How to Pack for a Two Week Vacation with Just a Carry-On

It sounds impossible but I promise it can be done! You’re hearing this from a shoe loving, has to bring everything she owns over-packer! I was a non-believer for many years but converted to the carry-on only rule post pandemic when everyone's bags were getting lost. Not a risk I was willing to take. So, for the past 4 years of two-week international travel I have become a pro at the carry-on only game. Here’s how I do it:

PICK THE RIGHT CARRY-ON

I have found through trial and error a hard shell is the way to go. You can just fit so much more into them. Make sure to get the max allowed size by airlines, 22” X 14” X 9”. I was in desperate need of a new carry-on and got the away bigger carry on flex and it has been life changing! 

MAKE A LIST OF NEEDED ITEMS/PREPLAN OUTFITS

Start by making a list of the items you know you want to bring and stick to it! When the time comes to start packing, you’ll already know what’s going in. Do not be tempted to throw in extras, trust yourself! 

DO NOT PACK FOR “WHAT IF” 

Going along with the above, don’t be tempted to bring those “what if” items. There just isn’t space for this mentality. I hate when people say this because I am not a bottomless pit of money but it is true, if you really need something, you can get it when you’re there!  I shamelessly allow myself ONE what if item because it makes me feel at ease and for me that’s worth it. 

PACKING CUBES

We’ve all been told thousands of times to get them and I personally ignored the advice for years. But it’s time to heed the advice and do it. They work end of discussion. my favorite are the away insider packing cubes. there are 4 in the set and they fit perfectly in the zip side of your carry on!

UTILIZE THE SPACE INSIDE OF SHOES AND BAGS

You have to be creative and utilize all space available to you. I stuff anything I can into my shoes and bags before I pack them up! 

BRING VERSATILE CLOTHES

I make point to bring items that can be easily re-worn and mix and match. Maximum three pairs of pants, 1 denim, 1 trouser and one other of your choice. Depending on the type of vacation and the time of year pants might not even be on my list! I focus on neutrals for tops like blacks, whites and greys so you can get a few wears out of items without feeling like it’s obvious you wore it already. Dresses are easy to pack and can be worn day or night, dressed up or down. Wear it one day exploring the city and the next to dinner.  

USE BAGS TO CONTAIN SMALLER ITEMS

Similar to packing cubes smaller reusable bags are ideal for toiletries and all your miscellaneous items. I love the Baggu 3d zip set and this furtuna toiletry bag. 

WEAR YOUR BIGGEST ITEMS ON THE PLANE

It may be annoying to wear those clunky boots onboard but it is the way to succeed in carry-on only travel! If you’re going to a colder climate wear your boots and biggest coat on the plane. A perk of doing this: you can take your coat off and use it as a blanket when they crank the AC and you’re freezing. 

YOUR AIRPLANE CLOTHES ARE YOUR AIRPLANE CLOTHES

Choose an outfit for the plane and use that as your designated travel fit. Anytime you board a plane you wear that! I choose a comfy pair of stylish sweats like these mm6 vented sweats. they make me feel like I still look cute but I am comfortable. I also feel disgusting after flying and do not want to sully any of my limited wardrobe for flying so I wear the already sullied items there and back! 

MINIMIZE TOILETRIES

This is second hardest for me (first being the shoes)! I am a freak about my skincare so minimizing what I bring is tough. But with the right travel bottles its seamless and you don’t have to sacrifice your facewash or your conditioner! I love these Travel Bottles for facewash, shampoo and body wash because they are squeezable and compact. And these Cadence Travel Containers for moisturizers, conditioner and serums!  

3 PAIRS OF SHOES MAX

Now here’s the single hardest thing for me! The shoes!!! They complete an outfit and when you’re abroad for two weeks with only a carry-on that thought just has to go right out the window. Three pairs max is my rule (because I also have a rule where I buy a pair wherever I go)! One sneaker, one boot and one heel! If it’s a beach vacay the rule is one sandal, one sneaker and one heel. You wear one (the bulkiest) on the plane and you pack the other two! 

CHOOSE A FUNCTIONAL “PERSONAL ITEM” BACKPACK OR LARGE TOTE

Now this will be your saving grace. This is where you can really make the carry-on a reality. So much can fit into your personal item. I use a big puffy tote like this vee collective tote bag (the straps are soft and padded) and I throw in all my electronics like my kindle, phone, air buds, chargers etc... I throw in one to two jackets/sweaters, my small cross body bag, wallet, lip balm, moisturizer and the list goes on. If you really need more space and the tote won’t cut it opt for this Bellroy Transit Backpack and you can really fill it up with items you simply can’t leave behind.