I’ve always seen the value in packing light, but my motivations have changed over the years. In my thrifty college days, it was all about saving money on checked bag fees. Later, in my first travel writing jobs, PTO was often limited to short trips I could fit in a backpack.
These days I enjoy much more freedom, but I still skip the ticket counter and baggage claim whether I’m headed for a 2-day conference or 2-week vacation. That’s because time is my most precious commodity, and I refuse to spend it wrestling bags or waiting in lines. Luckily, I’ve picked up these 3 simple rules to pack carry on luggage like a pro and go.
CARRY ON RULE #1: CHOOSE QUALITY LUGGAGE OVER FLASHY TRENDS
My inbox is littered with ads for travel gadgets and gizmos galore. And while some have passed the smell test—like my favorite hanging toiletry bag—others reek of fly-by-night quality in pretty packaging.
I’m especially wary of one-size-fits-all retailers hawking “the only carry on you’ll ever need!” Though tempting, these click-chasers gloss over one crucial fact: Every traveler’s needs are unique. In my own quest for ultimate mobility, I cycled through spinners, hard-shell cases, and duffels before finding my perfect match in Calpak’s Luka collection.
Pro tip: Feeling overwhelmed by options? Take this 1-minute quiz to narrow down your search.
CARRY ON RULE #2: NARROW DOWN YOUR PACKING LIST
Many of us have a “secret persona” we reserve for the anonymity of travel. Mine wears fabulous hats, chunky heels, and cool leather waistcoats. But packing for her betrays the more practical me who lives for a comfy black pair of yoga pants. Here’s how I satisfy my dueling fashionistas without over- or under-packing.
Maintain a 15- to 20-piece capsule wardrobe. This is the magic number that fits easily in my carry on bag with room to spare. Lots of breathable layers in neutral, mix-and-match tones ensure I never run out of outfit options.
- 6 – 8 short- and long-sleeve tops
- 3 – 4 pairs of jeans, pants, or shorts
- 2 – 3 pairs of low-profile sneakers, flats, or dress shoes
- 3 – 4 light jackets, sweaters, wrap-scarves, or cover-ups
- 1 skirt, dress, or pantsuit
Keep home and travel separate. My toiletry bag is always stocked with travel-size versions of my go-to health and beauty products—even my full makeup routine. This way, I never have to wonder if I packed my toothbrush.
For heaven’s sake, go shopping! Fear of under-packing is real. But rest assured—so long as you have your wallet, Target will happily provide anything else you need. Besides, what’s travel without a little retail therapy?
Pro tip: Washing clothes is the key to traveling light, but laundry services can be hit or miss. In a pinch, a little soapy water and this handy travel clothesline will save the day.
PACKING RULE #3: FOLD AND PACK STRATEGICALLY FOR EACH TRIP
You’ve done the hard work of choosing the perfect carry on and narrowing down your most essential travel items. Now it’s time for last and most important step: Packing everything for maximum space, yes, but also for maximum peace of mind and a stress-free journey.
Whether you agree with the internet gurus who consider folding clothes a sacred artform, there’s certainly nothing worse than straining to close an overstuffed suitcase or frantically digging through a disheveled bag under the watchful gaze of an irritated flight crew.
There are lots of perfectly acceptable folding techniques. Some business travelers swear by rolling to keep dress shirts wrinkle-free, while beachgoers often wrap thinner layers around a “core” of towels or other bulky items. Whatever approach you choose, give some thought to these and other factors that could influence your packing order:
- What tech and comfort items will you need close at hand during your flight?
- Will you hit the ground running or have time to freshen up on arrival?
- Do you have a multi-destination itinerary that requires packing and unpacking?
- Is your destination much warmer or colder than your departure city?
Pro tip: Stretch carry on space to even greater heights with packing cubes, compression bags, and other genius luggage accessories.