HOW TO PACK FOR A WEEK IN A CARRY ON

As the founder of the travel atelier En Route to Rêverie I have gotten really good at packing like an expert. I am typically a fan of checking luggage, particularly because I often stay overseas for longer periods of time. Also because of my status with Delta Airlines, I can avoid checked bag fees thankfully.

But there are loads of benefits to packing only in a carry on. Particularly if you are planning to move around a lot or have tight connections. No one wants to interrupt a vacation by dealing with lost luggage. You can also avoid spending time at baggage claim when you manage to pack in a carry on suitcase.

But it also takes skills and planning in advance to master it! Here are my best tips for how to pack for a week in a carry on. I hope you’ll find this guide helpful!

How to Pack for A Week in a Carry On

Plan Your Outfits in Advance

I always, always plan my outfits in advance. It helps me be more efficient in my packing. I write down every outfit for both day and evening in the Notes app on my phone and I reference this while on my trip.

In particular you’ll want to prioritize pieces you can easily mix and match in several outfits. If something doesn’t work well with several looks, it typically gets cut.

And I always bring the pairs of shoes I own that are most versatile and comfortable.

Stick to a Color Palette

A color palette will ensure you don’t have to bring more items in your suitcase. I promise! I typically pick a neutral color palette if possible. I’ll do brown, ivory and black. Or black, navy and white.

Do Laundry on the Road

Remember that some hotels offer laundry service or you can wash items in the sink wherever you’re staying.

Cut down on Bulkier Items

I avoid bulky jackets and knits when packing in a carry on. Instead, I’ll wear my most bulky items like my heaviest jacket and sneakers on the plane, too.

I may have a thicker sweater I really want to wear but I know it’ll take up too much room so instead I opt for thinner sweaters that layer well like my favorite La Ligne Lean Lines Sweater.

Weight your Suitcase

Given you’ll have to lift it into the airplane overhead bin if your trip involves a flight, you don’t want it to be too heavy. Ensure you weigh it and can lift it over your head before you leave home.

Consider Packing Cubes

I’m not personally a fan of packing cubes but I do know others that swear by them to save space when traveling. Instead I rely on my compression Away suitcases and then opt to roll all my clothing items.

Buy Minis

Make travel sized products your go-tos as you pack makeup and personal care toiletry products.

There’s really no need to be bringing full size products on a trip in my opinion – particularly when you’re packing lightly. I buy minis of all my favorite go-to beauty products for both makeup and skincare so I am never without my favorite products but am not having to bring full size items with me.

Travel sized products should be your go-tos when packing makeup for travel. Sephora has an amazing selection of Minis to shop.

A few favorite minis I always, always travel with? This Saie primer I can’t be without + the Charlotte Tillbury Flawless Filter I love to layer over it before I apply my beloved Erborian BB Cream and/or my favorite Armani Luminous Foundation , the best One/Size setting spray that makes makeup last all day on long travel days spent out exploring, this bronzer/highlighter duo that does double duty, my favorite little contour stick, my favorite cream blush (+ this powder blush that layers well over it!), one of my go-to lip combos of this liner + lipstick, my favorite setting powder and this little eyeshadow palette that’s versatile.

Or, better yet, if you’re staying at a luxury hotel, rely on their toiletries! You can use their shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc.

Pack Double Duty Makeup Products

To ensure you’re not overpacking and adding too much weight to your suitcase, prioritize bringing multi-purpose products such as items that work for both cheeks and lips. I particularly like this Ilia Blush + Highlighter + Lip do-it-all stick. So good for travel.

Use a Duffle Bag

I always bring my favorite Tumi duffle bag as my personal item when I pack only in a carry on bag. I put my bulkier items in it and keep room for any shopping. It fits so much and collapses down to nothing.

Create a Checklist

You can cut down on unnecessary items and ensure you don’t forget any essentials by having a handy checklist. I personally always work off of this one.

No matter the length of my trip I never want to be without things like nail clippers or tweezers, deodorant or Dramamine. A list helps ensure I don’t forget these things I’d hate to be without.

Be Aware of Flight Regulations

If you’re traveling with a carry on only, you’ll need to be more judicious with how you pack your makeup and toiletries. Remember that the TSA rules at airports in the U.S. still require all liquids be under 3oz.

And if you’re traveling internationally, consider where you are flying out of, too. For example, flying out of the UK all of your carry on liquids must fit into one small clear plastic bag and everything must be under 100ml. So it is best to be prepared.

Don’t risk having to lose your expensive makeup and skincare by not being prepared. I’ve seen many a passenger have their beauty products tossed in the trash at airport security!

Pin the image above for later and shop the styles seen here.

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Do you have any tips for packing in a carry on? I’d love to hear about them in the Comments below!

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HOW TO PACK FOR A WEEK IN A CARRY ON