Packing Light for a Long Journey: How to do it all with just a carry-on
Traveling anywhere, from a short trip to the local supermarket to a globetrotting adventure, requires us to be prepared. Depending on the trip it can feel like there are endless necessities, from the usual coats and toiletries to that pair of boots you bought two years ago for 'just the right occasion,' taking up half your suitcase for if, maybe, you feel like hiking. One of the benefits of travel experience is learning how to select what you really need, and knowing exactly how to make it fit. I've picked up a few tips on my journeys that have helped me take on big excursions with a small suitcase, largely erasing the burden of heavy luggage. You can check them out in the list down below, and send me any tips you think I might have missed!
1: Curate your Carry-On
One of the most underrated parts of packing light is selecting the right bag, as not all journeys are made equal. Thinking about the trip ahead is crucial if you're going to bring the right kind of luggage for the job. Check the regulations for bag sizes on the airline you plan to fly with, they can differ. If the bag doesn't fit the carry-on limits, it won't matter how well it's packed.
The type of bag you choose to bring matters just as much.
For more active trips, or travel that requires a lot of movement, a backpack might be more ideal. They're soft-sided, making it easy to stuff them full of your belongings, using as much space as you can get. Overloading the backpack comes with a risk, though, you may have a seam pop during travel. From experience, that's usually more trouble than it's worth. On the other hand, if you're traveling with a little more bulk or want to avoid strain on your back, roller bags can be a great option. I prefer rolling suitcases with four wheels. The option of choosing how to roll them makes them convenient for a variety of circumstances.
2: Stop, Flop, and Roll
It can be easy to fall into the habits we grew up with, whether we mean to or not. Folding a suitcase full of clothes can seem like the best way to get everything in, but it's actually less effective than another, just as simple technique: rolling.
Rolling clothes makes them more compact overall, allowing you to pack more into a smaller space. Where a few shirts folded can take up half the space of a suitcase, rolling those same shirts can reduce their space consumption down to a corner of the bag. You also don't have to deal with the wrinkles that folding usually causes, especially if you're packing a lot down into a small space.
3: The Compression Option
Not in the mood to fold? Run out of space even though you've rolled your clothes as tight as they'll fit? Compression bags may be the option for you. Essentially, you pack your clothes into a bag and vacuum the air out, making them take up the least amount of space possible.
Using compression, you can multiply the amount of space you have for clothes, and they come out just as fresh as they were packed in. This saves a lot of room, which can be especially useful if you're traveling light.
4: Don't Overlook the Personal Item
In addition to your carry-on luggage, you are also allowed one personal item on board the aircraft. As long as it's small enough to fit in your hands and can be stored below the seat in front of you during travel, you’re good to go. Backpacks can be a good personal option that offers versatility and storage, but be careful not to overload them. That’s what the carry-on is for, after all. Personally, I think bigger is better when it comes to personal bags, having the option for extra storage can really make a difference.
5: The Week Maximum
It can feel like packing everything we own is the best option for certain trips. What if I see an old friend for dinner? What if I want to go running, or swimming? The temptation to overpack can be immense. I keep a simple rule of thumb on-hand: don’t pack more than a week’s worth of clothing, maximum. When traveling light it’s important to travel with the bare essentials. I recommend clothing options that fit a variety of circumstances, instead of niche items. If you think you’ll be away for longer than a week, potentially, open yourself up to the idea of washing at your destination sometime during your stay.
6: Ogres, Onions, and the Perfect Suitcase
What do these three things have in common? Layers. Packing layered clothing allows you to mix different styles for a variety of scenarios and allows you to stay warm even in circumstances where you can’t bring a bulky coat.
Clothing that layers well can provide versatile options and come especially in handy when visiting areas with varying climatic conditions. Stick to the shorts and shirts for the warm days, add a jacket or sweater when things start to cool down.
7: The Universal Toiletry Cabinet
Aircraft safety laws require that we bring only travel-sized versions of most toiletries, which can feel a little restrictive. Here, again, I recommend the bare essentials. Bar soap, sunscreen and laundry detergent can be fine options for airline travel. It’s well-known that you can find lotion, shampoo and conditioner at most hotels, but if you ask the front desk they can usually also provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors and shaving cream. If you’re in a crunch for space I’d advise leaving the toiletries home, once you arrive at your destination you can get new ones.
8: Choose Your Next Shoes Carefully
Shoes are sleepers when it comes to space. You can find yourself packed perfectly, only to realize you didn’t leave room for a pair of shoes and be thrown off completely. Ideally, you want shoes that are comfy, and versatile. The more situations in which you can wear a pair of shoes, the better their ability to serve you during travel. Try to stick to two pairs in your luggage, a pair for formal occasions and a casual set. These can be complemented by a third pair, the ones you’ll wear in the airport.
9: Pack it On, Don’t Pack it In
For your more bulky items like jackets and heavy shoes, I recommend wearing them during check-in. This saves space in luggage that could otherwise be used for necessities, and allows you to maximize your storage capacity. These items don’t affect the weight limit on your luggage, and you can take them off mid-transit if you find you’re uncomfortable. Many flights can be cold, too, making a jacket even more useful depending on the journey.
These are some of the most useful tips for beginning travelers I’ve come across, there are tons more, but these provide a great foundation to get you up and out of the house. Thanks for checking out My Travel Recommendations, what are yours?