Are you tired of overpacking your bags for your vacation? Tired of the hassle of checking bags and potentially them not arriving on time? These are the best tips on how to pack for 2 weeks in a carry-on.
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Heading on vacation on wondering how to travel more efficiently? The best way to start traveling smarter is by traveling with only a carry-on. This ultimate guide will show you the best tips on how to pack for 2 weeks in a carry-on.
This guide will teach you how to pack for 2 weeks in a carry-on, how to pack 20 outfits in one carry-on, a minimalist packing list for 2 weeks, what to pack in a carry-on, and much more.
Traveling with only a carry-on will make your experience that much easier and stress-free. With a carry-on, you know you will have your essentials right there with you when you land, and no need to worry about lost luggage. Also no more hefty luggage fees.
This post is all about how to pack for 2 weeks in a carry-on.
Most people tend to overpack when heading on vacation, myself included. After years of traveling with checked bags and carry-on bags, carry-on bags are the way to go. Most people don’t use even half of what they brought with them in a large suitcase. The point of your vacation is the experience and not what you bring in your luggage.
The first benefit to only having a carry-on bag is no expensive luggage fees. Checking your large luggage can be very expensive especially if you are paying for multiple bags. With carry-on luggage, you just bring it with you on the plane for free and don’t have to worry about those extra fees.
Another benefit of only having a carry-on bag is that it saves you time. If you have no bags that you need to check in means you have no bags you have to wait for at your destination. Sometimes bags are delayed coming off the plane which can cause you a lot of stress and time. With a carry on you just walk off the plane with it and are ready to go.
With a carry-on, you don’t have to worry about your luggage getting lost or delayed by the airline. This eliminates a lot of stress while traveling, knowing that all your luggage will be with you throughout the whole travel process. Knowing you will have everything you may need on your vacation is definitely a relief.
Also traveling with only a carry-on makes it much easier to travel from location to location without having to lug around heavy suitcases.
Now how do you pack a carry-on suitcase?
Having a good carry-on suitcase will make all the difference when traveling only with a carry-on. There are 2 types of suitcases to choose from: a hard shell suitcase or a soft shell suitcase.
There are benefits to both. If you travel a lot a hardcase suitcase may be more durable and stronger to last many trips. But a hard case suitcase is also heavier. A soft-shell suitcase is lighter to carry but may not last long if you travel a lot. Both are very good options and will ensure you can fit everything you may need in your carry-on.
The best carry-on suitcase is the Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry-On Luggage. This amazing suitcase is lightweight, has 8 wheels for smooth rolling, has a cushioned handle that is extendable, durable zippers, a power bank pocket, an external USB port, 2-inch expansion available, inside straps, multiple pockets, and a removable TSA toiletry bag.
Packing cubes are a game changer when it comes to packing. Packing cubes allows you to organize all your items so you know exactly where everything is and it makes everything a whole lot easier. There are multiple ways of using packing cubes. I have found that packing each cube with specific items makes it easier to find when you are getting ready. For example, I pack all tops in one, bottoms in another, socks/underwear/bras in another, and toiletries and electronics separately.
These Bagail Packing Cubes are the best ones. They come in a pack of 8, they have different sizes, durable zipper closure, they have a mesh top to allow for ventilation, they have a handle and be carried when not in luggage, also come with a shoe and toiletry bag and a laundry bag.
When choosing clothing items to pack for your trip it is very important to choose capsule clothing that you can easily mix and match with other items to create multiple outfits. A good idea is to pack neutrals so that they go with everything.
I would bring light-colored pants and dark pants. For tops be sure to pack beige, black, white, and neutral colors so they are very easy to mix and match. A pair of leggings is always a good idea and they can be paired with almost anything.
It is also important to bring clothing that doesn’t wrinkle easily and is low maintenance. When traveling in a carry-on for 2 weeks it is likely that you may need to do laundry at least once, whether it is a washing machine, hand washing, hotel laundry service, or a laundry mat.
Things to pack in your carry-on for 2 weeks:
When it comes to toiletries only pack the essentials and transfer all large bottles into smaller travel-size ones. Also, be sure to have a toiletry bag that is waterproof. This travel toiletry bag is the best one, it is waterproof, has a hook to hang on doors, multiple compartments, and a zipper closure.
Some toiletry essentials that you should bring include:
Along with a carry-on you are allowed to bring a personal item with you as well. A personal item is great for storing your electronics, travel documents, and any important items you want to have with you.
This backpack is great to use as a personal item because it has a pocket for shoes, a laptop sleeve, very large inside area for extra items you want to pack. This backpack would also be great for a day bag.
Along with a personal item I like to carry a belt bag on me at all times while traveling for security. Belt bags are super small and a good idea to carry your passport, ID, credit cards, cash, phone, headphones, medication, and hand sanitizer. This can stay on you on the plane that way you don’t lose it and it stays in front of you when traveling ensuring all your documents are safe and secure.
When choosing what to wear on travel days it is always a good idea to wear your bulkiest and heaviest items. For example wear thicker pants, a bulky sweater or jacket, boots, heavier shoes, etc. This way you have more room in your carry-on for other items.
Airplanes can also get cold so it is easier when you have layers so you can add items or take them off if needed. Also always be sure to check the weather before packing for your vacation.
When packing your carry-on keep these tips in mind. First of all, pack everything in your packing cubes to keep everything organized.
Pack all toiletries in your waterproof toiletry bag that way things won’t spill all over your stuff and it will be easy to find everything when going through the TSA security check at the airport.
Pack shoes in a bag or shower cap to keep everything else in your bag clean.
Keep all chargers and electronics in your personal items so you have easy access to them and so they stay safe while traveling.
I find rolling your clothes instead of folding them saves more space and that way when you open your packing cube you can see everything you have in there instead of flipping through clothes.
A good idea is to also bring a packable bag in case you need it while traveling.
Pack heavier items on the bottom of your carry-on so it doesn’t tip over when you are traveling.
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