https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:06:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing/page/2#post-2397502 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:34:06 +0000 MsMary 2397502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MsMaven, don't get me started on the hotels!! Generally no drawers at all for unpacking, and you're lucky if there's even a closet beyond a tiny rod with 4-5 hangers!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing/page/2#post-2397484 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:18:57 +0000 MsMaven 2397484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Almost halfway through trip, 2nd plain ride. Will do a complete report later.</p> <p>Last minute weather changes, rain &amp; cold. Today will be a test. We are at the coldest part, but after rain all day yesterday, the sun is out. We’ll see if I should have brought a wool sweater or heavier jacket.&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>Appalled how skimpy the hotels are nowadays.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing/page/2#post-2397371 Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:18:44 +0000 delurked 2397371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MsMaven - once you have your toiletries down, you may find it helpful to repack after a trip, so it's easier to get ready for the next one. In the effort of minimizing the pain for the next pack, it's pretty helpful to just have it ready to go or at least just needing a quick once over.&nbsp;</p> <p>Not sure if this was addressed, but I keep a master packing list that I copy over for each trip. As I gather the things I need, I erase that line item. It shows me how much more I need to get done and gives me better peace of mind.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing/page/2#post-2397312 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:39:21 +0000 Murph11 2397312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have a great trip!</p> <p><b>MsMary:</b> that photo is so perfect for this thread! Ha ha ha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing/page/2#post-2397296 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:24:04 +0000 MsMary 2397296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Speaking of cruises and checking luggage, I can't resist sharing this photo from years ago when we went on a cruise in a big suite and drove to the port, so no worries about checking or not on the plane!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing/page/2#post-2397269 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:50:22 +0000 Barbara Diane 2397269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Many very useful suggestions above.<br /> Practice lifting your packed suitcase up high to ensure it isn’t too heavy to manage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing/page/2#post-2397256 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:45:51 +0000 Carla 2397256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lisa &nbsp;</b>is a carry-on packer after my own heart! &nbsp;I’ve travelled carry-on for up to 28 days, but did laundry. &nbsp;Usually I choose 3 bottoms (including those I wear enroute) and sufficient tops that I expect to wear 2-3 times each. &nbsp;3 pair footwear (including those I wear en-route). &nbsp;Full compliment of socks and underwear. One packable puffer. &nbsp;One ‘cloth’ coat. Hat(s), scarves, gloves. &nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>I use a roll aboard, and a Lepliage as my personal bag. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Have fun! &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing/page/2#post-2397254 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:31:22 +0000 MsMaven 2397254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More great advice! Last night I tried on 4 different pairs of shoes and chose the best for packing. When I put them in my travel suitcase, it suddenly was much smaller! Well, these shoes, comfortable etc., are too bulky. So I got out the ones I took to the reunion.&nbsp;</p> <p>Then this morning when I checked the weather forecast, 2 or the 3 cities are now predicting rainy, cooler weather! I think I'm covered though.&nbsp;</p> <p>My biggest problem now are the little items, cosmetics, creams etc, delurked mentions. I does take time to sort them into smaller bottles etc.</p> <p>Hanging my clothes together helped. I eliminated pants and tops that just didn't fit in with a limited color scheme.&nbsp;</p> <p>Jewelry is another problem. I was going to take a wonderful pendant I bought on Capri 25 years ago--but it doesn't blend well with all the colors and necklines. So no necklaces/pendants but 3 pairs of earrings for my jewelry variety.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is time consuming but I'm glad I'm doing it and I will be better prepared for the next trip. Thanks again for all your great advice.&nbsp;</p> <p>And: I'm taking 1 pair of shoes in addition to the ones I will wear, and a pair of lightweight slides for the hotel room and bathroom. Even if I end up with room for a 3rd pair of real shoes, I have a feeling I wouldn't wear them much.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing/page/2#post-2397238 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:11:58 +0000 delurked 2397238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Apologies for not reading through all the replies, so this may be redundant. </p> <p>Some of the areas to concentrate on for me are toiletries. I find a couple of small makeup style bags to be better than a larger/bulkier toiletry organizer. Takes up a lot less space for me. Contact lens cases are great for decanting small amounts to. I put hair gel, face moisturizer, cold cream to remove makeup in those small containers.&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree with those saying to limit shoes. I've traveled with just two shoes before. One to wear on a plane, one in the suitcase. Much easier if shoes are limited to fit other items. These days I am more likely to take 3 pairs of shoes. But the 3rd pair has to take up not too much space. Sometimes it's easier to get a pair of shoes in the suitcase separately instead of together. Sometimes I might just pack some flat flip flops as a shoe I wear in the hotel - because hotel floors are lava to me.