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As we move more and more towards sustainability, packing light has become not just a necessity, but also a trend, a.k.a. travel capsule. While the idea of packing everything in just one bag seems bizarre, it isn’t something that can’t be achieved, even for the fellow chronic packers. We’re here to help your travel plans come true with a short and easy packing guide that will let you breeze through your travels.
Firstly, let’s break down why having a carry-on is important. One can’t possibly walk around with a heavy bag that has nothing but some dirty laundry and stinky shoes, especially when they are on this hard-earned vacation. It’s easy to master packing light, which will only make your trip stress-free. It will also keep you from spending on baggage fees.
Carry-on bags also eliminate all the time you spend waiting for your bags at the baggage claim. No more waiting an eternity to get those bags and nothing to keep you from having that well-deserved vacation. Is it just us, or does your bag always somehow end up at the end of the belt? Well, all the more reason to give a carry-on bag a try. Just hop off the plane and get on with your vacation plans.
Let’s start with the very first step of any trip: planning.
Going on a vacation is always exciting, but it needs some reality checks as well. Surely, everyone wants to wear something new every day and get pictures. But, realistically speaking, there is no point in packing 15 different outfits, shoes, and accessories for it. It is well known that shoes are bulky, carrying 10 different pairs won’t do you any good but just take up space. Ideally, one should carry a minimum of 3 pairs.
Also, note that your carry-on bag should be of the appropriate size so that it can be stored in the compartment above you. Don’t forget, it will also be easy to carry around!
Packing lights can be a task if there are special occasions and activities planned. For such situations, careful planning is key, or perhaps trying the travel capsule method. You can easily fit that fancy dress in your capsule, just roll them up.
The most important step is to check the weather of your destination ahead of time. It also affects how you pack your wardrobe. If you’re going somewhere warm, packing a pair of pants and a backup light jacket would be a good option. If you’re travelling somewhere cold, keep versatile items like a pair of jeans that can be worn every day and go with all your outfits.
Now, jumping onto the real thing: packing.
The first step of packing is to start with the bulkier items first. It’s easier to stuff the small items in empty spaces or bulky items like shoes. You can easily fit your socks or undergarments in your shoes and then fit them at the bottom of your bag. This would free up more space for things that you need, a.k.a. your essentials.
In case there’s a pair of your favourite boots that you wish to have on this trip, just wear them on the day of travel instead of stuffing them in your suitcase. The same goes for clothing items like larger jackets or coats. These single items can take up a lot of space in your bag, so the only way to tackle their bulky self is to be smart and wear them.
The best investment for any traveller is to invest in compression packing cubes because they can be extremely useful. These packing cubes make a huge difference as they squish down all your clothes, whilst keeping them nice and compact. They make the most of a small bag like a carry-on and easily fit all the items you want on your trip.
The best travel hack so far that everyone needs to know about is rolling instead of folding. While folding is the traditional method, rolling is how everyone’s doing it now. Surely, you’d have to iron them back but every stay you’d go to has the option for the same. This method maximises space for items like t-shirts, tank tops, and bikinis which can be stuffed between a pair of pants. YouTube this easy hack, it’ll change the way you pack, forever.
Any traveller would be well aware of the fact that airport security never lets you leave with a full-sized toiletry kit. This is where travel-size toiletries and liquids come in handy. It’s important to have all your essential toiletries packed up in travel-size containers and bottles to save time and space.
Another hack is to keep these minis right at the top of your bag, so taking them out is not a task when needed. You can surely get the larger toiletries once you reach your destination, but only if it’s a long trip; otherwise the same old cycle of sizes would begin when heading back. Items like sunscreen, contact solution, shampoo, and conditioner can be bought at any local store.
The biggest benefit of having a personal bag is that you can keep your essential items handy. Items like medications, travel documents, valuables, phone chargers, etc can easily be kept in that little bag of yours, be it a cute mini backpack or a fanny pack. These are the items you would not want to lose nor face the trouble of finding in your luggage.
While you may be travelling light for your benefit, remember it also helps the planet. Packing light means packing sustainably! Follow the planning and packing method for your trip and have the best time completing your bucket list.
Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 packing trick, where you pack five tops, four bottoms, three dresses, three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits, two bags, and one of each of a few miscellaneous accessories. If you’re opting for a carry-on, mix and match items in your travel capsule and have a versatile wardrobe.
Besides the planning-packing trips we talked about above, the ideal bag for a 10-day trip is a carry-on. It will free you from strolling your heavy bag around, waiting in baggage claim queues, and will allow you to experience your vacation in the best way.
The best and preferred way of packing is to roll them up. It also depends on your packing style and how much space you have to occupy. Packing cubes are always a good option as you can fit many outfits together in the same container without having to roll them up. Ideally, you should try both of them and see what works best.
Usually, the best way to find out the dos and don’ts of what to carry in a carry-on bag is to check the TSA’s website for the rules. The website would allow you to know what is prohibited in carry-on bags, like liquids that are not travel-size or plastic bags. Plastic water bottles, even if sealed, are not allowed through security, so bringing a collapsible water bottle is your best option.
If only that was possible, but no, you cannot bring two carry-on bags in the cabin without having to check one of them or pay extra. Although, almost all airlines allow their passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal bag, which would allow you to fit in all your essentials and keep them handy.
