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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:

  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!

19+ CUTE EVERYDAY OUTFITS 

While shopping for occasion wear or dreaming up vacation outfits is always exciting, building a wardrobe of stylish yet casual outfits you can rely on every day is key to simplifying your routine. The beauty of cute, everyday outfits lies in how effortlessly they make getting dressed!

Whether you’re running errands, meeting friends, or working at a coffee shop, these outfits will help you feel comfortable and true to yourself. Ahead, I’ve curated a list of casual looks that are perfect for daily wear. No matter your style, these laid-back options are sure to spark some outfit inspiration!

PUFFER VEST + SWEATER

A puffer vest is one of my go-to pieces for fall and winter—it’s stylish, keeps you warm, and doesn’t feel bulky while you’re on the move. To keep things extra cozy, I’ve paired it with this incredibly soft cashmere fisherman sweater. Add a nice pair of jeans, Sambas, and a baseball cap to finish off the look. For an even more laid-back vibe, swap the jeans for a matching sweatsuit set that’s perfect for taking you from morning to evening.

WHITE TEE, SWEATER + SHORTS

If you’re looking to embody those Coastal Grandmother vibes this summer, you’ll want to save this next outfit idea. These Agolde jean shorts feature a longer length that’s incredibly flattering and pairs well with both casual and dressy tops. Simply add a white tee and drape a striped sweater over your shoulders, then complete the look with some sandals. This outfit is just as adorable for seaside strolls as it is for everyday outings.

COZY SWEATER + BARREL JEANS

Nothing exudes casual-chic quite like a stylish pair of denim paired with a luxe knit. For an elevated yet comfy outfit, loose-fitting denim is the perfect choice. I’m a fan of these Everlane barrel pants; they’re lightweight, stretchy, and their trendy silhouette adds a touch of sophistication to any look. Team them with a cozy sweater and sneakers for an effortlessly chic vibe. If barrel jeans aren’t your cup of tea, you can easily recreate this outfit with relaxed trousers instead.

DENIM SKIRT, BLAZER + MARY JANES

Denim midi skirts are definitely a wardrobe staple. They’re a fantastic alternative to jeans or shorts when you want to switch things up. For a high-fashion yet practical everyday look, pair your denim midi with a nude tank and comfortable Mary Jane flats that are both stylish and easy to walk in. An oversized blazer adds a chic layer that ties the entire outfit together, but feel free to leave it off if the weather is warm!

LINEN SHIRT, TANK TOP + SANDALS

My love for linen is still going strong! A simple linen shirt is a versatile summer staple that can be thrown over a dress, paired with a midi skirt, or layered over a tank top and short jeans, as I’ve done here. The possibilities are endless (and always chic). Pair it with sandals like Birkenstocks, and voilà! You’ve got an outfit you’ll want to wear all spring and summer long.

OVERSIZED BLAZER + WHITE TANK

Want to keep your favorite white tank and jeans but still look polished? An oversized blazer is the simplest way to elevate your basic outfit into something chic. This formula offers plenty of versatility. For a casual vibe, pair it with comfortable sneakers and sunglasses. If you’re heading to a dressier event, swap out the sneakers for sling-back heels and add some statement jewelry for a more sophisticated touch.

BALLET VIBES

Balletcore has undeniably been a huge trend this year, and I’m all for it! I love incorporating dance-inspired pieces into my everyday wardrobe for a hint of elegance. A black long-sleeve bodysuit paired with ballet flats creates a beautiful look, offering the perfect contrast to more casual streetwear items like cargo pants.

LINEN SHORTS + VEST TOP

On scorching summer days when you still want to look cute, linen is your best friend. A pair of black linen shorts, like these from Aritzia, looks effortlessly chic when paired with a stylish shoulder bag and leather flip-flops. A linen vest top is just as breezy and comfy as a cotton tank but offers a more elevated look. And don’t forget your sunhat and SPF!

LOGO SWEATSHIRT + WOOL COAT

Wool coats are an essential chilly weather staple that elevate even the most casual outfits. You can easily wear one throughout fall and winter with your favorite jeans and a cool graphic sweatshirt or tee for a practical, everyday-approved look. Complete the outfit with dad sneakers, a baseball cap, and a crossbody bag for an effortlessly low-key vibe.