</p> <p>Jeans and other bulky fabrics need to be limited. So finding fabrications that don't take up as much space is crucial. Obviously re-wearing.&nbsp;</p> <p>A tight color palette. And eliminating the what-ifs you pack for. Plot out a day by day that even if you don't stick to exactly, you can kind of gauge exactly what you're likely to need.&nbsp;I do like to feel good about what I wear when I travel, but I do tend to defer to practical to minimize space. I wear less jewelry than I expect to when I travel, so I keep that pretty limited. I'm not a scarf wearer, but sounds like you might be, and that's one way to change the look of the same outfit.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing/page/2#post-2397205 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:45:41 +0000 Bijou 2397205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my opinion the only way it can work is if you limit yourself to 2 pairs of shoes, wearing one (most bulky) and packing the other. For cooler weather, I wear boots and pack my sneakers. I also have travel sizes of skincare, keep my make-up limited (I get my eyelashes and eyebrows dyed prior to travel) and rely on hotels for shampoo, conditioner and a hairdryer.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397200 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:51:12 +0000 MsMaven 2397200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie,&nbsp;</b>I've followed Susan B. for ages, but never realized she travelled with carryon only. I've been reading her carefully as she prepares for her coming trip. And because of her I will be sure to take some colorful scarves.</p> <p><b>Mary,&nbsp;</b>you can be certain that when we go on our cruise in a few months we will be checking our luggage! This time is an experiment--we'll see if DH retains his enthusiasm.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>avicennia&nbsp;</b>I had no idea such an item existed. This is something Mr M would take to I'm certain.</p> <p>Thanks for all the great suggestions. I'm learning a lot! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397194 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:07:13 +0000 avicennia 2397194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like many I’m a committed carryon only traveler. Lots of good advice here. The only suggestion I might add is to consider a kit of clothing vacuum compression bags and small travel USB vacuum. I’m including an amazon link to my favorite. It really works! I’m thinking of giving it to friends this Christmas. </p> <p><a href="https://a.co/d/gdGn01B" rel="nofollow">https://a.co/d/gdGn01B</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397188 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 22:42:57 +0000 MsMary 2397188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Suz and Angie and the others who prefer to check their bags. I just got back from a quick weekend trip for a wedding on the other side of the country (anybody remember former poster Zapotee? it was her daughter!) and took a big suitcase and checked it plus a garment bag, and have no regrets whatsoever. I like having options, I like being able to take my own hair dryer and cosmetics, and I LOVE being hands-free in the airport and boarding and deboarding the plane. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397184 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 22:08:52 +0000 Angie 2397184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>MsMaven</b>, you might like to read Susan's posts from Une Femme:&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://unefemme.net/my-2-week-fall-travel-capsule-wardrobe-london-paris-edition.html">https://unefemme.net/my-2-week.....ition.html</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://unefemme.net/10-essential-tips-for-a-stylish-travel-wardrobe.html">https://unefemme.net/10-essent.....drobe.html</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397183 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 21:50:00 +0000 MsMaven 2397183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fabulous advice, <b>Lisa.&nbsp;</b>I'm not expecting souvenirs on this trip, but you never know. We will be near some great shopping areas.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have hung all my anticipated travel clothes together. I think 5 tops, 4 pants, 3 shows is perfect. I don't need dresses, so it will be a cardi and a jacket. The hard part is still the shoes decision. I'm about to start loading up my little jars and bottles with the needed potions and pills.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks to all of you--this has been really helpful.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397143 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:12:35 +0000 Lisa 2397143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have traveled with carry on luggage for trips as long as 14 days. I just came back from Italy where DH and I traveled with carry on only for 8 days.&nbsp;</p> <p>When I travel carry on only I roughly follow the 5-4-3-2-1 method. (5&nbsp;tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 dresses or jackets, and 1 accessory set). </p> <p>I also plan to repeat outfits. For a 14 day trip I repeat everything except for underwear and socks at least twice. I use a travel size spray bottle of Febreeze to avoid doing laundry.</p> <p>When I carry on only, I use two bags, an actual carry on size bag and a personal bag (the personal bag is a tote bag and inside of that I put my purse for the trip). My carry on bag is an actual BAG (think duffel bag), not a suitcase. When I need to maximize space, a bag allows for a lot more room, than a roller suitcase will (because the suitcase handle takes up a lot of room in the suitcase). Of course, this does mean that you'll be carrying the bag on your shoulder in the airport so that is something to consider.</p> <p>A key for me is to limit my shoes to only 3 and I wear the largest on the plane. More than this takes up too much room, less than this and my feet can't get the break they need (I don't like to wear the same shoe everyday). For the Italy trip I knew it would be a lot of walking so I took 2 pairs of fashion sneakers and 1 pair of flat shoes for evenings.