I come from an avid traveling family. My mother has traveled for over 40 years, and she has at least 2,000 hotel staysMy dad makes four trips to Europe per year on average for work. I’ve been taking regular trips—both domestic and international—for more than 20 years, and I never check my bags. Unsurprisingly, I have become an expert at packing a carry-on.
No matter if it’s a short weekend trip or a long-term vacation, I always travel with only carry-on luggage. This allows me to keep all my belongings together and avoid the fee associated with checked baggage. There are eight common mistakes that I see travelers make when they over-pack their bags. You can read what I recommend you pack to avoid these mistakes and become a carry-on only traveler. Amazon’s travel store Spend as little as $9.
Do not throw clothes in your carry-on
Instead: Use compression packing cubes
Amazon
Before discovering these packing cubesIt was easier to roll up my clothes and put them in my carry on. This helped me save space but I had to take my bag out of the suitcase to look for a vitamin or belt. Organize your bag with compression packing cubes. Bagail’s packing cubes come with four different sized bags, which when zipping down, reduce everything to a more compact dimension.
You can save space by using a capsule wardrobe Mix and match a few tops and bottoms to create different outfits for travel.
Do not bring a steamer.
Pack wrinkle release spray
Amazon
Wrinkle release spray I use this secret weapon to make sure my vacation outfits look smooth and fresh. It doesn’t take much work. Portable steamers and flat irons can be bulky. They require an electrical outlet, patience, and time. Downy’s wrinkle spray The process takes only seconds. Simply lay out your clothing, spray it with wrinkle-release spray, then use your fingers to smoothen the material. You can then spend less time ironing your clothes and more exploring.
Don’t pack a toiletry bag
Instead: Use a toiletry bag that hangs.
Amazon
Hanging toiletry bags are available in many sizes. this one from BagsmartYou won’t have to dig around for your skincare and makeup products. You can hang the integrated hanger on a hook, or even over a door, to easily access your skincare and makeup products. Moreover, the pockets are transparent, so you can easily see your toiletries.
Don’t pack shampoo and Conditioner
Travel-sized hair oils are a great alternative.
Amazon
Hotel toiletries like shampoo and conditioner will help you save bag space. So I only bring one small bottle of hair oil. shopper-loved formula by Verb. Not only does this product reduce frizz and heat damage, it also makes my hair more supple and shiny.
Don’t: Pack hot hair tools
Instead, pack heatless hair rods
Amazon
Carry-on luggage has limited storage space, but you can still bring hair accessories. The blow dryers that hotels offer are usually large and bulky. These are the most common blow dryers. Luckybear hair rods The clips can be used to secure your hair in place. Simply roll it before going to bed.
Don’t: Pack a bulky jacket
Bring a lightweight raincoat instead
Amazon
The packable rain jackets allow you to carry an extra layer in your bag without having to take up much space. This style from Outdoor Ventures It is wind and water resistant to keep you warm on rainy and cold days. The jacket folds down to a small size that you can fit in your carry-on bag and still have room for a pair shoes.
Do not: pack full-size pills
Instead: Use a medication organizer
Amazon
If you pack your pill bottles separately, you will have to dig around in your luggage to find them. They are small enough to be stuffed into a personal bag, and they keep all your vitamins and medications in one spot. Betife’s travel-friendly design It has seven compartments that you can use to organize your pills by type or day of the week. The side locks keep everything safe.
Do not: Place jewelry in a bag made of plastic
Instead, you should bring a jewelry case for travel.
Amazon
I used throw my necklaces inside a side mesh pockets in my carry on, but this always left them all knotted. After spending too much time untangling necklaces, I bought a travel jewelry box. It completely changed my packing experience.
You can also find out more about this by clicking here. Bagsmart travel jewelry bag Fabric is flexible enough to fold and bend into your luggage. It has a button to secure everything. Now that my jewelry is organized into pockets and hooks it’s easier to find the piece you want when you are ready to go.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter We’ll send our favorites travel products to you every week.