How to Pack Just One Carry-On for a Week-Long Vacation
Are you heading off on an island vacation? Lucky you! Here’s one piece of advice to start off your trip right: pack only a carry-on bag. You’ll save on checked bag fees, won’t waste precious vacation time waiting at the luggage carousel, and never have to worry about your luggage getting lost. Plus, if you need to fly standby or your flight gets canceled, you’ll be able to hop on the next available flight.
The Benefits of Packing Light
Packing light has several benefits. For one, it saves you money on checked bag fees. Additionally, it reduces the risk of your luggage getting lost or delayed. When you pack light, you also have more flexibility in case of flight changes or cancellations. You can quickly grab your carry-on bag and go.
Plan Before You Pack
The key to packing light is getting organized before you place even one flip-flop in your roll-on. First, consult the weather forecast for your destination. Only sunshine during your trip? Leave the rain gear at home. One secret to packing light is to only bring what you need, without adding “what ifs” to the bag. Next, check with your accommodations to see what in-room amenities and toiletries your hotel offers. Hairdryers and irons are standard at most properties, so no need to pack them. If they don’t have irons, leave items that need to be ironed at home.
Check the Weather Forecast
Before you start packing, check the weather forecast for your destination. This will help you determine what clothing items to bring. If it’s going to be sunny, you won’t need to bring rain gear. If it’s going to be cold, you may need to bring a jacket or sweater.
Check with Your Accommodations
Check with your hotel or resort to see what in-room amenities and toiletries they offer. This will help you avoid packing unnecessary items. For example, if they have hairdryers, you won’t need to bring your own.
Make a List and Stick to It
Now, before you put anything in a bag, make a list. Overpacking happens when you start grabbing drawers full of shirts and dropping them into your open bag. For a packing checklist, see below. Write down every item you’re going to bring on vacation. Stick to a color scheme. A neutral background – think black, white, tan – with a few colorful accessories, such as a scarf or a sweater, will help limit what you’re packing.
Wear Your Heaviest Items on the Plane
Wear your heaviest items on the plane. For example, if you’re planning on hiking, wear your hiking boots on the way to your destination. For casual trips, wear sneakers and layers, including whatever outerwear you’re bringing with you for cool evenings, such as a jacket or sweater. Basically, anything bulky that will take up a great deal of suitcase space should be worn. Leave the sandals and shorts to pack in your bag.
Packing Strategies
Okay, you have your list and you know what you’re wearing on the plane. Now it’s time to pack your bag. Consult your list and lay out everything where you can see it. Do not add anything to this. The secret to traveling with a carry-on bag is to not overstuff.
Fold, Roll, and Bag Your Clothes
T-shirts and shorts should be rolled to both save space and cut down on wrinkling. Start with a shirt face down on a flat surface. Fold the arms back so you have a perfect square. Fold in half vertically. Now roll up from the bottom to the top – voila, a perfect cylinder. Heavier materials, like khakis and sweaters, should be folded into squares. For lingerie and delicate items such as bathing suits, use mesh lingerie bags – you can find these at most drug stores or on Amazon, which will allow security to see your items without actually touching them and keep small items organized.
Dress Up
For dresses, skirts, blouses or dress shirts, place each item on a hanger, and place in individual plastic dry-cleaner bags. This keeps clothes wrinkle-free – the plastic reduces friction – and organized.
Pack Your Clothes Strategically
Now you’re ready to pack your bag. Stack square shapes first, then rolled items around those. Tuck shoes and flip flops into corners and remember that shoes don’t need to travel next to each other. Socks can be placed into shoes or into empty spaces. Place your toiletry bag on top of your perfectly folded clothes so you can reach it easily for separate screening. Then lay your plastic-wrapped dress clothes on top and fold it over to fit into the bag. Zip and go!
Packing Cubes: A Game-Changer
Even with just a carry-on bag, you should consider purchasing and using a set of packing cubes. By putting your clothing and accessories in these, packing is easier than playing Tetris.
What Clothes to Pack in Your Carry-On
When it comes to packing for a week-long vacation, it’s essential to bring versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Here are some essentials to consider:
- 5 shirts
- 3 shorts or skirts
- 2 dressy options – mix and match with accessories and outerwear
- 1 outerwear – sweater or jacket
- 1 pair sneakers
- 1 pair dressy shoes
- 1 pair flip-flops
- 1 hat
- 2 bathing suits
- 1 cover-up
- 1 athletic outfit
- Pajamas
- Socks
- Underwear
- Accessories – scarves, jewelry
Packing Tips and Tricks
When it comes to packing, there are several tips and tricks to keep in mind. Here are a few:
The 311 Rule
Remember the 311 rule for carry-on luggage: one 1-quart bag with liquids no more than 3.4 ounces. Avail yourself of your lodgings toiletries when you can – many luxe spots even offer poolside suntan lotion. Do, however, throw in some individual laundry packs or a small container of detergent so you can wash clothes on the go.
Laundry on the Go
Consider bringing a small container of detergent or individual laundry packs so you can wash clothes on the go. This will come in handy if you need to wash clothes during your trip or if you want to pack light and wash clothes as needed.
Choosing the Right Bag
When it comes to choosing a carry-on bag, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few:
Conclusion
Packing for a week-long vacation can be challenging, but with a little planning and strategy, you can fit everything you need into one carry-on bag. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to pack light, save money on checked bag fees, and enjoy a stress-free vacation. Happy travels!
Final Tips and Tricks
Here are a few final tips and tricks to keep in mind:
What are the benefits of packing light for a vacation?
*_Packing light saves you money on checked bag fees, reduces the risk of your luggage getting lost or delayed, and gives you more flexibility in case of flight changes or cancellations._*
How do I plan before I pack for my trip?
*_Consult the weather forecast for your destination, check with your accommodations to see what in-room amenities and toiletries they offer, and make a list of what you need to bring._*
What is the 311 rule for carry-on luggage?
*_The 311 rule states that you can bring one 1-quart bag with liquids, and each liquid container must be 3.4 ounces or less._*
How do I pack my clothes to save space?
*_Roll your T-shirts and shorts, fold heavier materials like khakis and sweaters into squares, and use mesh lingerie bags for delicate items._*
What are some essentials to pack for a week-long vacation?
*_5 shirts, 3 shorts or skirts, 2 dressy options, 1 outerwear, 1 pair sneakers, 1 pair dressy shoes, 1 pair flip-flops, 1 hat, 2 bathing suits, 1 cover-up, 1 athletic outfit, pajamas, socks, underwear, and accessories._*
How can I make packing easier?
*_Use packing cubes, wear your heaviest or bulkiest items on the plane, and consider bringing a small container of detergent or individual laundry packs._*
What type of bag is best for a carry-on?
*_Look for a good, durable duffel bag or dependable roller that goes up top, or a stylish backpack that stays with you and is perfect for your laptop or tablet and headphones._*
How can I prevent wrinkling my clothes in my carry-on?
*_Use individual plastic dry-cleaner bags for dresses, skirts, blouses, or dress shirts, and consider using packing cubes to keep clothes organized._*
Can I wash clothes on the go during my trip?
*_Yes, consider bringing a small container of detergent or individual laundry packs so you can wash clothes on the go._*
