Minimalist Travel
Pack light, travel far
"Why carry-on only (COO)"?
No lost, damaged or stolen luggage
Saves time by not having to go to the baggage carousel
Saves money by not having to pay for checked baggage
Keeps everything on hand at all times
Simplifies your packing for stress-free travels
A few tips when flying COO:
Aim to be in one of the first boarding groups to secure space in the overhead bins. Many passengers place personal items and coats there, which can quickly fill up the space. Additionally, passengers seated in the rear of the plane often use the front overhead bins for their carry-ons, leaving less room for those seated closer to the front. Boarding early ensures you get your spot before these common issues arise.
Learn how to travel COO!
Really?! Is that possible?
Through much time and research, I have come up with tips to help with packing.
Vetted products to make it happen!
Through trial and error, I have tried so many items to be able to travel with just a carry-on. Now, I can help save you time.
1
2
3
How much does it weigh?
How quickly does it dry?
Is it wrinkle resistant?
Does it hold odors?
How many times can you wear it before washing?
Can it be dual purpose (check out convertible clothing)?
Is it easily hand washed?
(See my blog on travel fabrics and wool fabrics)
TIP TO AID IN DRY TIME: After hand washing, roll item in a towel before hanging to dry
Considerations when selecting clothing fabrics:
Backpack
OR
Rolling Suitcase
Backpacks compress to make it easy to fit into airplane overhead bins
Gate agents and flight attendants have a tendency to overlook the size and weight of backpacks
Rolling luggage is difficult to maneuver on stairs, curbs, cobblestone streets, buses and trains
Many backpacks have a lot more compartments to keep your items organized
Backpacks are more resilient and repairable
Backpacks leave your hands free
Backpacks are typically cheaper and lighter than suitcases
Neck Pillow Hack
When choosing items to pack, I like them to serve double duty. One of my favorite tricks is with my neck pillow. I remove the cushion and stuff it with clothing—bras, panties, socks, and other small essentials fit perfectly inside the outer cover. It took a few tries to get the packing just right to keep it comfortable, but now it's a go-to hack.
At first, I'd clip the neck pillow to the strap of my personal item, freeing up more space in my backpack. However, some airlines have caught on to this trick and now require the neck pillow to be placed inside your carry-on. So, I've adapted my packing strategy to make sure everything still fits neatly while staying within the rules.
