Top Ten Tips - Packing A Carry-On
By Tip Diva | Dec 21, 2007
Categories: Airplane, Bus, Clothes, Clothing, Makeup, Money, Tips, Train, Travel
When traveling, checking luggage can be a hassle. And who likes to wait for a long time at the baggage carousel, only to find out that you’re in Miami and your bag is in Chicago? If you’re going on a trip for only a few days, forget all of that! If you plan ahead of time, you can easily condense all of your luggage into a carry-on. Tip Diva once did this for a six-day cruise to Alaska! Here’s how:
- Make Sure Your Bag Fits Carry-On Regulations - Check with your specific airline or bus company to find out the maximum size, weight and quantity for carry-ons. Amtrak also has specific luggage regulations.
- Make A List - Before you pack, make a list of everything you’re going to bring, and like Santa, check it twice. You don’t want to get to your destination only to find out you forgot underwear! Lay out your items and check off the list as you pack.
- Pack Identification, Money, Medications And Expensive Items In Personal Bag - You can be separated from your carry-on for any reason; for instance, you have to leave the plane or the bag doesn’t fit in the restroom stall with you, for instance. Therefore, put all essential items, including identification, money, medications and expensive items like jewelery or a laptop computer, in a personal bag that you bring in conjunction with the carry-on.
- Pack Coordinating Clothes And Accessories - You can carry less by bringing clothes that you can mix, match and layer easily. The best way is to stick to neutral tones of black, white, brown or khaki. Jeans go with everything. Stick with simple gold or silver jewelry.
- Roll Your Clothes - Rolling your clothes can reduce wrinkling and compact the clothes so you can fit more in your bag. James Martin of About.com has tips on how to roll your clothes and pack your suitcase.
- Leave Toiletries Behind - If you’re staying at a hotel, you can leave behind shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion. Most hotels provide these toiletries gratis, allowing you to carry less with you. Not only that, you may not have to claim liquids at the security gate at an airport. Check the Transportation Security Administration’s website for what’s permitted and prohibited in carry-ons.
- Compact Makeup - Use multi-purpose makeup to condense your makeup bag. For instance, there are cream blushes that can also be used as an eyeshadow and lipstick. One good product is E.L.F.’s All Over Color Stick. Stick to colors that work together and coordinate with the neutrality of you clothes.
- Use Every Nook And Cranny - Don’t just shove all of your items into the main compartment of your carry-on. Use all the pockets and empty space available. Tip Diva, for instance, stuffs her socks inside of her shoes. Just make sure you don’t bulge out your carry-on - if it’s too big, you may have to check it, and you always run the risk of your zipper breaking or your bag bursting. Who wants that hassle?
- Leave Some Empty Space - If you think you may purchase a book or souveniers, leave some empty space in your carry-on to account for any extra items you may bring home. Otherwise, you’re going to have to ship the extra items or check your baggage on the way home.
- Make Sure The Bag Is Not Heavy - Remember, you’re going to have to lift the carry-on into an overhead compartment, so don’t make it too heavy. If the bag will be taxing on your shoulders, consider a rolling carry-on.
What have you learned from packing a carry-on?
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