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Okay, so you’ve booked your next extended vacation! What’s next? After checking your flights, accommodations, and activities are all booked, you need to pack your bags. But how can you possibly fit everything you need and want for a two-week trip into carry-on luggage to avoid checked baggage fees? Here you will find simple tips and tricks that will make packing a breeze!
Have you ever returned home from a trip and realized you brought half your closet and only wore five items? Do you need to say a quick little prayer before attempting to zip up your luggage? Well, if you have ever been in either of those situations, you have come to the right place!
I have been traveling for as long as I can remember, so I can confidently tell you that I have learned a thing or two when it comes to efficiently packing for a vacation. However, it took me some time to learn what worked and what didn’t work.
It sure wasn’t when I came home from Greece with untouched items. It sure wasn’t when I about dislocated my shoulder from carrying my overpacked duffel bag. And it sure wasn’t when I was lying on my suitcase to zip it up before heading to France. I was sick of my overpacking and the rising costs for checked luggage, so I reevaluated my packing strategies and decided it was time to revamp my skills.
After lots of fine-tuning, I was able to test out my new ideas while packing for my next international trip to Costa Rica. It worked! I actually managed to get everything I needed and wanted to bring with me on this adventure into just my carry-on luggage. No squeezing. No praying. Just the right recipe. Let’s get to it!
How To Make Packing Easy: A Step-By-Step Guide
It may seem like a lie, me telling you I can fit everything I need for a two-week trip in just my carry-on luggage, but I can assure you that it isn’t. Leave your packing woes behind you and follow me for tips that actually work. Let’s dive into my top tips.
Step 1
First, I like to review the itinerary and planned activities to see if there are any requirements for attire or gear before moving on. You don’t want to be disrespectful or unprepared while on a vacation, so this is a sure-fire way to make sure that you will have all of the necessary items with you while away from home.
Step 2
Next, I plan my outfit for each day. I know this step may seem a little excessive, but I truly believe it is one of the most crucial steps. Planning what I will wear each day of the trip cuts down on packing overwhelm, makes packing a breeze, and keeps my travels smooth. How? Well, when you know what you’re wearing, then you just need to pack those items, nothing more. You can also layer items in your suitcase by day, putting the first day on the top and the last day on the bottom, so it makes unpacking simple.
When planning outfits, I have also found that finding versatile clothing that can come along on every trip minimizes my stress of what clothing to pack and planning outfits. Read my full guide to see what I take and how to take an ordinary item and turn it into something versatile!
You can also stretch your clothing by either washing it while on your trip or wearing certain items multiple times. And don’t forget, you can wear the bulkiest items on the plane, so it reduces the number of items in your luggage.
Step 3
Now, we’re ready to pack! One of my biggest game changers for making every piece of clothing fit in my luggage is packing cubes. Once I started using these bad boys, my mind was blown. I bought the variety-size pack of packing cubes, and they have served me well. I categorize my packing cubes by item. For example, I have one designated for shoes, then the others are divided amongst my other items, such as undergarments, tops, bottoms, outerwear, etc. Once they’re packed, they have a zipper that compresses them so they fit nicely into my luggage.
Step 4
Toiletries can be one of the most challenging things to pack when preparing for my next destination. However, my BAGSMART toiletry bag and TSA-approved clear quart-sized bags have saved me a lot of headaches. All of my items are in one place, easy to see, and compact. I have also refined my toiletry list to include all the necessary items you need. Read my full guide here.
Step 5
Now, the final step. Packing this all in the right carry-on. My BritBag 21″ Shielding Carry-On Spinner Suitcase and the Duchamp Getaway Expandable Carry-On Backpack Suitcase were true saviors in making my packing easy. They both have compartments to help with organization, they are carry-on size approved, and they expand to give you more space for all your items.
Know Before You Go
Weather Conditions
Don’t forget to check the weather at your destination before departing. This will ensure that you are only packing necessary items to optimize the space in your luggage.
Review Activity Requirements
Review your activities to make sure you have the appropriate items necessary for each reservation, as some activities, such as entrance to religious buildings, require specific clothing.
My Top Packing Tips Worth Repeating
Preplan your outfits. I’m not kidding when I say that I truly believe it is one of the most important steps in making packing smooth.
Bring versatile products. Bring along products that help save space and can be used for a number of things. For example, pack Teva Hurricane Sandals so you are ready for any water activity and some souvenir shopping in town afterwards.
Do laundry while abroad. If you don’t have a laundromat readily available, you can always opt to wash your laundry in the sink or tub at your accommodations using SinkSuds Laundry Detergent and hang dry your clothes.
Wear your clothes multiple times. You can maximize your clothing by wearing some items multiple times. I typically wear my bottoms two to three times before I pull them out of the rotation.
Use packing cubes. Organization and space saving are the name of the game with these.
Invest in the proper luggage. The BritBag 21″ Shielding Carry-On Spinner Suitcase and Duchamp Getaway Expandable Carry-On Backpack Suitcase have made packing for a two-week trip in just carry-on luggage possible with their zipper compartments and expandable sides.
And there you have it! The steps to the perfect recipe on how to pack for a two-week trip in just carry-on luggage.
Hey there! I’m Caitlyn, the brains behind The Traveler’s Ingredients. I’m an amateur chef, baker, and avid food lover who is also passionate about visiting every corner of the world that I can! I am adamant about recreating dishes that I fell in love with in my travels, mastering comfort meals, and building packing lists to ease pre-trip jitters.
The Traveler’s Ingredients contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information. From brushing your teeth to washing your hair, I have you covered…
The Traveler’s Ingredients contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information. Bring along versatile clothing that works in both hot, humid climates and…
The Traveler’s Ingredients contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information. Minimize headaches and last-minute panic by bringing along essential items needed for…
