After ten years of being a carry-on traveler and coaching clients to pack light for their trips, there are certain things I’ve learned, experimented with or experienced first hand. I’ve learned to pack for all sorts of different trips. This November I’m taking another research trip to Lyon and will likely face a large range in temperatures and both sun and rain, which I’m sure will be challenging, but I’m up for it.
My upcoming trip has me reflecting on my journey to simplify and pack lighter; today I’m sharing twelve things I know to be true after ten years of successfully becoming a carry-on traveler.
Ten Years of Being A Carry-on Traveler – Here’s What I Know
1. No one cares what you wear
I stopped caring about this long ago and you should too. Don’t fool yourself into thinking people are judging you, calling each other to discuss what you’re wearing on vacation. Don’t spend another minute worrying about this. They aren’t. Get over it.
2. Nothing you pack (or don’t pack) will really have much of an impact on your trip
Obviously, I’m not talking about essentials like a credit card, passport or your train tickets. Or if you forget your winter jacket on a ski trip. I’m referring to that forth pair of sandals you forget or the (insert item here) you bring because you think your trip depends on it; or the perfect shade of lipgloss.
I’m sure you have another pair of shoes that will work or a different shade of lipstick. That lipstick isn’t going to make or break an amazing experience; your cooking class won’t be ruined. That countryside view from your villa will be the same even if you’re not wearing nail polish. Once you pack the basics, you really won’t need or miss the rest. Or at least you shouldn’t. And in a pinch, you can always buy something in a true emergency. I haven’t missed anything yet.
3. You don’t need to buy special travel items, expensive luggage or the latest tech
Many companies and brands market heavily to carry-on travelers. This includes things like prepackaged beauty kits (most of which you won’t use anyway), designer luggage, the latest techanology built into your bag for tracking or phone charging. If those things are important to you – great. But it’s not essential. Save yourself $300 on a high-priced bag and buy a simple dependable bag without bells and whistles. Spend the savings on a local travel experience instead. Remember, you don’t need any of those things to be a carry-on traveler. You’ll be fine with a lightweight piece of luggage and filling a repurposed container with shampoo you already own . You’ll be fine if you just pack everyday items you already use. The rest is just marketing gimmicks.
4. Being a carry-on traveler won’t be possible every time
Sometimes a situation requires packing a larger suitcase or more than one bag. Maybe you’re traveling in winter and need extra space for ski gear or big bulky sweaters. Or perhaps a flight attendant decides to weigh your bag and tell you it’s overweight; or the overhead bins are full and you need to gate check your bag. It’s happened to me. There isn’t much you can do except to go with the flow. If this happens to me, I remind myself to be proud that I still only have one bag; I did my best and the rest is out of my control. It’s about being realistic and not perfect. The point is to pare down as much as possible and only take what you really need – even if that means it can’t be a carry-on.
5. I still have a tendency to overpack
Even a packing expert like myself still can have a tendency to overpack or stress a little too much over the decisions about what to take on a trip. When I struggle with this, I try to play the one-less game. See if you can leave one more thing behind every time.
6. Packing light gets easier the more you do it
The decision to become a carry-on traveler is not one to make lightly. It can be scary to try to imagine everything you need fitting in one small bag, especially if you’re used to packing a trunk-sized suitcase now. But, I can tell you it’s like riding a bike. As with most new things you try in your life, it’s usually really hard when you first try it, but it will become second nature the more you do it. I promise.
7. I’m not going back to bringing more than one bag or packing a bigger suitcase anytime soon
I’ve gained so much freedom packing light in the last ten years. I’ve also saved myself from back pain and lost luggage woes. I’m not about to give all of that up now. In fact, last year I pared down to an even smaller wheelie carry-on bag and it felt even more amazing. I’ve even packed for two separate climates in one bag, so I can’t even imaging packing more at this point. And I certainly don’t miss having to get to the airport earlier just to wait in another line to check my oversized luggage. No thank you. I’ve sold all of my other pieces of luggage, so there’s no going back.
8. Adopting a capsule wardrobe definitely helps
In the last few years, I’ve also become a minimalist with my wardrobe. This obviously helps with packing because the less I have in my closet, the less I have to possibly pack to begin with. Deciding which shoes to bring is far easier if you only own three pairs vs. 30 pairs staring you in the face.
9. Having a master packing list or a photo also helps
One thing I’ve discovered during the last few years is that I tend to pack/need many of the same things each time I travel. Making a list of those things and just checking it off every time I pack for a trip is a huge time saver. So is taking a photo. Each time I’m satisfied with what I’ve packed (either before I leave, or when I get home), I lay everything out on the bed and take a photo. I store it online (in my dropbox folder) and then I look at it when I pack for another trip. You can either duplicate it exactly – or make some swaps based on personal style or weather.
10. Rolling still beats folding
I’ve tried both ways and rolling is still better for me. I can fit more, maximize space and fill up the smallest nooks and crannies in my suitcase. I can even roll small items like socks and undies and stuff them into shoes – which you can’t do with flat packing. I’ve also found that rolling minimizing wrinkles (but certainly doesn’t eliminate them). And I still haven’t jumped on the packing cube bandwagon; I do just fine without them.
11. Comfort always trumps style
I quit being a fashionista a long time ago. You can still be stylish and comfortable – but if there’s a choice between shoes that look cute vs. those that will give me blisters; or a trendy pair of jeans I love, but will be to heavy or hot for the weather – I always choose what I’ll be comfortable in. Life is too short to be uncomfortable or in pain for a trip.
12. There are more carry-on travelers now than when I started my mission
Carry-on travel is becoming way more popular. More and more travelers are adopting this lighter way to travel and realizing all of the freedoms and benefits it brings. This is certainly encouraging. You get far less looks from others who think you’re crazy. Just look at all the carry-on bags crammed into the overhead compartments of planes – you know more people are hopping on board. (yes, that’s a little airline humor).
