always find a Laundromat to wash your clothes, or even bring a small bottle of concentrated laundry wash, and wash them in your hotel/hostel. Or you can really rough it and just wear the same clothes more than once without washing (underwear excluded).

Wear the bulkiest of your clothing on the plane. This includes shoes! Bring no more than 2-3 pair of shoes with you, and wear the bulkiest pair on your flight.  For me this usually means wearing my boots or sneakers, sweatshirt/jacket, sweats, etc. I always keep a tank top and shorts on underneath, so I can remove layers if need be. This also means I don't have to pack any pajamas, because I'm wearing them! 

Stick to one color palette. The easiest way to pack light on the clothing? Make sure everything you bring goes together. I tend to stick with neutral colors. Khaki shorts, white shirt, grey sweater, black jacket, etc. If all of your clothing goes well together, you can mix and match outfits, and no one will even be able to tell you wore the same 6 shirts your whole trip. Also, look for travel clothes that wick moisture and dry quickly. This will make it easier if you do need to wash them, and will keep you dry if you’re in a warm climate.

As far as liquids, gels, and aerosols go, pack only what you need and buy the rest when you get there. I generally pack only the most necessary of makeup and my face wash. When I arrive at my destination, I can buy my shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream etc. These days you can buy most of those things at a dollar store, or certainly the local drug store. For whatever you do need to carry on with you, buy spill proof containers under 3.4 oz and keep them all in a clear zip lock bag, no larger than 1 qt. Make sure you take that bag out of your carry-on when going through security, and you should have no problems. 

Keep the most important things in your “personal” bag. When carrying your luggage on, you’re allowed one piece of luggage and a personal bag, such as a purse or a briefcase. I keep the most important items in my purse. This generally means my wallet, phone, camera, chargers, headphones, kindle, sunglasses, and anything else that I need to be readily available.

The benefits of flying with only a carry-on are plentiful. The process at the airport is much easier, you’ll save yourself a lot of money, you never have to stop at baggage claim, or worry about the airline losing your luggage, and getting around is so much simpler with only a backpack. Everything becomes streamlined. Imagine everyone else anxiously awaiting the arrival of his or her suitcase at baggage claim, while you’re walking out of the airport and off to enjoy your destination.