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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!