MASTERING THE ART OF CARRY-ON PACKING FOR A 10-DAY TRIP
Packing for 10 Days in a Carry-On: Yes, You Can Do It! Confession time: I used to be an extreme over-packer. I always believed that any trip lasting a week or more required a giant, stuffed suitcase. But after my recent adventure in Nova Scotia (which you can read about here and here), I decided to challenge myself. I successfully packed for a 10-day trip using just one carry-on suitcase! It was no easy feat; I had to be incredibly mindful and selective about what I packed. But honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m now convinced that for most trips—even those lasting over a week—opting for a carry-on makes travel so much easier. As I gear up for my upcoming trip to New Brunswick, I’m challenging myself once more to fit 10 days’ worth of clothing into my carry-on. Plus, let’s be real: I had to go for the budget-friendly option and avoid extra fees for checked luggage. So, here I am, ready to prove that packing light is not only possible but also liberating!
So why bother trying to fit everything into a carry-on suitcase you may ask?
While packing 10 days’ worth of clothes into a carry-on suitcase may seem daunting, there are plenty of compelling reasons to give it a shot:
Avoid Extra Fees: Many airlines now charge for checked luggage, which is a major reason I choose to travel with a carry-on. I’d rather save on flight costs and have that extra cash available for other trip expenses.
No Lost Luggage Worries: One of my biggest travel fears is losing my suitcase. I always worry that my bag will go missing and won’t be returned until halfway through my trip. Thankfully, it hasn’t happened to me yet (knock on wood!), but traveling with a carry-on gives me peace of mind knowing my belongings are always with me.
Skip Baggage Claim: The stress of waiting endlessly at baggage claim is the worst! Sometimes it can take hours for luggage to arrive, and who wants to deal with that? With a carry-on, you can hop off the plane and head straight to your destination while others are stuck waiting for their bags.
Less Overpacking: Limited space in a carry-on forces you to be selective about what you pack. This means fewer clothing items and shoes, resulting in less weight and hassle. Plus, you won’t have to worry about finding room for souvenirs since there won’t be much extra space!
How I plan to pack a 10-day vacation in a carry-on
Creat a pa Take a moment to jot down everything you think you’ll need for your trip, whether it’s on paper or in your phone. While I usually have no problem packing my clothes, it’s the smaller items that I often forget if I don’t write them down. Consider essentials like phone and camera chargers, sunglasses, makeup, and more. Personally, I find it more challenging to decide what to include in my personal item bag than in my carry-on. So, be sure to make that list!
Plan Your Outfits!
Consider what activities you’ll be doing on your trip. Are you headed to a warm destination where you’ll be in a swimsuit all day, or will you be participating in adventurous activities? Perhaps you’ll do a bit of both! Whatever your itinerary looks like, be mindful of your plans. For example, our upcoming trip to New Brunswick will involve plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and cycling, so I’m primarily packing activewear and comfortable clothing.
Choose Your Clothing Wisely!
Select versatile pieces that can be worn multiple times and mixed and matched to create different outfits. Neutrals are a great choice, as they can easily pair with just about anything. Additionally, consider packing layering options to accommodate unpredictable weather or cooler temperatures. Items like tank tops, t-shirts, and cardigans in neutral colors work well together and can be combined for various looks.
Packing Cubes Are Your Best Friend!
I instantly fell in love with packing cubes when I discovered them. As someone who thrives on organization, I appreciate how functional they are. They keep your clothes tidy and make it much easier to locate each item. I picked up a set of lightweight packing cubes from Amazon, and after using them on several trips, I can confidently say they’ve held up beautifully.
I typically sort my clothing into separate packing cubes: bottoms in one, shirts in another, and bras, underwear, and pajamas in a third. This way, you won’t have to dig through your neatly folded clothes to find a specific item, as everything is kept in its designated space.
Pack Your Carry-On Effectively
Using packing cubes is a great way to organize your carry-on, but there are other effective methods to consider as well. For instance, you can roll your clothes to save space, or try the KonMari folding technique, which allows you to arrange your items upright for better visibility. Another clever space-saving trick is to stuff smaller items, like socks, inside larger ones, such as shoes. Alternatively, you can use larger ziplock bags in place of packing cubes to keep your clothing organized. Personally, I prefer the KonMari method for folding clothes, as it makes it much easier to see everything at a glance, rather than having items stacked on top of each other.
