Packing Tips for Carry-on Luggage

Tam and I met while completing a social media writing course in 2019. We bonded over two of life’s most important topics: food and travel. Follow her on Instagram @tamtran2020 where she currently shares her latest experiences local and abroad. Whether you’re counting down the days until your winter escape or planning a vacation far in advance, here are some thoughtful packing tips from Tam’s own travels!

Kindly, Karen

Special Guest Writer: Tam Tran @tamtran2020
Editor: Kindly, Karen

Your five-day beach trip to Mexico is quickly approaching. Aren’t you excited? Now, let’s get packing! But wait, should you bring a carry-on or a luggage that requires check-in? There are pros and cons to both, but I prefer a carry-on. Here’s why:

Reasons to travel light:

1) Save money. Some carriers charge a fee for check-in luggage.
2) Ease of travel. The lighter the luggage, the easier to transport.
3) Reduce stress. Hauling around bulky luggage can be a nuisance.
4) Minimize the risk of losing luggage.
5) Lighten your load with less laundry when you return.

Requirements to travel light:

1) A minimalistic mindset. Accept that you can’t bring everything.
2) A smart and efficient packing strategy.
3) Check your room amenities. Don’t pack your blow dryer if it’s already provided.

General tips and packing advice:

1) Plan ahead.

• Check the weather of your destination for the duration of your stay.
• Craft a realistic packing list by reviewing the itinerary and activities of your trip. What activities will you participate in? How many fancy events will you attend? How often do you plan on swimming or visiting the beach?

2) Essentials only.

• Bring what you need, such as prescription and common over-the-counter medication (e.g. Advil, Claritin, and Imodium). Avoid the “just in case” mentality. An entire pharmacy isn’t necessary.

3) Organize.

• Roll or fold your clothes into bricks to be more compact and to reduce wrinkles.
• Use packing cubes to compress clothing and optimize space.
• Store footwear in shoe bags for better organization and to contain dirt.
• Place items strategically in the luggage.

4) Be intentional. Pack clothes with versatility.

• Select items that can be used for more than one purpose. For example, a denim jacket can be worn with jeans and a tee and can also be styled with a dress for an effortless evening look. Two outfits can be created from one black skirt with two different tops. Outfits just need to look different, not actually be different.

5) Simplify accessories and footwear.

• Purses: one casual and one dressy.
• Hats: one baseball cap and one fashion hat.
• Jewelry: one casual and one dressy set.
• Footwear: casual, comfy, and dressy. My preference is flip flops, casual sandals, and dressy sandals.

6) Beauty products.

• If you need the entire Sephora store (plus multiple hair devices), then a carry-on is not for you. Opt for check-in luggage. However, if you truly want to enjoy the benefits of travelling light, then only bring essentials. Personally, I stick to three lipsticks [casual (light pink), bold (red), and funky (purple)], plus mascara and an eye curler. That’s it. I understand that everyone’s needs are different, so you do you!

7) Liquids.

• Liquids in a carry-on luggage cannot exceed 100 ml/grams per bottle to a maximum of 1 litre.

8) Maximize use of your personal item.

• I recommend a good knapsack with multiple sections/pockets. I fill it with snacks, medicine, make-up, a phone charger, earbuds, and my fashion hat. Don’t forget to leave room for souvenirs and other purchases!

Summary

Whether you value the ease and simplicity of light travel with a carry-on or the comforts and options of a larger wardrobe with a check-in, it’s more important that you have what you need to make your vacation the best one yet. Live, laugh, enjoy, and take a selfie or ten since you’re dressed for it!