Leave Your Luggage Behind: Tips for Packing Only a Carry-On

I not so secretly hate checking bags. Even though I get a free one when flying Delta thanks to my Delta Amex card (which is also how I regularly fly for free...but that's a post for another day), I don't like the hassle of waiting for baggage claim when I reach my destination. So, whenever possible, I pack only my carry-on and personal item.

Packing for the UK for eight days and eight nights has been my biggest challenge yet, with conditions expected anywhere between 57 degrees and raining to sunny and 75, not to mention various activities from horseback riding, spectating the highland games, a 7.5-hour train ride, exploring cities by foot, and hiking (aka walking up large hills).

When deciding on clothing options, consider your destination and the season that you will be traveling, as well as your comfort level. There are a number of resources (including a simple internet search) that will give you a general idea of the climate while you are visiting. If your trip calls for more than swimwear and cover-ups, as your departure date gets closer and you begin to think about packing, check the forecast and continue to track it until you leave to make sure you have your bases covered.

Take the time to make at least a general plan of what you will wear so that you neither over or under-pack. Examine what types of activities will you be doing and determine in what instances you can wear bottoms more than once without washing. Will you be staying somewhere that doing laundry is a possibility? Even better.

For a destination like the UK, it is imperative to bring layers. In New England, we have a saying – if you don't like the weather, wait a minute. That definitely applies to the UK as well! A good general rule of thumb is to include bottoms consisting of jeans and black pants, and for top layers a black cardigan and another neutral, warm layer, and a rain jacket as well. If that sounds boring to you, I like to keep things interesting with tanks and tee-shirts, which are lighter layers and very easily packable, plus one dress for nicer occasions.

Still, advanced preparation and minimizing items does not mean it will be easy to fit your clothes, shoes, and other necessities in a carry-on (and personal item). The trick is utilizing the space you have. Everyone has an opinion, but my personal preference for a carry-on is soft-sided. The flexibility of the bag often means you have more room to play with than a hard-sided one may afford. It's also easier to manipulate a soft-sided bag into overhead bins and other luggage racks. Side note: Many airlines have different dimension allowances, so regardless of your carry-on type be sure it is in regulation or it may have to be checked at the gate for a hefty fee)

While packing, I get in touch with my inner Marie Kondo and utilize her folding technique (or at least something inspired by it) to maximize bag space. Fold one side of the item into the center the long way and then the other and fold the arms in neatly, which should leave you with a smooth, rectangular shape. Then, from the neck, fold it in thirds to get a nice, compact item! Bottoms should be folded in half the long way and folded from the bottom up in half, and then again in thirds. Oftentimes, I find the item can be folded even further.

Smaller items like socks, underwear, and lighter tops can be tucked into shoes. Line the bottom outer edges of your bag as a base, filling in first with both larger items and ones you plan on wearing later into the trip, building up to the top. Consistently check while you are packing for gaps left by larger items. Put smaller items aside during the process, and when you discover extra space, utilize it!

To help prevent your intricate packing job from being torn apart by TSA, put any of your "questionable" goods in your smaller personal item including liquids, snacks, electronics larger than a cell phone, medications, and hair tools. This also makes it easier to pull out the usual requested items when going through security.

With all of your necessities packed in your carry-on, you will save time once you land and be free to start exploring your destination sooner!