When I depart for a vacation, I would love to take my whole closet with me! I HATE having to choose in advance what outfits I will wear, when I don't even know my mood, or how I am going to feel when I get dressed in the morning. So, I'm going to help you out with how to pack a carry-on!
Yes, I know, 3rd world problems, I've heard it all before. But let's be honest. I don't want to pack for 5 days and re-wear my outfits or only pack one bathing suit... I mean, I'm on vacation, not in packing prison!
As you can see by the picture above, I didn't fit my closet into my carry-on (BOO!).
...BUT
There are some tools and tricks to help make packing easier, so you can stuff more in the case (isn't that the goal?)
Two of my favorite things are packing cubes and shoe bags! For the luggage above, I was headed for a 4-night getaway. (when you see what's itemized, you will be like... wtf does she need all that stuff for?? Don't judge! There are all types of people in this world, and I do not fit into the minimalist category.)
So, let's look at what is in my bag!
Tucked neatly on one side of my suitcase, I have two packing cubes (my favorite!)
In the picture above, in the smaller cube, I was able to pack:
* 5 bathing suits (you only see 4 in the picture but, I'm laughing because the day before I left, I bought another bathing suit and added it to the packing cube)
* 2 cover ups.
In the larger packing cube, I fit:
* 6 tops
* 2 dresses
* 4 pair of shorts
Don't forget the BEST way to pack is to roll your clothes, not fold!
The other side of my carry on contains:
* 3 pairs of shoes in my shoe bag (I LOVE shoe bags! I also LOVE shoes!)
* 2 dresses
* 1 halter top
* 1 pair of pants
* 1 long skirt
* 2 pair of pajamas and a robe.
If you look at the picture of my packed suitcase, there is a middle zippered section for my intimates and socks (who wants to walk around a hotel room in bare feet?)
I still have plenty of room for my sun hat, and a small bag of toiletries. I pack my make-up and first aid kit in my personal bag.
I must admit, when we travel, we STILL check a bag *sigh*, I could travel with just this bag...BUT, I will confess, the checked bag is where I secretly slip all of my OTHER shoes that I want to wear on the trip! ... No lie... I hide shoes wherever I can. When unpacking at our hotel, Phil looks at me and says, "Why and how did you pack 6 pair of shoes?" (insert evil laugh- by me). Can you see why I like the shoe bags so much? No one can tell you are packing shoes!!! It could be toiletries, it could be make up, it could be underwear... But little do they know!!
Best. Tip. Ever!!!
How do you pack your carry on? Let me know and I hope you have berry safe travels!