</p> <p>I fold clothes into squares (think military folding or Marie Condo folding methods) AND use packing cubes. Cubes help keep everything organized and they remove the air when you squeeze them to zip them up. This really helps to fit more items into a limited space. It also makes packing into a bag easier because everything is very compact and you just stack them into the bag. I got my packing cubes from TJMaxx.&nbsp;</p> <p>I bring a limited color palette. For Italy I stuck with 3 colors (light and dark blue and white). Everything can be worn with everything for maximum variety.</p> <p>I always think layers and wear (or carry) the largest layer on the plane. That's usually a hoodie, jacket, or blazer for me.</p> <p>Don't forget to use the personal bag (for me that's a tote bag). I put electronics and toiletries in the personal bag. The rest of the bag is left empty so that I have somewhere to put souvenirs.</p> <p>Use the bag extender zippers. My duffel bags have extender zippers. I pack with the zippers closed on the flight to the destination and open the zippers on the return trip so again I have somewhere to put souvenirs.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397107 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:57:18 +0000 MsMaven 2397107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some great advice and helpful hints here! I'm running behind, but I appreciate all of your advice. I just spent a few minutes on the Instagram site. Wow! I wish I'd known about this sooner.</p> <p>My biggest issue now is footwear--and my troublesome feet. I haven't even been worrying about weight! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397105 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:03:17 +0000 karen23 2397105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I tend to wear either the shoes that would take up the most space in my luggage, or the shoes I can least afford to lose.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397104 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:57:32 +0000 Suz 2397104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm no help because I almost always check my bag and adore the freedom *that* provides! The opposite of most, I guess. Not just freedom to bring options, but also the freedom in the airport and on the plane -- no fighting over the overhead bins, no struggle to get the bag down at the end. I always find that by the time I've been to the washroom and freshened up post-flight, the bags are almost always starting to come down the carousel. And if they're not, they're not, and I wait!&nbsp;</p> <p>I think the other reason I check my bag is that when I travel I am often dealing with mutliple destinations and different types of plans on one trip -- everything from hiking to opera wear. And sometimes do not have laundry access. So I need a bit of room for all that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm currently on a short trip (one week, and there is laundry available) but even here I checked my bag and did not regret it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I hope you have a wonderful trip, and please let us know how it goes!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397097 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:24:58 +0000 kate 2397097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like carry on for international trips with connections....have lost bags in the past.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>And....class of 61 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397096 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:42:30 +0000 K. Period. 2397096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a devoted carry-on only traveler. It takes some real effort and you need to have access to laundry. However, it is possible. I was able to pack for a winter trip to London and Paris in a single international size carry-on (smaller than a domestic one) and a personal item and I was still able to bring two boots, flats, slippers, a full-length wool coat, and a puffer coats and feel great. Angie may have cried off, but she gave me some great advice that really helped me refine my packing. The best tip was to pay attention to accessories. I was focused on jewelry and purses for my trip, but for cold weather the best accessories were two different sets of hats, gloves, and scarves, which made me feel put together and polished and satisfied my need for variety (stemming from my second tip: limit your color palette). In general, I wear my heaviest items onto the plane, including a pair of boots, I pack purses and shoes full of socks and other items, and I bring along Isotoner ballerina slippers, which I love for their grippy suede bottoms and compact size. Like Elena, I pack a packable duffel for bringing back all my purchases. It also doubles as dirty clothes storage throughout the trip.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397092 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:11:54 +0000 elena 2397092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding along with everyone here. I do like to travel carry-on so here are my tips: I plan my outfits ahead of time for each day and plan to repeat items, especially bottoms. I figure 2-3 wears on pants/jeans and 1 on tops. More wears on sweaters if you layer something under them. You can get a lot into compression packing cubes! I just took a 6 day trip to NYC (2 travel days, 4 in the city) and packed 2 pairs of jeans, one pair comfy sneakers, 4 long-sleeve cotton shirts, 4 layering tops to go under the shirts (tanks, t shirts), an additional dressy top and t shirt that I didn’t end up wearing, a packable jacket, lounge pants and two lounge tops for the hotel room, a thin satin robe, sleepwear, socks, undies…and I had loads of room left in my carryon. I wore linen pants and a t shirt and cardigan and my other sneakers on the train ride up and thought I would repeat that on the way home but it got cold so I re-wore a pair of jeans with a long sleeve t shirt I’d thrown in “just in case”. Love those just-in-case items!