11 Ways to Pack for a Week In a Carry-On

Traveling with only a carry-on is a wonderful way to keep things light and stay nimble. It also saves time having to wait in line to check your bag and then muscle through the crowds to secure your luggage from the baggage claim. 

It’s a bit of an art (and a science), but there are seasoned pros out there who can even go two weeks with just a simple carry-on. What do you say we map out a battle plan together? By the end of this article, you’ll be convinced that anything is possible! 

Check the Rules

Before you start making any preparations, check the website for the airline you’re flying. You need to know what size and weight you’re dealing with. As a rule of thumb, a 22” suitcase should fit the bill for more airlines. 

But, sometimes, budget airlines have even tighter rules. In your own travels, you’ve probably noticed that some airlines are more forgiving than others if you go a little bit over in size. But, you don’t want to go through all the trouble to pack perfectly, only to be forced to check your bag in the end. 

Review Your Itinerary for the Week

It’s helpful to write down your itinerary for the week. For example, will you be hiking in the mountains of Ireland or strolling through museums in Paris? This will help you map out the clothes you need, as well as your footwear and any other pertinent accessories. 

Remember Your Personal Item

While the focus here is challenging yourself to get everything into your carry-on for a week, don’t forget you’re also allowed a personal item – generally speaking. That means one 22” suitcase and one backpack or messenger bag that you can put beneath the seat in front of you. 

This allows you to get strategic about what you’ll place in your carry-on and stow in the overhead compartment vs. what you’ll have access to throughout the flight in your personal item.

This personal items packing list will help you divide and conquer. For example, you might want to keep your electronics and toiletries in your personal item so you can enjoy some entertainment during the flight and freshen up at the end. 

Wear Your Bulkiest Items In-Flight

It might be tempting to wear your sandals at the airport to make going through security easier. But your better bet is to wear your bulkiest pair of shoes and just deal with the minute or two it takes to lace them up and down while you’re being pushed through the security line. 

The same goes for your bulkiest sweater or hoodie. Wear that through the airport; you can always tie it around your waist if you get too hot in the hustle and bustle of it all. But this will save space in your carry-on and also work double duty as a cozy in-flight blanket.