Carry-on packing — female edition

I’m sure you’ve read a lot of blogs, looked at pins on Pinterest, but nothing really tells you the essentials on what to pack in a carry-on suitcase for a 2–4 week trip, right?

Whilst I can’t give you details on every single item to pack because I don’t know you or the trip your taking. I hope I can help you think about how to pack. Remember, you can do laundry!

First and Foremost — the weather will make a huge difference. The warmer the weather the easier to add more — the cooler the weather the tougher to pack and the more strategy you have to be. Cold weather = less clothes — more strategy. And if you’re like me and your trips end up being to hot and cold places, its even harder.

BASICS TO THINK ABOUT:

Undies, socks, bras, shirts, long sleeves, jackets, scarves, pants, capris, leggings, shorts, skirt, dresses and work out clothes (thinking hiking, maybe yoga, maybe running).

Then things like: water bottles, snacks, medicine, tea/instant coffee, pack towel, raincoat, mosquito net, day pack

Jewelry, watches, hats, sun glasses

Shoes: tennis shoes, flats, flip flops, open toe shoes, boots

Toiletries: less liquid = more to bring.

Get a durable plastic bag that is TSA approved and find containers that fit well in it (I love the GoToob — there is a dial on the bottom where you can remember what you put in the bottle. I always put sunscreen in one). I love these kinds of plastic jars for face lotions. Depending on where you are staying and what you are picky about — remember hotels will have stuff — and once you pass through security you can always pick up extra liquids!

A few tricks: LUSH cosmetics. You can get soap, shampoo, conditioner & lotion and BAR form. There are other brands that do the same thing, so try things and see what you like!

Things I don’t leave home without: Ear Plugs, eye mask, melatonin (to time zone adjust. I ALWAYS take this the first 2–3 nights to get on time zone), converters, nail file, nail clippers.

NOW FOR CLOTHES:

First: Pick a color scheme. I go with blue, tan and coral. The trick is everything you pack should match each other. And always pack a black dress — as a female. There are A LOT of tips here.

From stripes to solids to patterns. Everything should match across the board. I usually pack fairly plain clothes and accessorize with jewelry and scarfs. Now remember, if you’re traveling to places where people don’t wear flashy clothes or jewelry (Please don’t bring or pack that stuff).

Once you have all your clothes, then lay them all down on a surface, where you can see everything. Its important that you see all your clothes! Tops, bottoms, one pieces. The visual is the most important part. Being able to see everything does truly matter.

Now you keep everything that matches and that you feel is what you want to take. I always eliminate things at this stage. I end up taking about 70% of the items that I piled together to take for a trip. I spend a week piling clothes in a corner — every time I see something I want to take, I throw it in the pile.

NOW, you have all your clothes, shoes, jewelry, toiletries ready! How do I fit this into my suitcase. Backpack or carry-on? I always use packing cubes! My friend suggested them to me a couple years ago and they saved my life. Its been the only way I travel now, even for a weekender bag. It’s the easiest way to pull out everything you brought and “unpack” it into the hotel or just leave it in your suitcase. If you’re backpacking — its just a life saver. No more ROLLING!

WHAT DO I PACK IN:

Packing cubes. I use one of these. The reason I like this is because there is one side for clean clothes and one side for dirty clothes. I often wear my clothes multiple times when I’m on a long trip, so some of them get very dirty. I don’t like those clothes touching my clean clothes.

Then I use a small and medium cubes.

Towards the end of my trip, I end up collapsing all my cubes, and I have space for gifts. Its really awesome!

This is the best carry-on suitcase that I have bought. I got a Medium. I know you don’t all want to buy something new, so I totally understand, but wanted to show you which one I bought. The reason I love it. Both sides have a mesh zipper, so when you open it up, nothing falls out. There is a top pocket for toiletress that you can easily grab and put through TSA and you don’t have to open your suitcase! There are small pockets that allow it to hold small things. There is a tough case side for breakable items you buy, there is a front entry from the top, in case you want to pack something to grab easily, the wheels are skateboard wheels and maneuver very well. It’s a great carry-on!

Happy traveling!