I have a set of packing checklists on my phone for various types of trips. Whenever I’m on a trip, every time I notice something I could have used or something I have but don’t need, I make a note of it on my phone. Then when packing for my next trip, I make sure to consult my notes and adjust my list accordingly. The more I travel, the less adjustments I need to make. I used to rely on memory for this, but I would always forget any details like that by the time I got home haha.
Wrinkle resistance: I travel with a small spray bottle that I fill with water. Hang up a wrinkled item, spray it with the water. When the water dries, the wrinkles are gone.
I purchased the Downey spray for an upcoming trip. Tested on a few items at home and it didn’t do anything. Don’t know what I’m missing with this product. So many people like it.
I travel with my husband so we 1/2 hour clothes and have clothes in two suit cases (instead of having our own suitcase).This way, if one luggage is missing we both still have clothes.
If you have your boarding pass printed at home on paper before you go, pop in in a ziplock bag. It adds pretty much no bulk or weight, but if it rains, it protects it from any risk of the ink smudging and wrecking the QR code.
Wow, really helpful. About six years ago, I started trying to limit myself to a carry-on when going to Europe and I found it so liberating! It's so much easier to get onto a train or hail a ride with just a roller carry-on suitcase. So, I've been making it my goal to travel with only a carry-on since then ... of course, it's easier in the summer since there's less need for warm layers, but so far, I'm doing pretty well. One thing I might add to your video is that it is now so easy to find laundry soap that comes in sheets (earth breeze, ecos, etc.). They are not liquid, so no need to declare them to the TSA, and they are light and easy to use if you want to wash out underwear or other clothes in a sink. I wash clothes out all the time in hotels, etc., so that I can recycle outfits whenever I need to.
Several years ago we watched a rick steves video about taking one bag. We tried it when going to Paris the first time. Our travel mates showed up at the Airbnb with a suitcase that you could smuggle a small family in. Since then we have been to Italy, the Philippines, Spain, Mexico, etc. Sometimes for as long as a month and still take just one backpack each. If you have to get out of a plane, catch a train then get in a taxi, and then walk to your AIRBNB you will be much happier knowing you can grab your one bag and go. Plus as you said they sell everything everywhere else. For international travel, I have $50 set aside just for those things. I figure if I can afford to buy a plane ticket, get an Airbnb and eat out the whole time then spending a few bucks on some incidentals won't kill me. PLUS I actually find shopping in a local store for mundane things kind of interesting. It's always a familiar yet different experience. I always like to do some normal people things aside from the touristy things to see how the locals live. great video
Agree totally. I’m a 7kg carry on only traveller myself since 2015 and rarely caught out, but happy to buy something if I need it. My biggest test wa Australia to USA to Mexico to USA to South Africa to Australia. Six weeks and two hemispheres. Summer and winter travel.
Everything you stated hit on everything I've learned over the years to optimize space and making my trip smooth. The biggest to do things are organization and buying lightweight wearables at my destination like a scarf that acts as a souvenir and provides a needed function.
Best suggestion you had was to give it a trial run. I have done that in the past, and will do it in my present as well as future. I'm in my seventies, and I have worked in the travel industry for over 40 years with three Airlines, and two major travel agencies. You should also time yourself on how long it takes you to pack, especially if you are traveling to multiple cities in a short period of time. Packing cubes are the best and compression packing cubes are even better. Good luck with all your videos
All great points. One of the things I like to do post trip is to evaluate what works and what doesn’t. It helps me to be more intentional with my choices for the next trip.
same 😅 i also like to take picture of all the things i packed and after take another one without things i didn't used and with added stuff which i missed 😂
I work from a list these days and have “a pack and repack taking stuff out” policy! Am travelling more with just a carry on. I do use the idea of a capsule for trips. Stuff goes together! Good points!
My spouse and I did carry on to Korea a few years ago and had to take our own bedding! We already had sleeping bag liners (light fleece with a zipper), so we put a twin sheet inside and rolled it super tight. I took an inflatable pillow that was actually for lumbar support (about 12 inch square, purchased a while back) and of course a small microfibre towel. It was summertime so we knew it would be fairly warm so it worked out well. Rain jacket was a lifesaver, too. I recommend Keen brand for sandals and footwear, very supportive and cushioned. Love this video! My problem is too many compartments in my backpack so that my small items that I quickly shoved away have to be retrieved, sometimes with panic. Also, this point illustrates my organizational quandary between my mind vs reality: I find several small cheap pencil cases good for different legs of the journey to organize with. And always a couple of ziplocks, because you never know: your sink washed undies may not dry completely before you have to pack due to high humidity in some places.
