Many airlines now offer the option of additional cabin baggage (for a fee), so with some clever packing, it is possible to go on holiday without having to let your carry-on out of sight. Below is our guide to packing the perfect light carry-on.
Invest in a lightweight cabin suitcase
As some airlines place strict limits on the size of hand luggage, invest in a carry-on suitcase that itself is lightweight. Any over-the-top design with all the bells and whistles will literally weigh you down, so try to find a smaller suitcase with a super light polycarbonate shell – those overhead lockers are always pretty snug.
Keep rollin’ and layer up
A small bag doesn’t have to equal a small number of items. The key to optimizing your inner compartments is to create layers of clothing in your cabin bag, and to roll, not fold. Your tees, summer dresses, sportswear: roll them all into a cigar shape tot maximize space. Another strategic trick? Stuff undergarments into your summer sandals and sneakers. There’s a whole bunch of untapped space for your intimates inside those slides.
Search for hybrid garments
Clothes that do double-duty are your friend. A reversible bikini or swimsuit, will provide you two beach options in one, while multi-functional separates can be worn as swimwear, sportswear and underwear. A patterned wraparound sarong will work as a daytime cover-up, and can be paired with a white shirt for a chic evening look. A silk scarf can be transformed into a bandana, a fabric bracelet, or a strapless bandeau.
Aim for gadgets
Put an end to that pre-holiday tradition of rifling through boxes of plugs to find the appropriate travel adaptor, or the correct lead for your camera charger/epilator/battery pack/electric toothbrush. Invest in a single worldwide travel adaptor with multiple USB ports.
Make it mini
Opt for a curated set of beauty miniatures (they should be under 100ml) packed in a reusable clear plastic make-up bag, and sail through security stress-free. Think Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Go-To essentials Kit, Augustinus Bader’s Travel Size The Cream, and a mini Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara. When it comes to sunscreen, if you’re vacationing for a week or longer, pick up a bottle in the airport and apply liberally while you’re there. You shouldn’t have any left to haul home at the end of the trip. Eager to pack your favorite fragrance? Pick up a miniature version that will fit nicely in your handbag.
Go wrinkle-free
It’s unlikely you will actually iron or steam those items that immediately crease in your suitcase (e.g. linen). Crinkled items won’t leave your hotel wardrobe, so it’s pointless to include them in your strategically curated carry-on. Embrace items that will still look freshly-pressed by the time you lift them out of your carry-on. Cotton T-shirts, ultra-light cashmere sweaters, and skirts in gauzy denim.
Organize your shoes
Holiday footwear moto: the good, the bad and the sturdy. The good: A pair of smart flat sandals with a bit of embellishment, suitable for day or night. The bad: A beach-ready, slip free sandal that you’re happy to get sandy or salty. And the sturdy: A sneaker that you can travel in, ideal for hiking, tennis or a morning run.
Block out your cabin luggage
Investing in a set of packing cubes encourages flawless suitcase organization, meaning you can roll (not fold) your vacation items, like underwear, swimwear and sportswear, and group them by category. It’s also a streamlined way of separating clean and dirty clothing as your vacation goes on.
Wear your wardrobe to travel
Joey from Friends wearing so many contents of Chandler’s wardrobe is actually an unlikely inspiration. If you’re smart about what you wear to the airport, you’ll have less to transport. So, wear your sun hat, layer up with an oversized shirt, and tie a cashmere jumper around your waist. You never know: the A-list move of wearing your sunglasses in the airport may just get you an upgrade.
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