ExecutiveChronicles | Your Comprehensive Guide to Packing Only a Carry-On | There is an art to packing a bag for a journey without weighing yourself down. The restrictions of airlines and their carry-on luggage policies help to draw the line for what packing light means. Wherever you are going and for however long, you can pack using only the space permitted for carry-on. Here’s how.
Check the Size and Weight Requirements
First of all, find out what your airline allows as carry-on. Not all companies have the exact same restrictions and requirements, so it’s best to be prepared with these details before you start packing prematurely.
Find the Ideal Bag
Look for a carry-on bag that is small enough to be easily stored in the cabin of the plane. Hard plastic shells are perfect for protecting your belongings, but the fabric is better for flexibility and weight.
Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are great for dividing your belongings into sections and keeping them from getting lost or falling out of your bag. You can find special packing solutions that compress the air and make even more room in your bag.
Be Discerning
The key to packing light is packing less. Instead of imagining scenarios where you need to bring everything you own, be discerning about what actually needs to come with you on your trip. How many outfits or underwear do you truly need?
Don’t Skimp on the Fun Items
While packing light makes travel free, that doesn’t mean you should leave behind what will enhance your trip. If you are going on a trip to Hawaii, for example, you will most likely be spending time at the pool or the beach. This will be especially true if you stay at one of the beautiful Oahu Hawaii resorts. Leaving behind your favorite swimsuit just because you want to save space means you are sacrificing a potentially enjoyable experience for the sake of slightly lighter luggage. Forego something easily replaced like shampoo so you can fit the items that will make your trip more special.
Pack Multi-use Items
If something can double up and be used in more than one way, it should earn its place in your carry-on suitcase. This goes for clothing, toiletries, gadgets, and anything else you might want to use while you’re away.
Wear the Bulkiest Clothes During the Journey
Instead of wasting valuable space in your bag with larger pieces of clothing, arrange to wear these during transit. It’s important to be comfortable while traveling, especially on long flights and car rides, so try to match up your bulkier items into an easy travel outfit.
Decant Your Toiletries
In the long run, it is more expensive to buy travel-sized toiletries every time you go on a trip compared to the one-off purchase of your own miniature bottles. Use these to decant your shampoo, shower gel, and other toiletries so that you can pack small portions without wasting money.
Managing to successfully pack for only a carry-on is an achievement, especially if you are planning a trip that lasts a week or more. Use this guide to help you whittle down your luggage, so it is light and easy to travel with.