THANKS A MILLION! Went on Amazon & ordered my sandals. I have problems with my feet so I need all the support I can get. Also checked out the sleeping bag liners for future trips.
Nice idea to live out of your carry-on suitcase, or your personal items bag for a week. However I would do that a month or more in advance not one week before you are traveling. You're going to have to wash all those clothes and many times iron a bunch of clothes. So do this way in advance
I just roll all my clothes to save space and I don’t use packing cubes. Never used them. To roll, use the army roll. I pack at least a carry on , a back pack, and one check in bag
Never thought of the protip: living out of your bag for a week before travel. Great idea, especially if you're trying to pack the most efficient bag possible. Also, great idea about checklists. I never pack for any length of trip without one.
I struggle with my carry on, worrying about the size. I either take a 16" or 21" spinner. Then I see passengers dragging carry-on items big enough to hide a body in, shoving them into the overhead bins. No one says anything at all. It's very annoying and frustrating.
Same. I have a pretty small carry-on that I measured before purchasing and I always compare it to the people around me because even though it is within the limits I feel like it is enormous but it's 30%+ smaller than most people's carry-ons. The one nice thing is those people are way more likely to be asked to gate check their bags. Mine doesn't even get considered unless it is an extremely small plane.
I agree. It was the chick with 5 shopping bags and a carry on and a purse that breezed right onto the plane without a word from the attendants that had me totally confused.
@@sharonla8071 I am one of those people that will ALWAYS get nailed for the most minor transgressions.. even if it is the first time committing it … I think I have a “sign “ over my head of a an arrow pointing down . Husband has convinced me that if I stick with the rules I end up not having to “worry “ which is of value to my stomach and my nerves . 😉
Europe and Asia have carry-on size AND weight rules. Usually you can have a smaller carry-on bag (normally a 20", including wheels) roller is the biggest) and a second "personal" bag. Both of the bags TOGETHER normally cannot be more than 7KG. I've seen size more strictly monitored than I have weight. I have a packable backpack that weighs less than a pound that I put my non-personal carry-on items in and a small shoulder bag that has my important documents, money and small things that I will need in my seat while sitting. These would include very small sizes (I buy small bottles and tubes and fill them myself...just enough to get me through the flight/train phase) toiletries, ink pen, earphones, basic meds and the like. The less your luggage item weighs empty, the more that you can put inside.
I went overseas for the first time to Tokyo and I way over packed! I did not consider the weather which was extremely hot in the summer. So, the next time I travel to Tokyo I learned from my mistakes. Everything went into a carry-on and a backpack I simply rolled them and put them into packing cubes and I tried the capsule method. And I still had some clothing articles that didn't get worn. Trust and believe, I will never ever overpack again. But keep in mind.. there is a balancing act between over packing and the flip side of that is under packing. My travels will be taking me to Europe next month and I definitely will need some help with that. The UK has a tendency to be cool and rainy even in the summer. Thanks again and I will be subscribing to your Channel. Happy travels!
I use shampoo, conditioner, body bars instead of liquid. They don't need to be in the zip lock and depending on the brand/size you use, can last over 2 months per bar.
Thank you so much for this, I was stressing bc I brought a face wash soap bar and I was scared if I would need to put it in the zip lock bag thank you !🙏🏽
@@marianagarcia212 Teh zip lock bag is all about liquids. However i did look it up and you cant take more than 12oz 'powders' in carry on. That might be make up powder or it might be talc or baby formula powder. basically, powder in any form. I would check the rules yourself. But they dont need to go in the zip lock bag check the TSA website
for check-in: buying toiletries is actually my number recommendation to all travelers.. short or long term. this is when traveling abroad. U will consume your pressure time going to store and looking for the brand you like. if you didn’t find it, another time consume to figure out which might work for you. it takes years to figure that out…. at least the one that you are particular with..but mine as well bring as much so u can save time.
I used to travel overseas for work and used to be guilty of taking a lot of specific outfits and shoes that weren’t interchangeable. I overpacked so much. I started making a spreadsheet showing what I’d wear each day (things could move around) to make sure I wasn’t overpacking. It wasn’t called a “capsule wardrobe” but that was the gist. It also kept me from taking more stuff than I could wear and I learned to just take super simple jewelry (silver or gold hoops go with everything). Finally, for longer trips I always plan to wash some clothes. In London and Munich trips I’ve taken, I got an Airbnb with a washer. In Prague, I went to a laundry and paid to have laundry done, it was very reasonable (cheaper than the hotel). In a pinch, I’ll have the hotel do a pair of jeans or some shorts.
