I’ve traveled on 12-day cruises, 14-day trips to Australia and New Zealand, 10-day trips to retreat and post-retreat events, all with just a carry-on and a backpack.  They call me Mary Poppins!

I travel with only a carry-on and a backpack.

Why is it better to travel light?

1.  No checked baggage fees.

2.  No waiting for bags after the flight.  You can just get off the plane and get going to your destination or meet your transportation right away.

3.  No stolen, lost or damaged bags to worry about.

4.  Less to carry or drag around with you.

The current acceptable carry-on luggage dimensions are 9″ x 14″ x 21.5″.  Find one with four wheels that roll easily whether you are pulling your luggage on 2 wheels, or walking with it upright and rolling on four wheels.

Here are some tricks and tips I use to make sure everything fits into these two bags.

1.  I use packing cubes!  These help me really compress my clothes so my carryon stays nice and neat.  AND, if TSA decides to open up my bag, it’s not a mess to clean up after! You can get really inexpensive packing cubes on Amazon.  I use one large and 2 small cubes for my bag.

2.  In the large packing cube, I pack my regular clothes, such as my t-shirts, shorts, dresses.  In one of the small ones, I pack my workout clothes, sweatshirt, underwear, socks, and pajamas.   In the other small one, I pack my toiletries. Once I fill my packing cubes, I put them into one side of my carry-on.  There’s usually still room to squeeze in a packable jacket. I use one that rolls up into a really tiny bag but keeps me really warm.

3.  Toiletries:  I bring makeup remover towelettes, a small 2 oz bottle of Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap, which I use as bath soap and face soap, and sometimes as shampoo if I have to.  I also bring a tube of conditioner from my hair color kit. A small microfiber washcloth doesn’t take up space and is very handy. A 2 oz jar of coconut oil can be used to take off your mascara or to moisturize your hands and body.

4.  On the other side of my carry-on, I’ll pack my Uggs and my makeup bag.  I leave room for purchases I might make on my trip.

5.  I wear my jeans, t-shirt, hoodie and workout shoes on the plane because those are bulky.  I always travel with a Lululemon Vinyasa scarf. This lightweight scarf can be used as a shrug, a vest, a shawl, even a blanket on the plane!

6.  I have a packable backpack (it folds into a little pouch!) and I’ll put my small purse inside, along with my laptop, iPad, chargers, headphones, and snacks.

In the comments below, share your packing system!  Which packing tip will you try first? 

Fran Patoskie is an empty nester who lives in Honolulu, Hawaii.  She is a worship leader, Certified Personal Trainer, Revelation Wellness Instructor and also our Executive Director of Administration.

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