I like to pack “light” and not have to check my bags in so I can save time by not having to wait for my luggage. Also, there’s no need to pay the extra check-in fees especially when I can pack a week’s vacation to fit into a carry-on. Thankfully we can have 2 pieces though, because I fill those to the max, especially when I stay in Miami for 3 weeks or more at a time! I will be honest, it does get quite heavy but if you’re a trooper and don’t mind minor inconveniences (heavy luggage) and want to save some money, keep reading!
How I Travel
When I travel, I usually take a rolley luggage and a duffel bag with me. Because we’re only allowed 2 pieces (carry-on plus personal item), I usually put my purse and backpack in my duffel until I get on the plane. Then they don’t really care how much luggage you have as long as it’s not in the way and it can be stored under the seats during takeoff and landing. If you need all the space you can get, definitely take advantage of the maximum size and amount you can bring without having to pay to check-in.
The Luggage I Use
Currently, I use a spinner hard-shell carry-on suitcase by It Luggage. It has 4 wheels and is the smoothest luggage I have ever used. It’s also super cute and totally my vibes with the blue and tropical design it has. I tried to find the exact or similar carry-on (style is Santa Monica) I have to share with you but it seems they don’t sell it online anymore. I actually found mine when I was in Miami at Ross for $50 USD. But because of how smooth the wheels are, and how long it has lasted me so far, I really think It Luggage is a great brand and would definitely repurchase. Plus I absolutely love the designs they have!
I also take with me a carry-on sized duffel bag. I used to use the Nike ones and gift with purchase duffel bags from different perfume brands but they all broke on me. Currently, I am using the KGB Sport navy canvas with brown “leather” straps that I got from Winners for $25 CAD. I also use my giant Rolex duffel bag which was also a gift with purchase (but extremely heavy duty and high quality) when I have more to bring with me on my trip. But that one I usually need a luggage belt to make it look smaller since it really is the size of a check-in luggage. But because I do fold it up a bit, I was never told to check it in. This actually allows me to pack a little more too. Especially, if you’re a little more high maintenance like me, you’ll want to pack as much as you can to be fully prepared for your trip.
6 Tips For Packing A Week’s Vacation To Fit In A Carry-On
- Wear your thicker/larger pieces of clothing when you’re on the plane. This helps save space but it will also come in handy as it does get a little cold on the plane. I usually wear my hoodies on the plane as that will be the biggest piece of clothing I bring when I go to a hotter destination. I also wear long pants (leggings) when I’m on the plane or a maxi dress with a cardigan.
- Utilize all the crevices in your luggage. It’s kind of like playing Tetris when you only travel with a carry-on. You have to know how to make use of space and make everything fit. Because it can! Put smaller pieces of clothing into shoes, or areas of your luggage that won’t go flat because of larger items that just don’t fit right. There’s always a little space where you can make it work.
- People say roll your clothing, but I find making everything as flat as possible works better for me. This might be because my clothing are much smaller and thinner so it’s like stacking pieces of paper on top of each other, it just stays flat and doesn’t take up much space. Whereas when I roll them, the items get thicker, its harder to play Tetris and less room to utilize crevices. Try both ways and see what works for you!
- Use vacuum-seal bags. Keep in mind, only use them for fabrics that don’t need air or don’t need to retain its shape. Using these bags may cause creases so be careful. On the way back from vacation, you’ll probably need to make sure you have access to a vacuum in order to reuse them and make sure everything fits again. I don’t normally use these as I’m able to fit everything into my carry-ons as is. But if you overpack more than I do, this might be something for you to consider using.
- Some carry-ons allow for zipper expansions or outside zipper pockets, but be careful. If you expand the zipper and use it to the max, sometimes it will end up making your luggage not fit into the overhead compartment. Which means the airline can probably force you to check-in your luggage (usually it’s free if you are able to get your luggage all the way to the gate). But that could waste valuable for you to wait at baggage claim. I’ve also had friends where they fully expanded their luggage and they were forced to either move things around to someone else’s luggage or throw some items away.
- Pack items that you can give away or throw out. This is what I usually do in order to lighten my luggage on the way back home. Items I usually throw out during my trip are toiletries. I get tons of hair, makeup, and skincare samples or travel sizes as a gift with purchase from Sephora and I never seem to run out. This is also a great time to test out products (if you don’t have sensitive skin) as I tend to use my full-size items when I’m at home. There are also certain pieces of clothing that I’ve worn many times or I’ve gotten bored of that I give away to the locals after I wear it. Of course, this fully depends on which country I’m in. They actually get super excited and are really thankful, even for the little things, which I love. It also makes me feel good that I’m able to help someone else out and not have to waste anything.
Now that you know how to pack for a week’s vacation to fit in a carry-on, read What To Pack For A Week’s Vacation To Fit In A a Carry-On.
Don’t forget to read The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Trip Abroad and 10 Important Things To Do Before You Board The Plane to make sure you’re 100% prepared.