This post was written by one of my most beautiful, most brilliant, and dearest friends. Elizabeth Spradley, Ph.D., is a wife, momma of 4 boys, professor of communication, organic gardener, and a sucker for a good story. She and her husband, Ty, are world travelers who have learned how to pack for any trip without the hassle of checking baggage.
Have you ever stood by watching suitcase after suitcase pass you by on a baggage carousel? In that moment, you may have experienced Checked Baggage Regret Syndrome (just waiting to be discovered by scientists).
On our first overseas trip, my husband informed me about a week before we were to depart that we would only take carry-on luggage. At first I thought he was teasing me. After all, when I forgot my shoe bag on our honeymoon, he pulled into a Dillard’s parking lot and bought me three new pairs. Had the honeymoon period warn off that fast? Had he forgotten who he married?
Before I go any further, our marriage more than endured this short lived disagreement over baggage, and we testify happily to 16 years of a No Checked Baggage travel philosophy.
My skepticism about traveling light quickly wore off. That first trip included three connections to get us from Houston, Texas to a seaside province in China, and we did not once have to hang out at a baggage carousel or worry with each passing suitcase whether or not an airline had lost our luggage. We easily caught connecting flights and were in and out of airports with efficiency. Before the end of that first trip, I was tapping my toes to the Beatles’ tune I’m a Believer.
A decade and a half later, I remain a believer in NO checked baggage, and I think you will too if you give it a shot. Whether or not you join me in my No Checked Baggage philosophy or not, I think you will be appreciative of the lessons I have learned along the way.
Packing Tip #1:
Luggage matters
Splurge and buy yourself a quality piece of carry-on luggage that meets your needs. We used REI points that we accumulated as members to purchase a rolling Osprey suitcase about 7 years back. We fell in luggage love and ended up purchasing two more when they went on sale. Whatever you end up using, just make sure the luggage meets your needs.
Always check to make sure that your carry-on complies with the airline you are flying on. For different airlines’ regulations regarding weight and size of carry-on luggage, go HERE.
Packing Tip #2:
List. List. List.
This is a no brainer, but I did leave all my shoes behind on my honeymoon, all my undies at home on our trip to North Carolina, my sunglasses in the car when flying to Puerto Rico…. I have learned the hard way.
Your list should include each item name and quantity so you don’t end up one pair of boxers short (yes, I did this too). Don’t tick items off your list until your final packing (yes, this is why I did not have a hair brush one vacation and a pair of flip flops for the beach on a different vacation).
Packing Tip #3:
Check weather forecasts
Don’t assume you know what the weather is like that time of year. Check the forecast for your destination, duration of your trip, and return so that you are prepared to enjoy your trip.
This tip kept me warm during late night walks in the cool Scottish summer, dry at Disney World one rainy Spring Break, and ice sickle resistant in Beijing in January. In other words, if you are doling out the cash for a trip, do yourself a favor by being prepared to enjoy/endure the weather.
Packing Tip #4:
Do ALL your laundry
Before you pack, you want to be able to select from all your clothes. Often, you need to trade out a bulky item or an item that doesn’t match the shoes you are taking. This sounds simple, but having all of the laundry completed for my family of six is no small task. I do not skip this step because not only does this help us pack but this step means my post-trip laundry is much more manageable.
Packing Tip #5:
Lay it all out
Before you start stuffing your bag, lay out everything you PLAN to pack. I emphasize PLAN because plans change. During this step, I usually come to the realization that I don’t NEED everything I originally planned to pack.
Packing Tip #6:
Toiletries, electronics, and identification should be a quick zip and reach away
If flying, toiletries should be in clear bags and easily accessible for security checks. For me, this means I pack all my makeup and travel sized toiletries in plastic zip lock bags (double bag to prevent leaks) in my large purse.
Likewise, all electronics should be easily accessible through security. My hubby slips all electronics (except phones in our pockets) into the back velcro pouch on our Osprey rolling suitcases.
My husband and I cooperatively pack, so usually I take charge of all toiletry items while he takes charge of all electronics. This cooperative strategy makes it easy to know who is accountable for what through packing and security stages of travel.
Please don’t be THOSE people that hold up security fumbling through luggage!
Packing Tip #7:
Folding/rolling matters
The first time I watched my husband fold then roll clothes, I peered on with horror imagining my vacation ruined by wrinkles. Just don’t check out on me now.
Roll your clothes, beginning with bulky items first, and place them into the large compartment. Typically, I begin with jeans and pj’s, move to sweaters and tunics, transition to dresses and tops, then comes leggings and camisoles, and end with accessories, socks, and undergarments. By the time I am packing the final items, let’s face it, I cram those socks or scarf into any nook or cranny I can find. Carefully folding then rolling, I have found my clothes no more wrinkly than other methods, and take heart that hotel rooms come equipped with ironing boards and irons.
If your suitcase has straps to tighten and compress clothing, use this feature to your advantage. This is how I create room for an extra pair of shoes or cardigan.
Packing Tip #8:
Be willing to wear somethings more than once
If you are a germaphobe or an incredibly messy eater, then this bit of advice may not be for you. However, I see no reason to pack a jacket or cardigan for everyday or multiples of jeans. Think: mix and match with neutrals.
Packing Tip #9:
Carry coats on your arm, rather than packing
Don’t pack bulky coats/jackets/blazers. Draping these over your arm or through a bag keeps your carry-on free of space suckers and makes you limit yourself to just one coat or blazer.
You can pack lighter for your next trip following these tips. Just remember that if you are the last one on the plane, there may be no room for the carry-on. So, be on time, pack light, and spend time enjoying your trip rather than hanging out in baggage claim.
If you have additional tips, please share them with us in the comments!
Oh man, Liz! Clint would run across Texas to hug your neck if you could get me to carry on. I always pack in outfits – first outfit to wear on top, last outfit to wear on bottom. I’ll have to try your method…even tho I will be a mess living out of that suitcase at our destination. AND…I see you said quart “baggies” which sounds like you pack more than one baggie with liquids. I can never fit my liquids in one baggie so I never carry on. Is that true? We can pack several baggies?? That would be a game changer!
Howdy Amy,
First, yes, I have to unpack when I get to the hotel so that my clothes are hung up by outfit. Otherwise, I would need a shovel to dig my way from garment to garment. That also helps me determine if I really need to iron anything (usually I just take the clothes to the hotel bathroom to enjoy wrinkle releasing steam while I shower).
Second, my hubby and I usually need three quart size bags. Dividing my liquids out into multiple bags has always helped me fit them in my oversized purse easier. I can stack them on top of each other or shift them to different compartments to minimize bulging. There is NO WAY we could get away with one bag. Maybe we just need more soap, deodorant, and toothpaste than most people, but I have a feeling multiple bags are needed.
I fully get it if you end up with checked baggage, but I think it is worth the old college try!