Browsing Tag Carry-on
9 things you didn’t know you could pack in a carry-on
Not checking a bag means you have to be way more conscious of what you’re allowed and not allowed to bring on airplanes. Some countries have different requirements for what is permissible, and sometimes it totally depends on the whim of the TSA agent. However, there are things I bring that a lot of people are surprised I’m allowed to pack in my carry-on. Allow me to indulge you.
How to pack a carry-on (first-timer’s guide)
If you’ve never tried to pack only with a carry-on, then read on. This article is for you. This website is filled with articles on how to pack light. I just went through past posts I’ve written on this subject, and there’s a lot. However, I’ve heard from a few people recently how much these tips have been helpful to them, and I wanted to expand on this. I thought it’s finally time to post this video I made TWO YEARS ago. It’s been ready to post for two years, and for some reason, I’ve never uploaded it. But now, it’s finally up on YouTube.
Six things you never need to pack
Obviously, you never need to pack a broomstick or a coffee pot in your carry-on, but I’m not talking about the obvious things that you wouldn’t pack. I’m talking about the things I see people pack when they really don’t need to. The things that you think you won’t be able to live without, or won’t be able to find wherever you’re going. Or the things that you stuff in your bag last minute because “just in case.” Yes, those things. Here is a list of things you may be packing, that you actually never need to.
More than one pair of jeans. If you are packing more than one pair of jeans, you are doing something wrong. All your shirt choices should be able to match the one pair you brought. You shouldn’t need to bring an additional pair. The only thing that it would provide is a a different style option, but you should pick one style that matches everything else. If you can’t, then you need to rethink your shirts as well.
What is in my carry-on?
If you’re sick of hearing me talk about packing light, then you should probably stop reading now. I know I talk about it a lot, but to quote my favorite traveler (for the millionth time) “I have never heard anyone brag that with each trip they take, they pack heavier each time. You always hear about how little they packed.” There is something exciting and rewarding about not needing so much extra weight. Remember that scene from Up in the Air with George Clooney, where he tells that girl how much time she’ll waste by lugging a giant suitcase with no rollers? (If you’ve never seen it, here’s the clip. Just watch the first 2 minutes.) If you haven’t thought about this before, you are most definitely packing too much. We always over pack without a proper system. This is why I have my system down to a science. It takes time to create your own packing style and figure out what you truly need and don’t need for a trip, but it’s worth starting a system of your own.
I thought I’d share what’s in my carry-on for a three-day trip in terms of clothing. I carry other things with me (such as a curling iron, phone charger, sunglasses, etc.) But I thought I’d show you my basic bare bones packing list. No matter how long my trip is, whether I’m flying or driving, I bring one carry-on and one personal item. This system works for a 3 day trip, or a 14 day trip. Although a 14 day trip will have a lot more underwear, a few more shirts and one more pair of pants. Otherwise, this is my basic, no frills, packing system.