Yes. So nice to see someone addressing the rules. I’m so tired of seeing RU-vids by young American girls casually placing liquids throughout their bags and using obviously oversized bags. DO bring sunscreen. It’s often super expensive at the beach and sometimes you can’t get unscented.
We are on our way to South America for six+ months, and are packing sunscreen. From prior trips, good stuff is hard to come by and expensive. Bring what you know will work for you, but maybe not Costco sized.
Not only do I bring my own sunscreen, I also bring a can of Lysol that still left from home in my check in luggage. I leave it behind when the trip is over.
All your videos are top notch. Glad you mentioned the carry on weight limits. That is a key point. I have travelled to over 100 countries with too many carriers to count. Carriers used to use a 10 kg carry- on limit but many are now at 8 kg and some even at 7 kg. I personally try to stay at 7kg (15.4 lbs) as I know that I should be good anywhere. (This means a very light bag - my bag is 3.9 lbs.) Also assume that the airline will weigh your carry- on. A European budget carrier on a recent flight I took was weighing all carry on bags and enforcing their 8 kg limit. I am always amused to see carry- on packing videos where the weight limit is totally ignored. Outside the USA weight is a major limitation and will dictate how much you can bring.
Pet peeve about the over head bin on airplanes. If everyone turns their bag on the side instead of flat everyone will have more room. If you throw your coat overhead be prepared to have it squished and end up wrinkled. Don't put breakable up top unless well protected. Nothing worse than carting that fragile piece through the whole trip to have it broken on the trip home.
Hello from France the weather has already given me surprises while traveling: rain in Jordan, and 26 degrees celsius (79°F) in July in the Lofoten islands in Norway, these islands are nevertheless beyond the polar circle. fortunately each time I had what was needed in the suitcase.
Just made same remark to another comment. 😆 to hear Americans bitch about 10kg limit, not to mention far bigger dimensions. On the plus side this trains us well for cheap Euro airlines
Bob here again from AU. Just got a photo of my mate in Rome attempting to drag 2 x 30kg cases with wheels over cobble stone roads. He got 300 meters before collapsing.
Another idea is to take a foldable bag of some sort like a small backpack or expandable duffle sack, just in case you do find souvenirs that you just have to have ... you can check it on your way home, if necessary.
The last trip I took, I purchased a small wardrobe (not under garments or shoes) from a thrift that that funds a ministry I support and packed that, then I donated that wardrobe to a charity hope in the last country I visited and had plenty of room for my purchases and a lighter suitcase on my return- plus almost no laundry when I got home!
Thanks for your sound advice. I'm travelling to the U.K and France next week and my carry-on bag is just 6.4kg (14 pounds). It's packed in a bag used every day NOT a case with wheels. As it is going to be on board with me it does not have to have 101 features nor does the bags security need to be a factor. Call it a shoulder bag...and it is soft and pliable so can fit in anywhere. THE KEY POINT is that I will avoid baggage carousels. The current wait time at Heathrow is between 2 and 3 hours to collect bags and about 5,000 bags go astray each day in Europe.
I packed for a week in Disney using zip lock bags and squeezed the air out. Saved a ton of space, but went 20lbs over the limit on my checked bag. At least the bags were easy to transfer to my brother in laws backpack 🤣
My man, you make some solid points! I am leaving for America next week but I'll be having a few appointments so I won't be able to live out of my suitcase but the tip about overpacking is a fact. I overpack and I need to quit doing that
I would suggest never put your passport in your backpack, always on a little purse that you constantly carry with you or in those under clothes zipped items. Take pictures of everything important and send those pictures by mail. Another suggestion is carrying a second old mobile phone, if something bad happens you just buy a local sim card and keep communicated.
I enjoyed learning from your blog although I already experienced most of what you've said. In my own perspective you make me realized some of my mistake like over packing. Its a huge weight to carry when your bagpack is loaded with a lot of stuff. Thanks for this informative blog. I want to make more realizations from my lots of mistakes while travelling.
After multiple work posting each to Antarctica, we are Icebreaker enthusiasts. If I didn't already have a ton of Icebreaker, I would like to try some Unbound.
