How to Pack for a Week in a Carry On

Travel has always been high on my priority list, and I’ve been lucky enough to have logged quite a few miles thusfar. I wouldn’t claim to be a travel expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I’ve definitely learnt a thing or two along the way. While I adore it to my core, there’s no denying that it comes with its fair share of stresses. Lost luggage, extra baggage fees and lugging heavy suitcases across cobblestone streets are high atop that list. So these days, whenever possible, I do my best to pack all of my belongings in a carry-on. Not only does it eliminate wait times (and stress) at the airport, but it also makes the entire process that much more seamless. With a little know how, it’s not as overwhelming as you may think. So over-packers listen up! Here are a few tips and tricks of my own for packing for a week in a carry on.  

MY TIPS:

:: I try to stick to one colour palette so that every outfit is interchangeable (think: black, white and blush. Camel, sky blue and heather gray…)

:: Bring basics, and jazz your outfits up with small, easy-to-pack accessories

:: I always wear my bulkier pieces on the plane, which saves precious real estate

:: Roll your clothes to save space (bonus: this typically helps with wrinkles, too)

:: I tuck a cross-body purse with all of my essentials into a larger purse for the plane. Nobody wants to lug around an oversized bag when seeing the town, but it is nice to have space to store that iPad, Kindle and the like while en route

:: Ditch the wallet. Chances are there’s a ton of stuff in there that’s totally unnecessary while abroad. Instead, I like to tuck all of my necessities (credit cards, passport, ID…) into a small zippered pouch and toss it in my tote

:: One thing I never forget: a lightweight scarf. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, doubles as a blanket on chilly planes and trains, and triples as a bathing suit sarong if there’s a pool nearby

:: And when you feel that all-too-familiar urge to toss in just one more shirt or pair of pants (just in case), remind yourself that most hotels have laundry services that aren’t as pricy as you may think (and a sink and some hand soap work perfectly when desperate)

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