Bring Only Essential Toiletries
When packing a carry-on, you’re limited in the liquids you can bring. Generally, you can only carry liquids in containers of 100ml (3.4 fluid oz) or less, all of which must fit into a single one-liter clear zipped bag. To save space, consider using solid alternatives for your liquid toiletries. For instance, opt for bar soap instead of body wash, solid shampoo and conditioner instead of their liquid counterparts, and solid deodorant instead of gel or liquid. Depending on your needs, it might be more practical to purchase some items upon arrival or to skip them altogether. Most hotels and bed and breakfasts provide essential amenities like soap, shampoo, and hair dryers.
Plan What You’ll Wear to the Airport
Certain clothing items can take up significantly more space in your suitcase. To maximize space, wear your bulkier items to the airport, such as running shoes, jackets, and sweaters.
What I packed for a 10-day trip to New Brunswick
Here’s i packed for a 10-day trip to new brunswick. I know it may seem like a lot of clothes, but I still struggle with overpacking (though I promise I’ve made progress!). Honestly, I tend to get stains on my clothing, so having backup pieces—along with some Tide-to-Go—is essential for me.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it—proof that you can fit 10 days’ worth of clothes into a suitcase! With a bit of planning and coordination, I promise you can travel with just a carry-on as well!
P.S. Don’t forget to check for any furry friends before heading off on your trip!
LIST OF 19 THE BEST SOAPS FOR DRY SKIN
If you struggle with dry, itchy skin, you know the importance of finding a gentle cleanser that hydrates instead of stripping away moisture. Regular soap can be too harsh for sensitive skin, so opting for a specially formulated option can make a big difference. Here’s a look at some of the best soaps for dry skin that will leave you feeling soft and comfortable.
OUR TOP PICKS
DOVE DEEPLY NOURISHING ADVANCED CARE BODY WASH SHOWER GEL
Dove Deeply Nourishing Advanced Care Body Wash is a shower gel designed to be gentle on dry skin. It contains ingredients that mimic your skin’s natural moisturizers, so it cleanses without leaving your skin feeling tight or itchy. This body wash claims to provide 24 hours of hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth for a whole day. It also has a rich lather, which can make showering more enjoyable.
NATURIUM THE GLOW GETTER MULTI-OIL BODY WASH
If you’re looking for a luxurious shower experience, Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash might be a good fit. This body wash is unique because it starts out as a silky oil, then transforms into a gentle lather when you wash. The special oils in this wash are meant to cleanse your skin without drying it out. They also claim to leave your skin feeling hydrated and nourished. This could be a good option for those with dry skin who want a body wash that provides a touch of moisture.
E45 BODY WASH FOR DRY, SENSITIVE & ITCHY SKIN
E45 Body Wash is a fragrance-free and gentle cleanser specifically designed for dry, sensitive, and itchy skin. Unlike some soaps that can irritate sensitive skin, E45 is free of harsh detergents and perfumes. Instead, it uses calming ingredients to soothe itchiness and redness. It also contains emollients, which are like lubricants for your skin, that help lock in moisture and prevent dryness. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with flaky or uncomfortable skin. Because it’s fragrance-free, E45 is less likely to trigger allergies or further irritate sensitive skin.
CERAVE HYDRATING BODY WASH
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash is another great option for dry skin. This fragrance-free cleanser is designed to cleanse your skin without stripping away moisture. It contains three special ceramides, which are like tiny bricks that help rebuild your skin’s natural barrier. This barrier helps keep your skin hydrated and protects it from irritants. CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash also contains hyaluronic acid, which acts like a magnet for moisture, attracting and holding onto water in your skin. This can leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated all day long.
AVEENO DAILY MOISTURISING BODY WASH
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash is a fragrance-light option that’s gentle on dry skin. The key ingredient is prebiotic oat, which is known for its calming and moisturizing properties. It helps soothe irritation and itchiness often associated with dry skin. This body wash cleanses your skin without leaving it feeling stripped or tight. It also boasts a formula that helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is important for keeping dryness at bay. Many users report feeling noticeably nourished skin after using Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, making it a good choice for those seeking a simple and effective cleanser for dry skin.
