Carry-On Packing Tips
I’ve taken numerous trips over the years in a carry-on. However, airlines keep changing the rules and the size is getting smaller and the weight requirements lighter. As challenging as it is, the challenge has only increased. I’ve taken numerous trips with a carry-on including twice to Greece for two weeks, but that was the old sizing. More recently, I packed for two weeks in Fiji and that was a challenge! Here are some things I packed or utilized to make the trip with as little luggage as possible, but still have everything I need.
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Luggage
I took a carry-on similar to the below for the overhead and a large bag with me for under the seat. Without the bag, I would not have made it! The weight requirement for Fiji airlines is fifteen pounds for a carry-on! I was actually over the weight limit, but I could have just carried more in the bag I had. Either way, it was close!
The bag is also just a similarity and not what I actually used, but it also doubled as a beach bag for me during my trip. This toiletry bag from Target is the exact one I used. It was a perfect size and since I was staying in dorms half the time, it was so helpful to have one that could hang. Carry-on packing tips start with the vessels used, but let’s get into some more details.
Carry-On Packing Tips
Compression Bags
I bought this before I went to Fiji, since I was forcing myself to take a carry-on for two weeks. Compression bags are great in the sense you don’t need a vacuum and you can just roll the air out. The negative is most airlines have a very LIGHT weight requirement for carry-on luggage now, so using too many of these can add too much weight. These will not replace you editing your clothes. I know, it’s hard! However, they can be useful to pack one or two in your carry-on to help save some space or keep your packing organized similar to how you would use a packing cube.
Small Containers
One of the most difficult things about taking a carry-on is your liquids! So I rank this carry-on packing tip pretty high. I love these containers because it makes it so much easier to take all my skincare, face wash, and toothpaste. While I do take the bare minimum, it can still be difficult to get two weeks worth of supplies to fit in a quart size bag. These small containers have proven so useful on numerous trips!
Filter Water Bottle
This is not necessary in most cases. However, I live in Florida and if you don’t know, our water tastes terrible! So I decided to buy this filter water bottle for travel. It’s inexpensive and the filter can offer some peace of mind or simply serve to help the water taste better.
Detergent Sheets
I took these detergent sheets to Fiji. Well, I took out a few sheets for Fiji and I did use them once. This may not be necessary but if you think you might want to wash your own clothes in a sink then these are great! And since they are sheets, they will not count against you as liquids in your carry-on!
Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
One way to get your liquids into a quart size bag is to simply take less liquids. Even though I use a liquid deodorant normally, when I travel I switch so it doesn’t count against my liquids. This trip to Fiji, I also tried Shampoo and Conditioner bars! They actually worked really well! I took one that was shampoo and body wash in one (though I did also buy the one pictured) and then a purple conditioner. While I do prefer my normal shampoo and conditioners I use at home, these were great for the trip! And being in and out of the ocean constantly, I wouldn’t have had enough space in my small containers to take enough supplies.
Hiking Sandals
I wore tennis shoes on the plane and packed these hiking sandals, a pair of cheap flip flops, and a pair of nicer sandals for dinners. All of my shoes were lighter in weight and took relatively little space.
Side note: Havaianas are my favorite flip flops but I didn’t have time to buy a replacement before I went to Fiji. However, I bought them at the airport before I left and with the exchange rate they were cheaper than here!
Waterproof Phone Case for Underwater Photos
I’ve bought my share of waterproof cases and while iPhone is supposed to be waterproof, I’m paranoid. Just before I left for Fiji, I decided to buy this simple waterproof case. I knew based on the details, I would NOT be able to take it on a dive, but I took it snorkeling numerous times (photo example above), as well as other water sports or activities and it was so easy to hold and use! Be sure to check whether it will fit your phone. It is adjustable and fits a lot of sizes, but most returns are based on it not fitting their phone.
Select Your Clothing Wisely
Additional carry-on packing tips are to choose clothing that you actually wear and pick pieces that are able to go with more than one item. Having the versatility is helpful, especially for dinner outfits that won’t get sweaty and dirty easily. Also don’t pack that shirt you bought last year that you haven’t worn. I promise you will not wear it on your travels if you’ve never worn it in real life. Trust me, I know from experience.
I hope some of these carry-on packing tips were helpful! It takes practice and thought, but the more you do it the better you get! When you’ve figured it out, you can save money on luggage fees in all your travels, leaving extra money for experiences you will never forget!
