If we are fortunate enough to travel, then we really can't complain too much. However, most people would agree that traveling has certainly become more difficult, more confusing, and more expensive in recent years. One of the more confusing issues is the varying costs of checked luggage. Luckily, it is easy enough to pack and use a carry-on bag and avoid the added confusion, and the added fees, all together! Packing a carry-on can be a challenge if you're not used to it, but once you've done it once or twice, it will become second nature and will save you time and money.
- Layout
First, you will need a "staging area" (perhaps the floor in your bedroom) to lay out the items you want to take on your trip. Everything will be laid out on the floor before a single item is packed. This will actually help you eliminate items, and keep your packing streamlined enough to get it all in a carry-on.
- Research
Next, you'll need to research the weather at your destination for the time you will be staying there. It helps to use a reliable weather forecasting source, such as the National Weather Service. Then, take out any specialty items you may need for the weather you will encounter. For example, if rain is in the forecast, you may need a rain jacket, appropriate shoes, and/or an umbrella.
- Activity Needs
You'll need to think about your trip day by day and perhaps even write down what activities are planned for each day. That way, you can see exactly what you will need for every portion of your trip. Once that is done, you'll need to think about what you can wear more than once and/or what items you can mix and match. Obviously, space is limited when you are using a carry-on so you will want to maximize what you can bring in the allotted space. You should also find out if there are laundry facilities at your destination, in case you'll want to wash and re-wear a few items.
- Explicit Purpose
The night before your trip, go through every item in your "staging area" and make sure that it serves a specific purpose. If not, remove it from the pile and return it to its drawer or closet. It stays home if it has no specific purpose. It is very important to adhere to this rule, otherwise you will have trouble packing in a carry-on.
If you follow this step by step process, you will be amazed by how little you actually need to pack and still have enough to wear for every day activities on your trip. Think about it. How many times have you taken a large suitcase on a trip, only to return home with many unworn items? Soon, the process of carry-on packing will become automatic, and you will be saving time and money on every trip you take.
