I use to thinking packing just a carry-on was basically mission impossible but this year I’ve definitely learnt it’s actually not that tricky. If you’re traveling for less than 5 days, then I think a carry-on is all you need! It’s cheaper, easier to carry and saves time at the airport- I can’t believe I didn’t start traveling with just a carry-on earlier!
Here’s my tips if you’re new to traveling with just a carry on…
1.Choose the perfect suitcase
My new Revelation suitcase has really made my carry-on experience that little bit easier. It’s the perfect size, light-weight suitcase, with all the necessary zips and I love that it’s a bold print as on the odd occasion that I do check it in it’s easy to find. I would recommend investing a little bit more in your carry on and going for a good quality one, I’d had a few different ones before this one and they really don’t compare to this one. The cute little quotes on it always make me smile too, although I am yet to take it on a summer holiday.
I always divide mine up and the right side is for clothes and the left for everything else, it’s always worked out really well and stops me from over packing too many clothes. I also find that the zip to close the right section makes opening and closing the suitcase much easier!
2. Check Luggage restrictions
If you’re allowed a carry-on suitcase and a handbag then make the most of it but make sure you stay within the airlines rules as paying for extra luggage can be really costly. Remember that some airlines have weight restrictions as well as dimension restrictions, again the Revelation suitcase is usually the perfect dimensions.
I would also recommend taking a canvas bag in your suitcase as if you do need to check your carry-on in as they flight is full, you’ll want somewhere to put your valuables and flight-essentials in.
3. Check the weather and plan outfits
I’m not great at this but it can be one of the most useful things to do. Try on all your outfits and take photos of them on your phone, this will mean you won’t overpack and it’ll even save you time when getting ready whilst on holiday.
4. Sharing is caring
If you’re traveling with friends or a boyfriend there are things you can share which will save valuable space in your luggage. Share a toothpaste tube, shampoo, hair tools, laptop and even camera.
5. Wear bulkier items
Wear you coat/jacket and any other bulkier items, especially as you’re probably on a short-haul flight if you going with just hand-luggage. For example, I’ll always wear/carry my leather jacket as it’s really heavy, jeans, a t-shirt and a jumper (if I need a jumper).
6. Pack minis
Beauty items can weigh so much, I like to save sachets and smaller products for travel. If you’re quite loyal to a product you can pick up little travel pots to decant your skincare/foundation into.
7,Keep liquids accessible
Makes life so much easier when going through security, I like to back my clear bag at home so I don’t have to go through my whole suitcase at the airport. 8. Leave tech behind
8. Leave tech behind
Not always possible I know but if you don’t need to take your laptop for your romantic weekend in Italy than don’t take it. It all weighs so much and takes up valuable shoe space, plus it’s the perfect excuse to just relax and not work whilst you’re there.
Would love to hear your carry-on tips in the comments!
I used to overpack for every trip that I went on, I’d have four or five outfits that only saw the hotel wardrobe! Now i always make time to try all outfits on so that I know everything I take will get used 🙂
http://lux-rose.blogspot.co.uk/
P.s this case is so cute!
I definitely utilise number five, i’m usually wearing a million layers to the airport!
xx
Oh my gosh I was literally half way through writing such a similar post for my blog. How spooky! I go away in 10 days and trying to persuade my other half that we could totally do it with carry on luggage is proving near on impossible… He packs more than I do!!
xxx
Omg your suitcase is so pretty. Ive been looking for a new suitcase for ages now.
Next time I fly Im going to attempt to just take a carry on.
Beauty products are the thing that always weighed my bags down, I don’t know why I think that I need two different night creams!
Some really great tips! I’ve started taking just hand luggage with me where possible and it’s so much easier and quicker, I much prefer it! Sophie x
stylestarsandsparkle.com
I also try to wear the bulkier stuff and I layer a lot!
Some great tips here. Definitely the introduction of a lot of our favourite brands in handy mini sizes makes travelling that much easier. Often hair products and tools can take up a fair bit of room in your travel suitcase, so they can be a good item to share or alternatively purchasing travel-friendly hair straighteners and blow-dryers are well-worth the investment!
Packing only carry on luggage always causes me think twice about what I take. I agree, mini toiletries are great to have for weekend trips and breaks that last just a couple of days.
So helpful reading this as I’m going to Amsterdam in October and i’m only allowed to take carry on luggage! xxx
Such a great post! Thank you for sharing these tips! So easy but so useful:)