ATHLEISURE + CRISP WHITE SHIRT

Looking for everyday outfit ideas that are ultra-comfy? Athleisure is the way to go! A matching workout set is the perfect hack for looking put-together, even if you just rolled out of bed. Elevate the look with cool-girl touches like chunky New Balance sneakers, long socks, and a crisp white shirt—talk about effortless business casual!

DENIM + BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT

Here’s another take on my go-to denim and button-down shirt combo—proof that you can keep the same outfit formula feeling fresh with just a few changes! For this casual look, I’ve chosen denim. Adding a baby blue button-down provides a light layer and a fun pop of color to the neutral outfit. Feel free to mix and match your button-down shirts with any laid-back look—it’s a style that’s hard to get wrong!

OFF WHITE + DENIM JACKET

You can never go wrong with an all-white look—it’s effortlessly chic and timeless. Elevate this everyday base by adding coordinating black accessories and a denim jacket. I love wearing leather flip-flops for warm spring and summer days, but you can easily transition this outfit into fall with ballet flats or heeled boots.

STRIPED SHIRT, WHITE SKIRT + SANDALS

Midi skirts are definitely having a moment right now, and I can’t get enough of them! The outfit combo above is ideal for refreshing your everyday look while staying chic and comfy. A white midi skirt—the ultimate piece for spring and summer—feels effortlessly flowy and casual when paired with a striped shirt, fisherman sandals, and an oversized tote. Style your hair in loose, undone waves for a relaxed, low-key vibe.

BLACK TEE, JEANS + FLIP-FLOPS

Who says a basic outfit can’t be chic? Straight-leg jeans and a black tee are a super simple combination that many of us wear on repeat. Elevate this relaxed look by adding a leather belt, a stylish handbag, and chic sandals that tie everything together beautifully.

DOUBLE DENIM

According to Who What Wear, double denim is making a comeback in 2024. However, in my book, it never really went out of style! Embrace this iconic Y2K pairing by wearing a denim jacket and jeans in a similar wash. Keep it casual with a plain tee and lived-in sneakers, or opt for a more feminine touch with a shirred top and ballet flats for a cute twist.

BLACK JEANS + OVERSIZED SHIRT

This cute everyday outfit totally gives off model-off-duty vibes! Loose black jeans have a relaxed, laid-back feel, especially when paired with a casual tank top and my favorite sneakers for 2024—Adidas Sambas. The oversized fit of a polished button-down adds a chill touch, so try layering it over a casual base for a more styled look.

CARGO JEANS, CARDIGAN + SNEAKERS

Looking to spice up your daily denim? Cargo-inspired jeans are the perfect addition to your everyday wardrobe. You can style them just like your favorite jeans with sneakers and a cute cardigan, but it’s the details that make your outfit stand out. For added flair, accessorize with feminine touches like a little leather clutch and dainty jewelry to elevate your look.

STRIPED SWEATER, JEANS + BALLET FLATS

You can create countless outfits around a great-fitting pair of jeans. This simple combo is perfect for school, shopping, a lunch date, or casual days at the office. Start with a base of high-quality jeans and a white tank, then layer a striped sweater on top. Complete the look with ballet flats and a trendy shoulder bag for a chic finish.

RELAXED JEANS + LEATHER JACKET

In my opinion, any variation of jeans and a white tee makes for a cute everyday outfit. To refresh your go-to combo, try swapping your blue jeans for a relaxed pair in khaki or oat colors. A leather jacket adds a grungy touch, while black accessories help your white tee stand out beautifully.

KNIT DRESS, JEAN JACKET + SNEAKERS

For women who appreciate a balance of feminine and masculine styles, this next look is perfect for you. A knit midi dress paired with gold jewelry and a shoulder bag typically feels polished, but adding a denim jacket and trendy sneakers gives the outfit a more casual vibe. It’s an ensemble I’d wear out to dinner, to a friend’s house, or for any informal occasion.

CONCLUSION

From casual and comfy to stylish and sophisticated, there’s something here for everyone. Remember, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing. So, experiment, have fun, and let your inner cuteness shine through!