Thank you Travelpro for sponsoring this post. Get the Upgrade with Travelpro!
I’ve traveled more in this past year than I have in my entire life. Though I sometimes find myself missing my college days, having the freedom to finally start planning and embarking on the trips of my dreams has been quite the ride so far. I remember sitting in my freshman dorm room four years ago, fantasizing about all the amazing places I would go once I graduated. I still have a lot to check off my list, but it feels amazing to actually begin doing something I’ve wanted to do for so long.
You can call me a travel addict at this point, but there’s one thing that hasn’t always come easy to me…packing.
For many years, my parents forced me to fit my entire life into a carry-on. It’s hard to fault them, because I know the reason behind this. They were worried my checked baggage would get lost on one of our international trips.
What better way to ruin a vacation than by finding out you don’t even have a second pair of underwear to change into?
I was incredibly temperamental at the time, but I’m grateful nowadays that I learned early on how to pack a carry-on. Packing isn’t something I dread anymore (don’t get me started on unpacking, though), and I’ve even found the best carry-on luggage to make the process even easier.
Check out a few of my best tips for how to pack a carry on below, and get ready to be surprised at how efficient the process can really be!
The Best Carry-On Luggage [+ 5 Must-Know Packing Tips]
The Best Carry-On Luggage [+ 5 Must-Know Packing Tips]
Tip No. 1 — Invest in the Best Carry-On Luggage
Let’s start out with the most important tip first. Invest in the best carry-on luggage that you can. Trust me when I tell you, it’s not fun running to catch a flight when your carry-on bag has a broken or stuck wheel (yes, I know from experience).
I have two carry-on bags that I alternate between now — the Travelpro® Maxlite 5 21″ Expandble Carry-On Spinner and the Travelpro® Maxlite 5 Rolling Underseat Carry-On. Travelpro®’s Maxlite® 5 line is their lightest weight line of luggage, featuring DuraGuard® coating to resist water and stains and keep your luggage looking fab. I’ve had way too many gross, stained carry-ons, so this was super important when choosing carry-on luggage for my travels this year.
I’ve also had issues with my carry-ons being too heavy in the past and, since I’ve been traveling solo a bit, I needed something I can easily lift into an overhead compartment if necessary. I’m so thankful I’m not nearly taking out my neighbors’ heads anymore trying to get my bag down from the overhead compartment, haha!
In addition to these key features, I have to say the wheels on these luggages are impeccable. Just imagine me hobbling through the airport with a busted carry-on bag, because it really did happen before I got my new Travelpro® luggage.
Tip No. 2 — Make a Packing List
For the longest time, I was what I’d call a “spontaneous packer”. I’d either wait until the last minute to pack, or I’d pack at such a random hour of the night that I’d throw anything and everything that looked remotely useful into my carry-on bag. Multiple pairs of the same types of shoes, purses, you name it. If I could fit it in the bag, it went with me.
I recently saw something on Twitter that resonated with me on a near spiritual level. It said:
I’m the worst when it comes to packing for trips. Like I know I won’t need 20 pairs of underwear for a 5 day trip, but what if I pee my pants twice every single day I’m there?
That was me pretty much every time I packed for a trip. I’d grab a handful (or two) of underwear, a handful of socks, and so on. While this is a easy trap to fall into, I highly suggest making a packing list in advance of your trip! You’ll be able to maximize your space in your carry-on and avoid packing 20 pairs of underwear like I used to.
Tip No. 3 — Roll Your Clothes
I feel like everybody hates this tip, but it’s essential nonetheless. Roll your clothes! Nobody enjoys getting to their destination with wrinkled clothing, but odds are it’s going to happen whether you fold or roll them. Rolling your clothes is the way to go if you want to maximize the space in your carry-on.
Tip No. 4 — Bring Only One of These Items…
There are a few items that I’ve noticed take up a lot of room in my carry-on. Conveniently, they’re also items that I’ve learned I can live with only one of for the duration of my trip. With that being said, try to pack only one pair of shoes, one pair of jeans, one sweatshirt, and one handbag. Obviously you can adapt this list depending on the type of trip you’re going on, but I’ve found that this works for most of my travels.
I try to wear a bulkier outfit to the airport too, like a sweatshirt, jeans, sneakers, and my largest purse I’m bringing on my trip. Then, I might pack one more pair of jeans in my carry-on, a small over the shoulder bag, a pair of sandals or flats, and maybe a light sweater.
Try to think of what takes up the most room in your suitcase, and wear some of the items to the airport if necessary to create extra space!
Tip No. 5 — Ditch the Toiletries
When it comes to toiletries, I only pack the essentials. Things like shampoo and conditioner stay home if I’m crashing at a hotel, because I know they’ll be provided. I also try to lighten up my makeup bag as well, packing only the products that I truly use on a daily basis. Finally, I opt for one hair styling tool — either my straightening iron or my curling wand. Though I could definitely fit both in my new Travelpro® carry-on luggage, I’d rather save the space for something else.
Don’t forget your clear bag for your liquid products!
Note: Luggage is tilted in this photo to showcase all four wheels of this incredible bag…the proper way to use a Rollaboard is push it, keeping all four wheels on the ground!
So, do you have any must-know packing tips to share? I think my most surefire tip is still to invest in the best carry on luggage that you can. Travelpro® has been the brand of choice for flight crews and frequent fliers for 30 years, so that totally eases my anxiety when it comes to packing. The luggage also goes through extensive testing to make sure it’ll withstand anything you put it through during your travels.
Thank god I don’t have to worry about that busted wheel anymore!
What do you struggle with when it comes to packing a carry-on?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
