Tips for Traveling with Just a Carry on Bag
I just got back from 6-day trip and struggled with what to pack (and how to pack) IN JUST A CARRY ON BAG and a personal item. Much to my surprise, I still came home with a few items that I hadn’t worn at all.
I avoided ALL of the lines for airline check-in at the airport, checked in online, headed right to security, and arrived to my gates EARLY.
After my flight, there were no delays due to waiting for baggage to come out on the belt. I rolled right off the plane, through immigration, and into my waiting car. It was time saving, and, dare I say, “game-changing”.
I am a notorious overpacker, and I love to have options, so if I can do it, you can, too!
Here are My Packing/Traveling Tips
✈️ Book a nonstop flight if at all possible. Pay extra for this benefit. You won’t regret it, and you won’t be rushing from one gate to another with your bags in tow. Consider paying for an upgraded seat or priority boarding to ensure that overhead space is available.
👕 Lay ALL of your clothes out for each day. Judiciously edit your selections. (No *extras* allowed 😉) Keeping your wardrobe selections within the same color family will ensure that they will “mix and match” well so that you can maximize usage of each item.
👝Pick up some compression packing cubes. They’re worth their weight in gold!
🧴Bring only the travel-sized toiletries that you absolutely need. Remember to keep them under 3.4 oz. (This is where I should have ordered some items in advance rather than going without completely.)
👠 Cut WAY back on your selection of shoes. Ladies, I’m talking to you! Just one pair of dress shoes is going to be okay. I promise.
🧳 Save a tiny bit of space for the items you know you’ll be picking up on your travels.
Although I was gone for 6 days, I could have easily stayed for 2 or 3 more days with the just clothes that I had packed. If you’re going to be on a ship where laundry service is available, you can definitely make it for 10 days or more, with just the one carry on bag.
Give it a try. I guarantee that when you see the lines for checking bags, you won’t regret it. And, more importantly, you won’t be risking your bag not arriving at your final destination due to baggage fiascos.
Let us know if you have any other tips for traveling with just a carry on bag!
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If you’re considering a river cruise for your next adventure, talk to one of our travel specialists. We can help match you to the right itinerary, activities, accommodations, and travel protection. And we’ll take care of all the details to ensure that you have a fantastic trip.
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