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The background
Earlier this year, I was on the road for a six-week trip. As I began planning my packing, I was determined to stick to my carry-on-only philosophy. However, this meant getting creative. This trip was especially interesting since I was also in the midst of training for my first 25K trial race. This added a lot of extra gear that I had to find a place for.
Additionally, I had to consider the varying climates I would encounter on my trip. I would be traveling from northern Maine to London, Switzerland, and finally Portugal. This trip would require me to pack warm weather clothes to enjoy the beaches in the Algarve, rain clothes for London, work clothes for in person meetings and remote work, play clothes for exploring and dancing, and of course, my workout gear.
I like packing carry-on only but…
I realize carry-on only packing isn’t for everyone, that’s okay too. Personally, I find it easier to have a backpack and small suitcase. This was especially true on a trip like this where I would be taking several flights, trains, and small rental cars. Not only does carry-on only packing save you time at the airport (both dropping bags and picking them up) but getting around European cobblestones or old buildings without an elevator with a small bag is just easier.
Basically, you do you. This is just my preference and if you are curious, here are a few quick tips that can help you pack for a six-week trip (or longer), including exercise or training equipment and considering different climates.
5 Easy Tips on how to successfully pack for a long trip
- First, I only pack carry-on luggage. So, it probably isn’t a surprise that if you do this, you’ll need to do laundry during your trip. I ended up doing laundry twice during my trip. I booked an Airbnb with a washing machine and sent out for dry cleaning once. Just because you’re planning a six-week trip, doesn’t mean you need an outfit for every single day. Even at home I don’t wear a different outfit every day for six weeks. If you do that, that’s great, but this list probably isn’t for you. I have been on the other side, checked a huge bag and didn’t wear half of what I packed. Live and learn.
- Second, I recommend layering. This applies to planning your outfits, but it also helps in cooler climates and what you wear on the plane. I am always cold on the plane, so wearing one or two long layers doesn’t bother me. I’m not referring to the excessively bulky/abominable snowman type outfits people wear when they don’t want to pay for a checked bag. While those videos are amusing, I’m simply talking about a long-sleeve shirt and possibly a hooded sweatshirt, sweater, or jacket on the plane. These items can save you the extra space in your bag while keeping you warm and comfortable during the flight.
- Figure out your toiletry situation. The more you can control the size of your toiletry bag and get things down to a science, the better. Remember, you can always purchase something you may have forgotten to pack. You could also consider purchasing things like shampoo and conditioner when you arrive if you are tight on space. For me, I would be taking several planes throughout my journey, so larger liquids in my carry-on weren’t an option. However, I was able to make this work just fine. I like to keep my toiletry bag stocked and don’t unpack it since I travel frequently. But again, make this work for you.
- If you’ll be working and playing tourist, consider purchasing or packing work clothes that can also be used as play clothes. This will help you feel more put-together throughout your trip. It’s an easy suggestion, but unless you’re wearing a full suit to work, most people can probably fit this in their carry-on.
- Finally, sticking to a color theme definitely helps in mixing and matching outfits. There are guides available on the internet that can help you in creating a travel capsule wardrobe. However, I discovered that by packing a single color theme seems to work well. For instance, sticking to a black, brown, and white color theme allows you to mix and match items more easily.
That is How I Successfully Pack for a Long Trip
In conclusion, while packing for a long trip with just carry-on luggage may not suit everyone, it can be a rewarding challenge with the right strategies. Okay, maybe rewarding is a stretch. It can certainly save you the aggravation of lost luggage, wasting time at baggage claim, and carrying large baggage up 4 flights of stairs.
By embracing creativity, layering, smart toiletry management, versatile clothing, and a cohesive color theme, you can enjoy the convenience and ease of traveling light. Remember, the key is to adapt these tips to fit your personal preferences and travel style. Safe and healthy travels!