<br /> I carry a MZ Wallace large metro tote as my personal item and you can stuff a huge amount in one of those! I usually put all my toiletries, medications, Kindle, chargers, umbrella, jewelry, etc in the tote and clothes and shoes in the suitcase. I didn’t decant my toiletries this time since we took the train, but I am not low maintenance and I want all my stuff with me. In the past on flights, I’ve used an array of tiny containers - contact lens cases, lip gloss tubes, small bottles - to hold my various products. I also have my husband carry the tiny tube of toothpaste and my shampoo and things like that since he is not high maintenance and doesn’t use all the space in his quart sized bag. I also pack a foldable duffel that is useful for the return trip if we’ve shopped a lot, and husband will use that for his personal item on the way home. I admit it’s a pain to do all this planning, but it’s so worth it to have the freedom and not be lugging a lot of stuff around. Your trip sounds great! Enjoy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397088 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:58:35 +0000 RobinF 2397088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We just flew for a quick weekend trip, carry on of course since it was such a short amount of time, and I can see why people like to do it. Nice not to have to wait to collect luggage.</p> <p>But we often cruise and that takes more clothes - at least for me - and I am just not minimal when it comes to that so we generally check bags. Plus I find toiletries an issue with carry on.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397086 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:00:20 +0000 The Cat 2397086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am unable to help, as I wouldn't use a carry-on for a trip longer than max. 4 or 5 nights. While I don't need many bottoms, I pack a variety of tops, toppers and shoewear because I (1) need to feel comfortable, (2) want to have options, and (3) don't want to spend valuable time doing laundry while away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397085 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:33:48 +0000 Helena 2397085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a carry on girl! My tips are to roll clothing, minimize bulky pieces and wear those that are essential for travel. Shoes are what they are, so wear the bulkiest pair that is practical for travel, and then pack the rest ... You can always put smaller items into a bag and then stuff them into the shoes to save space. If it's feasible, I'll only bring absolutely essential toiletries and then purchase a small version of what I need, but the liquid thing is getting easier now that many airports don't need you to pull things in and out any more. Good luck and enjoy the reunion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397084 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:25:33 +0000 MaryA 2397084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you are on Instagram there is an account called Carry On Couture,&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/carry_on.couture/">https://www.instagram.com/carry_on.couture/</a>. She does visual packing lists for all sorts of trips.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397083 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:00:45 +0000 Suntiger 2397083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only do carry on when visiting my dad, which is the only travel I've done in many years. The main secret is do laundry once or twice on the trip. I bring things that I don't need to change to sleep in, and stick to black tops so everything goes. Another thing is to decant everything into the smallest possible containers (little eyeshadow jars, not 2oz bottles when possible) and use toothpaste tablets.<br /> The one really problematic thing is my coat. I'm going from cold to warm weather, so while my summery clothes don't take much space, my packable puffer does. I'm considering switching to a vest or just leaving it in the car when Mr. ST drops me off.<br /> Cold weather clothes are much more problematic, cause they're so much bigger. Mr. ST and I have just shared one big suitcase when we've needed to travel in cold weather. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397081 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:35:28 +0000 Dee 2397081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even though I prefer to travel carry-on, its not for everyone and it also depends on where your going, the activities you'll be doing and whether you'll be changing locations often. The types of transit you'll be using can also be a major factor. Here in France, we are changing locations often and traveling by train, bus, subway and rental car, so carry-on works best. It really hard to manage large luggage when using the subway. However, it you're on a cruise or just heading direct to a resort or one spot, this might be less of a consideration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397079 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 03:39:06 +0000 MsMaven 2397079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes, my problem too. All the extra "in case" stuff.&nbsp;</p> <p>Today I did some wash and hung up my possible choices. It's going to be a dark autumn color scheme, which would be ok except when my silvery hair sheds a little.&nbsp;</p> <p>One thing that made my HS reunion trip miserable--I didn't have my knee pillow! A regular pillow won't work anymore. It dawned on me there must be inflatable knee pillows and Amazon coughed up a couple of inexpensive ones. I haven't been wearing scarves lately, but I'm going to take 2-3 of the lesser worn ones for color. But will they go with my silvery hair? I'd better take a pair of gloves too--my hands get cold easily.</p> <p>And I'm working on the pills and related items. It's a lot more complicated as I've gotten older.&nbsp;<b>Karie&nbsp;</b><b></b>you expressed it perfectly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-your-secrets-of-carry-on-only-packing#post-2397072 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:25:49 +0000 Karie 2397072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t travel carry on only. I could if it was just clothes, but I bring too much extra stuff “just in case” - my Nevage (helps with allergies/sinus infections), half the medicine cabinet, travel blow dryer, etc., etc., etc. </p>