If you’re the kind of person with a forever overweight suitcase, we probably have a lot in common. I almost never go to the airport without dragging less than 60 pounds up to the check-in desk. However, last summer when I heard that everyone was losing their checked bag during their Europe travels, I knew I just had to pack a carry-on.
My trip started in London where I got to explore the city where I once studied abroad in and then I headed to Positano. I wanted the full summer in Europe experience and I most definitely got it. Afterward, I ended up in Lisbon and Sintra Portugal for a friend’s wedding which was beautiful, and then immediately flew to my hometown for another wedding that I just couldn’t miss. This trip required quite a wardrobe and it was a struggle to pack.
As someone who brings a checked bag for a 2 or 3 days trip, how would I accomplish bringing 20+ outfits to 4 different destinations? The secret packing tips lie below. If you’re planning a long trip this year, shop my packing essentials that will allow you to go weeks off of a minuscule wardrobe.
Scrolling through social media leading up to my travels, I saw the vacuum-sealed bag trend and after some back and forth decided to try it by myself. This is the only way I was able to pack so much for a small trip and an absolute life changer. For each country that I visited, I had a separate bag packed of clothes that I was able to seal in an airtight bag. What would’ve once been a large checked bag and a carry-on now was minimized into one thing.
I must warn you, while these make it possible to pack a carry-on they definitely don’t make it faster to pack. Each time you open and seal a bag, you need to hand pump the air out of the bag. I wasn’t able to work out as much as usual on my trip so I saw it as arm day every day. If you’re willing to put up with the inconvenience of pumping your bag sealed every time you pack up and go, it’s worth it.
If you’re traveling for a short period of time and want something more convenient, packing cubes are all the hype right now and I am planning to try them ASAP. They manage to minimize the space that your items take up and packing becomes easier when everything is compartmentalized.
For those of us over-packers who are trying to get it down to just a carry-on, Away makes the roomiest suitcase you’ll find. I’ve sworn by their design for years now. It doesn’t help that their product is so chic and manages to go with every one of my looks.
Again, compartmentalization is key and this tote from Cuyana does the job when it comes to the little things you’ll need on your travel day. With a dedicated laptop sleeve, it’s so much easier to reach in and grab what you need.
If you’re really stumped on space, multiple little bags are always a great way to squeeze your travel-sized beauty products into every corner and crevice of your suitcase. However, if you can fit it all in one, that makes it much easier when you arrive at your destination. I love a bag that you can hang in the bathroom like so.
When traveling with just a carry-on, there’s no room for products that I won’t be getting any use out of during my travels. Also, most of my full-sized items had to stay behind. Below, are the few items from my massive collection that I felt were with bringing along with me.
Whenever I have a really exciting trip planned, I like to pick a fragrance just for the excursion. I went to Sephora and played around in the perfume section before this trip and landed on the decision to bring along Gypsy Water because it reminded me of the stillness of the Ocean that I would soon be swimming in.
My go-to skincare brand for travel has always been UBeauty. I take a break from the 7-step skincare routine that I do at home and just focus on their Resurfacing Compound and Super Hydrator. My skin is always glowing upon my return so clearly it’s all that I really need.
During my trip last summer, I decided not to bring foundation. I love a natural glowy look when it’s summertime. I still wanted to prep my skin every day with something dewy which led me to use Elaluz’s illuminating primer. I stumbled across the product during one of my regular trips to Miami and it’s replaced my tinted moisturizer collection. There is just the right amount of glisten to play with.
I keep a hand sanitizer close to me at all times when traveling. There’s nothing worse than getting sick on the road so this item is key. My current favorite is Touchland because I love how it’s so slim and can fit into any purse that I bring along, even my micro mini bag. Plus, I hate that most hand sanitizers smell like rubbing alcohol—everything from Touchland is so refreshing.
I’m a person who likes to wear three different lip glosses in one day. My collection follows me everywhere I go. However, when traveling light I often have to pick just one that I’m really loving. Kosas lip oil is a great example of the kind of product that is worth narrowing down your selection for. It’s super hydrating with just the right amount of shine.
I stayed at Airbnb while I was traveling and while I had a great time, I missed the candles that I constantly have burning at home. I recently was gifted a selection of mini Diptyque candles which was the ultimate game changer. Now when I go on a trip, I bring a mini candle with me and let it burn.
Another skincare brand that I love to travel with is Dr. Barbara Sturm. While traveling it’s best to focus on powerful serums and a simple routine. That’s what I love about Sturm’s products. They skip the B.S. and get straight to the glow we’re all after.
Vacation can get hot and sticky so setting your makeup is absolutely key. Even though it takes up more room than any other product in my toiletries bag, I live for the full-sized translucent powder from Hourglass. It’s the most important step of my makeup routine.
The trip that I spent most of this article talking about was filled with statement dresses that required minimal accessories or styling pieces. For a trip that isn’t just an endless party, I’m very conscious about dressing around the same color palette and packing staples I can wear in multiple ways. Below, find the fashion pieces that are worth squeezing into your packing cubes.
I would wear this dress once a week in the summer with different accessories each time. If you have a longer trip planned you could definitely get away with wearing it twice.
I usually only get to bring one pair of statement earrings when I go on vacation. Chunky silver hoops are all the rage right now at the Who What Wear office so I’d indulge in this style if I were you.
I never travel without a white halter tank because the layering possibilities are endless. I’d most likely end up wearing this with an oversized button-down shirt on top.
When you have a long flight, there’s no need to force yourself to wear something uncomfortable. A sweatsuit when styled with a trench coat and retro sneakers is incredibly chic.
Statement tops are a must when you have an itinerary filled with nice dinners. The bow on this blouse immediately caught my eye.
If you’re going somewhere cold, you’ll probably only be able to bring one pair of boots and I have to suggest this one. It’s waterproof and stylish making it versatile AF.
I’m all about the basics and this tank won me over. I love the idea of wearing a muted color palette to tell a story around it.
Ballet flats are a nice pair of shoes that you can carry in your bag with you so when the time comes to navigate cobblestone streets, you’re prepared. In Italy, walking in heels was almost completely out of the question and although that didn’t stop me from wearing them a nice pair of flats would’ve been appreciated.
The polka dot motif on this top feels very European summer to me. Pair it with any pants that you’ve packed and you have yourself a look.
I haven’t been into denim shorts lately but this one pair convinced me to fall back in love with them. The oversized and slouchy fit is such a vibe.
The number of possibilities that come along with wearing this oversized button-down is endless. I’d pair it with my favorite white bikini on the beach but then wear it while exploring the city a few hours later.
When I travel in the spring and can only bring one piece of outerwear, it always ends up being a trench coat. Nothing looks more polished.
Friends have been asking me if I think the denim maxi skirt trend is here to stay and my answer is yes. Expect to see it a ton this spring and don’t be shy about bringing it on vacation.
A basket bag usually won’t fit into my suitcase when I’m traveling with a carry-on but this tote that I just discovered might just make my dream a reality. It’s the perfect summer bag.
I haven’t stopped thinking about this dress since I discovered it a few weeks ago. The puff-sleeves and silhouette are a dream but it’s really the price point that won me over.
