Airlines and tour companies each have their specific guidelines for every type of luggage. Do they allow a heavy carry-on bag? Or a hard-shell piece of checked luggage? Or portable power bank chargers in carry-on or checked luggage? It is important to know the specifics while you are preparing to pack; not become aware of them at the airport check-in line. The sign there is only a reminder.

A carry-on bag necessitates the traveler knowing their clothing will be worn a few times and needing a quick wash and dry at some point during the trip. Also, there will be no fashion show during the trip; it is an all-utilitarian happening. Clothes are chosen to be worn in multiple combinations. My favorite color combos are black, blue and beige, thus these colors can mix and match easily. Therefore, my carry-on bag will have 3 – 4 weeks worth of clothing and other essentials.

Other essentials: toothbrush, paste and personal needs. Technology needing a converter and charging cords: phone, Ipad, camera and batteries. Journal, sketchbook, pencil and pen. Plus items mentioned in my last “items to pack for international travel” blog post. Day clothes: pants, t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, socks and underwear. Night sleeping clothes. Outerwear: sunglasses, jacket, gloves, hat and raincoat. Flip-flops for in room use. Good walking shoes worn with extra pair packed. (Love to rotate my shoes.)

Small items: chapstick, lotion, eyedrops, gum, hard candy, holder for passport, wallet, reading glasses, head lamp, eye mask, earplugs, headphones, facial and/or N95 masks, and water bottle.

IMPORTANT: No jackknife or blades. Liquids, lotions and gels, this includes toothpaste, must be in a resealable, quart-sized, clear bag with each item holding less than 3.4 ounces. May take some planning.

Security: I have TSA-approved locks on my carry-on bag, plus when I leave the bag in a hotel or hostel room, it is entirely locked in a mesh bag to something in the room. I do make use of the “safe box” often provided in a hotel room. 

My Favorites: 

I love Icebreaker clothing. I can honestly state I have worn an Icebreaker top or t-shirt for 7 days in a row and never worried about a stink from it! 

I do carry a smaller Pacsafe bag. Sometimes in front of my body when walking through sketchy places or when my carry-on bag is on my back. Other times it is under the airline seat for easy access to items during a flight. 

For many years, I have used an Osprey Porter 46 for my carry-on bag. It came with a rain cover. I can convert it to a backpack or carry as a piece of luggage. I know if I overpack this bag it swells to an 11 inch dimension, 2 inches over an airline’s size requirement. Since this bag is soft, I tighten it down to the third airline requirement of 9 inches. This bag does not have wheels. NOTE: Osprey no longer sells this bag; one with a similar name is larger and definitely does not meet carry-on measurements.

To Roll or Lay Flat in a Packing Cube?

How to pack your bag so all fits? Are you carrying empty space or air? I like the compression bags when you can pack items in and squeeze the extra air out. I like soft regular packing cubes with holes. Items can lay on top of each other and the air comes out. Some items are best rolled to keep them wrinkle-free, then placed in a compression or regular packing cube. 

Some items are best in a bag of their own then placed like puzzle pieces within your luggage. I usually place soft items around items needing extra cushioning. I also like to pack daytime versus night time needed items. You should not have to open every cube in your pack everyday. 

Think you are ready? 

Once you think you have everything packed, close your bag and re-measure it to be sure you have met airline requirements. All good? 

Now put the pack on and walk round with a few bounces in your step. How did the bag feel? Anything within move substantially? Need to make any changes so all feels comfortable on your back?

Ready to travel? 

If the answer is yes, then you are on your way! 

Buon viaggio, if off to Italy as I am!

A Lesson Learned!

Before I even pack, I empty the entire bag/s. Be sure every zipped area has been emptied too… and then pack! I was heart-broken on one trip when I accidentally left a jackknife in my bag!! I had used it for a backpacking trip in the USA, but did not take it out when wanting to use the bag for a trip involving air travel. Security saw the jackknife! It was not allowed. Lesson learned.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I will be more than happy to help you out!