Traveling with a carry on
Are you team carry on or team pack ALLLLLLLL the things?? I love the options that are available to me when I check a bag, but I decided to try my hand at a carry on bag on our recent 4 night work trip to Tampa. What follows is my experience, recommendations for making this work for you, and what I’ll be doing moving forward! This post has some affiliate links and I might make a very small commission if you purchase from them 😀
I recently listened to a podcast about being team carry on and was inspired to give it my best college try. The hosts insisted that carrying on a bag would be LIFE CHANGING because you get to cut out some major travel steps: the line to check your bag when you arrive at the airport, waiting for the bag at baggage claim when you arrive, lugging that big thing all around enroute to your destination. And it was appealing, especially to a location like Tampa, where the temps were the same throughout our stay and your clothing is smaller (haha).
The first thing I did was go through my toiletries and purchase travel sized bottles of them. I am linking some of the items I love and found on Amazon because how easy is that?! Links at the end of this blog!
Once I had miniature versions of my must-have toiletries it occurred to me that NOW I HAVE SMALL VERSIONS OF EVERYTHING AND CAN BE READY TO TRAVEL WITH ALMOST NO NOTICE!!! Yes!!!! When I returned home I simply stored my toiletry bags with my travel stuff and I kept them packed, because the items are duplicates of what I already use. How easy is that?!
The next thing I did was lay out my outfits on my bed. I made choices I wouldn’t normally make, such as “I can wear this swim cover up TWICE” or “I don’t actually need a different swimsuit for every day” haha! It forced me to EDIT. I used a packing cube and told myself that I could only take the amount of clothing that would fit inside that packing cube. I also wore my travel pants twice, on the way there and back. Small tweaks like that made a big difference. And you know what? I totally had everything I needed! There literally wasn’t one thing that I felt like I was missing on this trip.
I found that it was actually a little bit freeing to pack less because my choices for each day were already decided in terms of outfits and accessories, and I didn’t have a bunch of extra stuff around me to sort through and deal with. Plus, I only took my very favorite things, so getting ready each day was super fun!
I will absolutely be trying the carry on only life for shorter trips! I still have a ways to go before I try this on an international flight, but I bet I’ll give that a try sometime too!
Packing Favorites
** As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Packing Cubes (for clothes): https://amzn.to/3B2CJW6
These come with a pack of 5 multi-colored cubes, so everyone in the family can have one!
Clear travel bags: https://amzn.to/3zVO4GQ
I love that these come in a pack of three and that they are tsa approved. Simply pop them out of your bag as you go through security. Or if you have TSA precheck or clear you can SKIP THAT STEP! YES!
Roller perfume: https://amzn.to/3zVfbBU
I love this Sunflowers scent by Marc Jacobs! And then this scent becomes the scent of travel and it’s SO FUN! My husband has been traveling with a scent for years and whenever he wears it (on our trips) it brings back great memories of other trips!
Mini TULA face wash: https://amzn.to/40bGuTu
My 13-year old told me this was the best so I bought it, LOL.
Super convenient floss picks: https://amzn.to/41kilLg
This container is everything! And it has plenty for your next trip! Great for purses.
Travel steamer: https://amzn.to/43uwV4U
We’ve been traveling with this amazing steamer for a long time and just love it! Steaming clothes is a game changer when you compare it to ironing. I’ll never iron again!! And this one folds up super conveniently.
Makeup Remover wipes: https://amzn.to/3MBUdj0
When you use these wipes to take off makeup (eye makeup too!) you don’t have to worry about the fl oz of eye makeup remover. Easy peasy!
Kenra Dry Shampoo: https://amzn.to/3mz6vOv
The BEST, in a travel size!
My Rodan and Fields Lash Boost: https://rphillips.myrandf.com/en-us/
I take this lash growth serum with me everywhere! It’s already travel-sized too!
Bra stickies: https://amzn.to/41khkCW
These are my FAVORITE for sleeveless tops or dresses, or backless styles. They are reusable, travel easily, and stay put!
Happy Traveling, Friends!!
XO