I’m heading to the beach.

It’s time to start packing. I’ve done this dance a few times now for various international trips. Various lengths. Various approaches. Here’s what I have learned, pack lighter to go farther. I’m a firm believer in a no waiting around, no hassle, we’ve got things to do and beaches to see approach to travel.

I’ve traveled with suitcases and backpacks – on planes, trains and buses. I’ve hitchhiked, driven, been chauffeured and hailed a cab. I’ve travel in fashion capitals and tropical backwaters…from the overnight to the month long. So with all that travel, what is the best way to pack? For me, it’s carry on only.

Why? It’s easier and it’s faster. You can skip the checked bag line on departure and you get the first cabs by not having to wait around for your luggage. Oh, and you’ll never loose your bag again. Why be weighed down? It’s kind of a metaphor for life, isn’t it?

So, in honor of all that I have learned along the way here’s my top ten carry on only travel tips.

1. Find a really great carry on bag.

I love my eTech 2.0 Weekender Convertible Junior. I bought this bag for a three week adventure to England, Morocco and France. The main draw at the time was that it complied with the strict European carry on baggage allowances. It’s exterior dimensions are 19″ x 13.75″ x 9″. Even loaded to the gunnels with souvenirs from Marrakesh the airline folks never gave me a second glance. And, it easily converts into a backpack, making long walks a breeze. Here’s a (slightly cheesy but informative) video about the bag.

2. Find the perfect “personal item”.

This is your purse or maybe a small back pack. Be aware that not all airlines allow BOTH a carry on and a personal item. If allowed, this is where you will throw all your in-flight needs so they are within reach (more on that later). Or, if you are super minimalist and very dedicated, maybe you forgo the personal item and take your yoga mat instead!

3. Try a Capsule Wardrobe.

All the cloths you pack need to work together. Choose pieces in coordinating colors which can combine into outfits for all reasonable occasions. I traveled to Oxford, Marrakesh, and Paris last year carry on only. Three different climates, three different cultures, three approaches to fashion – one bag. All my cloths worked on a black and burgundy template and I only took two pairs of shoes!  Let me tell you, I looked great. Remember, when you’re traveling, no one knows what you wore yesterday. All they know is that you look amazing.

4. One word – sarong.

 

Or pashmina, or scarf. Whatever you call it, find one you love and make in your new best friend. You can use it as a blanket on the plane, a scarf for added fashion (or warmth), a beach blanket or beach wrap, a cute skirt, a sun shade, a towel… the list goes on and on my friends.

5. Tiny Toiletries.

 

Some of the travel blogs out there suggest forgoing carry on liquids completely. I can’t bring myself to  do it. Travel without my curl cream, favorite moisturizer or essential oils? Never. Pick up some carry on size bottles from the dollar store, fill with your favorite products and Bob’s your uncle. As long as you can fit them all into a one quart size zip lock bag you are good to go.

I also like to travel with a tiny first aid kit, with just a few band-aids and some mole skin. I also take just a bit “may need” medications such as allergy tablets and sleep aids.

6. Research your destination.

The more you know about where you are going and what activities you will be doing, the better you will be able to plan (and pack). For example, on that trip that took me to three very different cities, I new I needed to be able to layer for England in February, be cool yet modestly dressed for the Moroccan sun and look stunning for dinner in Paris. Mission accomplished.

7. Laundry.

If you are going for more than a week pr so plan to do some laundry. It’s easy. Your hotel can do it for a nominal fee, or find a launderette where you can drop off your cloths. I have dropped my cloths off to be washed for $4 in La Paz, Mexico. I’ve hand washed them myself in an outdoor scrub basin on a small island off the coast of Nicaragua. I’ve even spent some time drinking coffee and playing chess while doing laundry at a locals cafe/launderette combo (which is a brilliant idea BTW) and it was a lovely addition to the trip. People watching, coffee drinking and a sense of accomplishment, oh yeah. The moral of my story is that you wont smell funny just because you choose to travel with less.

8. Edit

Layout all the things you want to take. Figure out which thing go nicely with each other. Then ask yourself if you really will wear it, use it, love it. Put some back. Repeat if necessary.

9. Make a list

I have a packing list that gets revamped after every trip. This has allowed me to edit what never gets used and remember those “I wish I had…” items. It’s evolved over time. I will link to it once I get a post done on that.

10. Travel Insurance

Not so much a packing tip, but really why leave home without it? The peace of mind you get will far outweigh the cost. Imagine your relief when, after eating something suspect and being sick on the plane all the way from England to Toronto, you can grab a hotel room until the worst of it passes. The next day you can go to the walk in clinic, get some medication and a letter of medical clearance to travel on – knowing you will be reimbursed for it later. Also, depending on the type of credit card you have, you travel insurance might be built in, as long as you book your trip with it.

Now off you go. Have fun!