Gettin’ Carried Away

This morning, as I began preparing for my little two-day trip to Pittsburgh, I realized that packing isn’t so much a preparation for me anymore as it is a second nature. I’ve traveled to places like New York, Las Vegas and Mexico with nothing but a tiny carry-on bag for a five-day vacation. However, there was a time when I used to be “that traveler” who packed her entire closet into the largest suitcase she could find for just a weekend getaway. But now, my stuff fits in half of a tiny suitcase, leaving the other half for my travel companion.

Unless you’re flying on Southwest, like I am doing tomorrow, you will probably have to pay a fee for a checked bag. Save yourself some money–and the hassle of waiting at the turnstyle–by packing only one carry-on bag for your trip. Before you say anything, I’m not crazy, Everything you need can fit inside a carry-on bag. To prove it, here are my Top 5 packing tips and tricks:

1. Pack your suitcase as you normally would, then take away half of everything you packed. There is absolutely no reason to pack five pairs of pants and five tops for the five days you will be on vacation. Unless you’re a sloppy eater or you plan on doing some serious off-roading, chances are that you won’t dirty up your clothes every single day. Sure, you don’t want to wear the same thing every day, but that’s why you can do a little mix-and-match. Bring two pairs of pants or shorts or skirts (bottoms) and three tops.
2. Pack for the trip itself. Ladies, I’m talking to you on this one. For example, I’m headed to Pittsburgh tomorrow to take in a baseball game at PNC Park. I’ll spend the next day sightseeing, and then it’s time to come home on the third day. I’m not going to any swanky restaurants or VIP clubs, so I’m not packing my LBD and a pair of heels. It’s a sporty/leisurely kind of trip, so I’ll be taking my sneakers, a pair of jeans and a few t-shirts.
3. Roll some of your clothes. If you feel you must pack a ton of clothes roll some of them. It’s the best way to make room in your suitcase, and it also helps you avoid wrinkles (if you roll the clothing tight enough). I suggest not rolling, but folding jeans and pants, as rolling them is kind of difficult. Also, rolling pants really just makes them a little more bulky than if you were to lay them flat, on the bottom of the suitcase.
4. Wear your PJs on the plane ride. I’m not saying you should arrive at the airport in your footie pajamas, holding a teddy bear and a blanket. I tend to sleep in a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt/hooded sweatshirt. The outfit is perfectly suitable for public viewing, as I’d probably wear it while working out or playing around in a nearby park. You want to be comfy when you fly, and this also saves you some space in your suitcase.
5. Forget the blow-dryer. It just takes up space in your suitcase. If your room doesn’t have a hair dryer, you can most likely get one from the front desk. As for other devices (straighteners, curling irons, etc), ladies, just forget about those, as well. Unless you are traveling for a big business meeting or an interview, you don’t have to get glammed up while you are on vacation. Traveling is about seeing the sights, not about people seeing you.

If you follow these tip/tricks, I guarantee you will be able to get by with just a carry-on bag. Remember to put your liquids (usually toiletries) in 3 oz containers inside a quart-sized plastic bag. And don’t forget, you are allowed to bring a smaller personal bag in addition to your larger carry-on. I highly recommend bringing this second bag for your electronics (camera, laptop, phone, chargers), your money and anything else that should be within easy reach to keep yourself occupied during the plane ride.