“Good luck with that!” a friend declared when I told her I was planning to do my 5-week trip with just carry-on baggage.
I love a challenge.
And, as I sat on my bag and won the battle of the suitcase zippers, I felt like a Bleisure Living champion. I couldn’t breathe that final sign of relief until I squished my mini handbag into my puffy tote (meeting the 2-bag maximum) and walked confidently past the gate attendants.
That leads to Hack 1:
- If you smile at the flight crew and ask how they’re doing, they usually won’t be cranky about your carry-ons. Of course, flying first class sometimes helps, but today I was #18 on the upgrade list.
- My favorite gadget these days is my multi-port charger. It reduces the need for lots of cords (and occasional stops at TSA when your jumbled chargers may look like some nefarious device. Some plug directly into a wall outlet, too.
- My mother’s advice to “always pack a sweater” often rings in my ears. I’ve owned a black cashmere zip-up hoody for years and simply tie it around my waist. When I get chilly on the plane, I throw it on. And I can dress it up or down at my destination. I am also obsessed (in a good way) with shrugs these days. They weigh next to nothing, hide my arm jiggle, and prices start at $9.99 on Amazon, so you can splurge for a couple of colors. I also have one of those cheapy ponchos in the bottom of my suitcase in case of rain. They weigh less than umbrellas and come in a wide range of colors, so you don’t look like a Niagara Falls tourist.
- As long as we’re on clothing…shirts from Klassy and these less expensive alternatives have built-in bras, saving you extra packing (and extra laundry). These pants are super-light, go from day to night, and will even fit if you go a little overboard on that gelato or bread basket.
- The mini handbag I mentioned is from a company called Rolyn. It doubles as a fanny pack. I used to be a fan of giant totes, but when I minimized my life, I did some major soul-searching on the contents of my everyday bag. So what if I don’t have Advil when a random stranger asks? If I wear my progressives, I won’t need reading glasses. And I can always buy gum or mints when my breath gets nasty. “Is it a necessity or an anxiety?” I ask myself before stuffing something else into my bag.
- Packing cubes. Enough said. I’ve never experimented with the vaccuum-pack types, but if you have an opinion on them, please speak up in the comments.
- Minimize your beauty routine. Multi-purpose makeup kits and those tiny product samples are great space-savers.
BONUS AI TIP
Search “AI and Packing for Summer Trips,” and you’ll get some great suggestions on how you can use technology in your packing strategy, including some apps designed specifically for outfit coordination and list-making. PLUS ideas for AI trip-planning prompts.
I confess…I stuffed a couple of extra pairs of undies and a favorite mesh shirt into my carry-on right before I left the house. My toiletry bag was already safely packed in there.
I am still a little cautious that my suitcase may be “confiscated and checked” at the gate and then lost by the airline. At least I know that I can get by for 24 hours without my major possessions.
And hell, sleeping naked makes the summer feel a little naughtier!
What are YOUR favorite packing hacks? Would love to hear from you guys too!