I'm working overseas for 4 mos and I'm now on day 3. I just got my big bags today, so I've been living out of my carryon for a few days. And it wasn't bad! I knew I'd prob have to do this, so I was ready. The things I've been most happy to have during the past 3 days are my furry slippers, hand towels, and...a tiny pair of scissors.
Going to Scotland in October from 🇦🇺. Have a stylish rain jacket that is also a coat. You are so right! Should be easy enough to check the weather where you’re going. 🌧
In our mid 60’s now and my wife and I have switched to carry-on to avoid the horrible check-in issues, like tons of luggage piling up at airports and 2 hour+ waits for baggage at your destination. I now have medical equipment I need to take but we still make it work with carry-on only. Quick dry underwear means we can take only a few pairs and wash and dry each day or so. I find that only a few pairs of socks works fine as I wash and dry daily as well. Quick dry and wicking shirts means we can get away with just a few shirts too. Again, if we have 2 or 3 nights in one place, a quick wash while showering and the shirt will generally dry overnight or while we are out the next day. We did try taking some small travel hangers once but decided to ditch that and just take a very small camping clothesline that takes up no room in my bag. I only take the pair of hiking shoes I wear each day, that might not work for everyone but it works for me. Toiletries are available almost anywhere so don’t over do it from home. I don’t have a ton of hair so the hotel or B&B stuff is good enough for me. I buy the mini shaving cream and toothpaste. For an upcoming trip to Wales we have to make room for rain gear and a warm layer like a small puffer coat. I’ll likely just wear that stuff onto the plane. My medical gear takes up about 20-25% on my carry-on case so that has meant I do take fewer things but sacrifices must be made to avoid checking in. Timing also makes a difference, lighter clothes for warm weather trips helps but the Spring and Autumn trips can pose a challenge. Layering is key. One trick to get used to travelling lighter is to set out everything you think you need to take. The next day take half the stuff away. The following day, take half away again. Then take more money. Good luck and happy travels.
Bring your doctor's written prescription for the medicines you are carrying with you on your journey - it helps to avoid long discussions with security and customs.
I feel like I overpack only in the meds department … what if I need X Y Z creams, meds, etc. my one time trying to find cough syrup in paris was awful. It didn’t work.
Most airlines have a limit of 7 kg for carry on bags. Some allow a free personal item, others don't. This video is probably targeted for US travelers using US airlines where the carry on weight ranges from generous to limitless.
Just returned from a 3 week trip to Italy! 12 days of touring and 10 days of biking. I needed clothes for both. Watched so many of your videos and just couldn't fit it all in a carry on. I knew there would be NO time for laundry, my husband is a notorious OVER PACKER, we brought a 26 inch and carried on 2-21". OMG, way too much, on and off of trains planes and automobiles. It was horrible. What to do? I must get this under wraps for my next trip. HELP!
So true on "what about this" last minute. I just spent a month away carry on only and *still* took too much because I added a couple of thinsg "just in case" that i literally didnt even look at on the trip, (I also forgota couple of things as well grr which speaks to the need for a list and checking itrems off) and as you say packing for the return trip was difficult as i needed to find a sumo wrestler to sit on my case to be able to close it. Thank goodness for vacuum bags, i might experiment with compression cubes in future though as vacuum bags are more difficult if you just want to get one item out and then pack it back again..
As a guy, we never seem to get rid of our underwear! Wonder why that is? LOL! Anyway, I have begun taking my oldest pairs of underwear on trips and then throw them out after use, whether it's a short trip or a 14 day trip. For longer trips I would wash, reuse and then discard. Have done it with old t-shirts too allowing more room for souvenirs for the return flights.
I'm an overpacker even for short trips. Fingers crossed I can effectively pack jeans, hoodies, walking shoes, rain gear, etc. for my 4 day trip to Maine in late October.
@@pappyone6062 looks like she packed for a summer trip and for an 8 day trip. I think I can do ok with limited clothing. 🤞🏼 including packing 1 outfit that I don't mind getting a little dirty and smelly since I'll be doing a lobster excursion (thank goodness for larger size ziploc bags).
I've never had to pack liquids in in a single small bag. I had a lot of liquids all under 3.4 oz in a large bag. No trouble from TSA. The Canadian TSA on the other hand...