BIODERMA ATODERM CLEANSING SHOWER OIL
If you have very dry or even sensitive skin, Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Shower Oil might be a perfect choice. Unlike most soaps, it’s an oil-based cleanser. This means it gently cleanses your skin without leaving it feeling dry or itchy. Instead, Bioderma Atoderm replenishes your skin’s natural oils, which helps lock in moisture and keep dryness away. It also contains calming ingredients to soothe irritation and tightness. This shower oil is suitable for the whole family, even babies, because it’s so gentle. It’s also fragrance-free, so it’s less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
CLINIQUE DISHLESS FACIAL SOAP – EXTRA STRENGTH 150G
Clinique Dishless Facial Soap – Extra Strength is a bar soap specifically designed for the face. This soap is meant to be gentle enough for everyday use, even on oily skin. However, the “extra strength” label indicates it might be more powerful than some other facial soaps. While it cleanses dirt and oil, it claims to do so without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight. It’s also hand-milled, which means it’s made using a traditional method that can sometimes create a gentler product. However, it’s important to note that some people with very dry skin might find this soap too cleansing. If you have concerns about dryness, it might be best to choose a different option on this list or speak to a dermatologist about what facial cleanser is right for you.
SEEN BODY WASH
SEEN Body Wash is designed to be gentle on all skin types, including dry skin. It’s formulated by a dermatologist, so you can trust it to be effective yet kind to your skin. This fragrance-free body wash cleanses without stripping away moisture, leaving your skin feeling fresh and balanced. It’s also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. SEEN Body Wash is a good option for those looking for a simple, fragrance-free cleanser that hydrates and soothes dry skin.
FENTY SKIN COCOA CLEANS’R SOOTHING ALL-OVER CLEANSING BAR
Fenty Skin Cocoa Cleans’r Soothing All-Over Cleansing Bar is a bar soap that promises to be gentle on dry skin for both your face and body. It’s made with ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which are known for their moisturizing properties. These ingredients aim to cleanse your skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight. The soap also boasts a beach-inspired scent, so you can enjoy a tropical feel in your shower. It’s designed to be suitable for all skin types and tones. Keep in mind that bar soaps can sometimes be drying, so if you have very dry skin, you might want to consider another option on this list or try it out on a small area first.
PALOROMA CLEAN BEAN WASH
Paloroma Clean Bean Wash is a gentle and effective facial cleanser. It’s designed to clean your face thoroughly without harsh chemicals. This wash removes dirt, oil, and makeup, leaving your skin feeling fresh and smooth. Its formula includes natural ingredients that are kind to your skin, making it suitable for daily use. Paloroma Clean Bean Wash helps maintain a healthy complexion by keeping pores clear and minimizing breakouts.
AESOP RESURRECTION HAND WASH 500ML
Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash in the 500ml size is a luxurious liquid soap for your hands. It’s known for its refreshing scent and gentle cleaning power. This hand wash effectively removes dirt and grime while leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Made with botanical extracts, it nourishes your hands and helps maintain their natural moisture balance. Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash comes in a convenient pump bottle, making it easy to use and a stylish addition to any bathroom or kitchen. It’s a popular choice for those who appreciate quality skincare products that also provide a pleasant washing experience.
LA ROCHE-POSAY LIPIKAR WASH AP+ GENTLE FOAMING MOISTURIZING WASH
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash is a gentle cleanser specially formulated for sensitive and dry skin. It creates a soft foam that cleanses without drying out your skin. This wash helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier and provides long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin feeling comfortable and smooth. It’s suitable for the whole family, including babies and children. With a soap-free formula and enriched with niacinamide and shea butter, it helps soothe irritation and protects against the drying effects of hard water. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ is recommended by dermatologists for its effectiveness and gentle care.
KOSAS GOOD BODY SKIN AHA + ENZYME EXFOLIATING BODY WASH
Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash is a skincare product designed to cleanse and exfoliate your skin gently. It contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and enzymes that help remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath. This body wash is formulated with hydrating ingredients to keep your skin moisturized and nourished. It’s suitable for all skin types and can help improve the appearance of rough or dull skin over time. Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash aims to leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after each use.