How nice for you. Carrying only a carry on for a four month trip overseas. Men only need one pair of shorts, about three underwear, a couple of sox and one pair of shoes and maybe pants plus your umbrella and jacket. I have to say, I've stressed over this. I've laid out my clothing, packed, taken out items, put in items in the end and still end up pulling a very heavy bag. I've used all of what I brought but maybe a couple of things. The thing that gets me is how heavy your bag is, you have to lug that thing around all over the place. It's you only. And it only gets heavier. Maybe I will pack lighter on my next trip, maybe not. But your tips helped.
Hi Denisa! If it helps, my wife shares everything she packed for our 6 month trip in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cGmYYLolD5A.html I'll admit, it's more than we'd take for a typical 10 day trip, and our bags were a little heavy, but we were packing for multiple seasons/continents/climates. If you can pare it down to match the weather/climate of where you're headed, it can be done! Good luck and happy travels!
I noticed in some of their travel footage, they were in the fancy first class are on the plane. Money may not be an object for them unless they work in the airline field lol
I always fall into the overpacking trap, based mainly on the “what if” part of my brain. I keep promising myself that I’ll get better…maybe one day I’ll succeed.
Dont be too hard on yourself. It's better to overpack, than underpack-like I've done in the past. Better to have more of what you need than less. Like I've done. Overpacking is not a mistake, underpacking is.
Advice for wrinkles. I bought linen pants and the manager said she sprays them with water while they’re hanging. So I’m bringing a very small spray bottle on my trip!
Great video! We are heading to Europe in sept and hitting Croatia first as the tourist season really slows after that. I have a rain jacket but didn't realize it could be so wet, may look for a very small umbrella. Thanks!
Going to Europe for the first time next summer and the tip of thinking about the weather is really helpful. Not sure if it rains in summer where I am going. I'm from Cali and where I live we don't get summer rain ever
Something that always confused me with carry on packing videos from mainly American presenters. I wondered how you could pack so much stuff and still be within the 8 or 10 kg limit that is the norm here in Europe. I didn't realise that you generally didn't have weight limits on your carry on baggage, just size restrictions.
7 day trip hack to the south - We are doing all clothes and sandals(shoes) in the carry-on( and personal bag), squeezed in a small bag (at limit) of liquids (in case your checked-in bag goes AWOL) and then we are taking one checked-in bag with even more extra shoes, hats, full sized liquids, and an extra bag (because you have the extra bag to load up if you have one free checked bag per person, note we only left with one checked bag) the second could be handy. It leaves room on the way back and souvenirs.
Oh one last hack. Let the lighter packer, pack first. lighter clothing will leave that extra room and you might be able to sneak in the things you might forget. (That is my first P.C. comment. so I hope I got it right)
I buy my Crest toothpaste at Walmart for $1.96. I doubt that I'm going to find a large tube of toothpaste for under 2 US dollars in Europe. Now this is entirely different if I'm flying domestically
I ve lost the plot for travel now as carry on is it tge 1 bag or also a small bag? I neverwant to go through a bigger bag which was lost twice in Mexico with zero compensation! I m going to have to lose most items as wont have anywhere to leave them and storage is ridiculously expensive. Unfortunately have to take stock of meds just unfair. Best thing is shampoo and conditioner bars and toothpaste powder..so lightweight.
Since I am leaving in a few days for the UK and Italy, this was very helpful. I am only taking a carry on. I also did my research for what would be appropriate to wear in Florence.
Thanks for watching! Enjoy. Florence is our favorite city in the world. The Duomo Museum is very underrated! For dinner, check out Cinghiale Bianco in Oltrarno. Amazing!
When I travel, I wear a black sneaker without a logo on the side. Ones that look more like a shoe than a sneaker. This way the sneakers look ok with both Long Paints and shorts. I can get away with one pair of shoes. I had a fellow traveler who took old clothes with him. He threw away his close as he wore them. I did the opposite. I would buy new sox and underwear since they come tightly rolled up.
@awaytogether Hey, Nick. I enjoyed your video on the best carry-on, and your selection of the Monos bag as the winner. However, I'll be traveling internationally, and as you just mentioned in this video, the size of the carry-on is "significantly smaller" (your quote) for international carry-ons. Unfortunately, the Monos is the size that you stated in the video for domestic (22-14-9), so I'm disappointed to learn on their site that they don't have an international option...your review had me convinced to go the Monos route! Any suggestions as to which bag is the winner internationally? Which is your absolute favorite with price not a factor? Thanks in advance for any help!
Most of the tips you mentioned, I already follow religiously. But that last one was something new and something I'm going to try. (Packing a carry-on a week before travel and trying to live off that) ❤