HELLO KLEAN NOURISHING MICRONUTRIENT WASH 400ML
Hello Klean Nourishing Micronutrient Wash in the 400ml size is a gentle and nourishing body wash designed to care for your skin. It contains essential micronutrients and vitamins that help cleanse and replenish the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and healthy. This wash is formulated without harsh chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. It provides a soothing lather that effectively cleans away dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Hello Klean Nourishing Micronutrient Wash aims to promote skin hydration and maintain a balanced skin barrier, leaving you with soft and smooth skin after each wash.
RED FLOWER PURIFYING BODY WASH IN ICELANDIC MOONFLOWER
Red Flower Purifying Body Wash in Icelandic Moonflower is a luxurious cleansing product for the body. It features a refreshing scent inspired by moonflowers from Iceland. This body wash is designed to gently cleanse your skin while leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. It contains natural botanical extracts that help purify and revitalize the skin, promoting a healthy glow. The formula is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Red Flower Purifying Body Wash in Icelandic Moonflower aims to provide a spa-like experience at home, leaving your skin delicately scented and rejuvenated after each use.
L’OCCITANE SHEA LAVENDER SOAP 250G
L’Occitane Shea Lavender Soap in the 250g size is a luxurious bar soap enriched with shea butter and lavender essential oil. It gently cleanses the skin while moisturizing and leaving a soothing lavender scent. This soap is crafted using traditional methods and natural ingredients, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The shea butter helps to nourish and protect the skin, keeping it soft and supple. L’Occitane Shea Lavender Soap is ideal for a relaxing bathing experience, offering both cleansing and aromatic benefits in one bar.
WELEDA CALENDULA SOAP 100G
Weleda Calendula Soap in the 100g size is a gentle and soothing bar soap designed for sensitive skin, including babies and children. It is made with organic calendula extract, which helps to calm and nourish the skin. This soap is free from synthetic fragrances, colors, and preservatives, making it ideal for those with delicate skin. Weleda Calendula Soap produces a creamy lather that cleanses effectively without drying out the skin. It provides gentle care while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance. This soap is dermatologically tested and recommended by midwives and dermatologists for its mildness and effectiveness in caring for sensitive skin.
FRESH FREESIA OVAL SOAP
Fresh Freesia Oval Soap is a fragrant and luxurious soap known for its delightful scent of freesia flowers. This oval-shaped soap is designed to cleanse the skin gently while leaving a lingering floral fragrance. It produces a rich lather that effectively removes dirt and impurities without drying out the skin. The Fresh Freesia Oval Soap is crafted with care to provide a pampering experience during each use. It is suitable for daily use and is a favorite choice for those who enjoy floral-scented skincare products that leave the skin feeling refreshed and lightly perfumed.
MOROCCANOIL SHOWER GEL CLEANSING HYDRATION ARGON OIL 250ML
Moroccanoil Shower Gel Cleansing Hydration with Argan Oil in the 250ml size is a nourishing shower gel designed to cleanse and hydrate the skin. It features the benefits of argan oil, known for its moisturizing properties, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed. This shower gel creates a creamy lather that gently cleanses away impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It has a luxurious scent that lingers lightly on the skin, providing a pleasant and rejuvenating shower experience. Moroccanoil Shower Gel is suitable for daily use and is ideal for those looking to indulge in a hydrating and aromatic shower routine.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SOAPS FOR DRY SKIN
Choosing a body wash for dry skin requires focusing on ingredients and scents.
For ingredients, prioritize those that hydrate and support the skin barrier. Look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides for moisture retention, and emollients like shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil for softening. Gentle cleansers like sodium lauroyl sarcosinate or coco-glucoside effectively cleanse without stripping natural oils. Finally, simpler formulas with minimal ingredients minimize irritation.
Regarding scent, fragrance-free is generally best for dry skin, as synthetic fragrances and foaming agents can irritate. However, some scented options exist, so we’ve noted which ones have a fragrance.
CONCLUSION
In addition to soaps, consider using additional products for dry skin such as face oil or toner. In conclusion, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to find a body wash that works best for you. If you have any concerns about your dry skin, be sure to talk to your doctor or dermatologist.
