THIS MY NUMBER ONE TRAVEL TRICK! If you’re like me, you’re always looking to travel more affordably. This includes NOT paying for extra suitcases! Depending on the airline, this could save you hundreds! When my husband and I decided to embark on our 10 day Eurotrip on a budget airline, we opted out of paying the extra baggage fees and decided we’d only bring backpacks as carry on bags. Our friends and family thought we were crazy, hell even I was a little worried it couldn’t be done. Then… we did it!! It was SO MUCH EASIER than I had imagined. Here’s some tips on what to bring and what to leave home!
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(All 4 People Pictured Used These Packing Tips!)
What To Bring
Please remember to check your airline’s specifications for carry on rules. Different airlines have varying dimensions for carry ons, as well as limits on how many you can bring according to the type of ticket you bought.
1) Pants – Only bring 1-2 pairs of pants. One trusty pair of darker jeans (that way if you spill a little something on them, it’s not the end of the world), and one pair of black leggins or yoga pants. If you’re already screaming at me, just remember…. no one you know is going to see you from day to day wherever you are traveling. They’ll never know you wore those pants two days in a row *gasp.*
2) Shoes – Now this is going to be the hard part… I always limit myself to one pair. *ONE PAIR* Typically for me it’s a pair of Adidas black tennis shoes that are comfortable for walking. (These are the ones I have – Mine even have memory foam!) My husband loves to pack his white K-Swiss, or he might also switch it up with his black tennis shoes. If you’re traveling during the winter months, find a cute pair of boots that are comfy but versatile. The main idea here though is to bring one pair that will match everything, and that you don’t mind walking long distances in. Oh, and if you wear these on the plane… which you should… it leaves a ton of room for other things in your backpack.
- If I’m going somewhere warmer, I will also pack a pair of sandals… but they wouldn’t be bulky.
Here are some ideas for shoes that are versatile!
3) Shirts – Now that you have your pants and shoes laid out, pick 4 t-shirts (or long sleeve if you’re going somewhere coolers) that match those. Bonus points if one shirt goes with both pairs of pants! If you can mix and match that means more options in the long run.
4) Sweaters – Pick 2 light sweaters that can be worn either by themselves as a shirt, or you can layer up with if it gets cold.
5) The Essentials – socks, underwear, 1 comfy sports bra, 1 regular bra, and some PJs.
6) Toiletries
– Brush or comb & a FEW hair ties (not the whole pack)
– Deodorant
– Toothbrush with Travel Sized toothpaste
– Travel Sized Shampoo, Conditioner, & Soap
– Makeup – Remember, you’re beautiful with or without makeup. Stick to the basics and cut down on what you bring. Try only: Foundation, blush, eyeliner, mascara, and a bold lipstick. It’ll also save you time getting ready so you can see more!
7) Tide Sink Laundry Packets – These are great if you know you’ll have a chance to do a quick load of laundry and let them hang somewhere to dry. My husband and I washed a few shirts and some stinky socks in the sink, they dried overnight, and we good to go! Super convenient!!
8) Entertainment – Small tablet, phone apps, headphones.
9) Packing Cubes or Compression Bags – This one is crucial! I’ve done 10 day trips both with and without these and let me tell you, I’ll never do another trip without compression bags. We went on a trip to Iceland (lots of winter clothing, scarfs, wool socks, etc) and with compression bags, we were able to still fit everything into our backpack. Travel Trick – Wear your heavy coat on the plane so it doesn’t take up space in your luggage. Then use it as a pillow or blanket for a quick nap as you travel.
* Also, I’m not one to brag – but on our last trip (Iceland) we amazingly fit both my husband and I’s clothes into ONE backpack and were able to use the extra space in his backpack to pack some food in.
Here are a few examples of compression packs you can use
What Not To Bring
1) EXTRA SHOES! – I’ll repeat it for all you over packers. STOP! You don’t NEED 3 pairs of shoes as “options” if you laid out all your clothes in advance. You know your one pair of shoes matches every outfit you packed. They take up so much space in your backpack too when you could be using that space to bring home souvenirs!!
2) EXTRA CLOTHES! – Along the same line as #1 – Don’t pack that one outfit that can only be worn with that one pair of shoes. It’s cute at home, but if you’re trying to be realistic and fit everything in a backpack – it needs to stay at home. You can wear it out as soon as you get back! And to be clear, I’m not saying don’t pack cute clothes… just pack cute clothes that are versatile and can be worn multiple ways!
3) Hair Dryer & Straightener – it’s only 10 days! Go all natural! Chances are you’ll have a hair dryer at some of the places you stay so it won’t even be the whole 10 days you’ll go without one. Also, try looking up hairstyles that can be done while your hair is wet like braids, or half up half down styles. Be creative!
4) Large Toiletries – Keep everything travel sized to save room, and really assess how much you need what you’re bringing. Do you really need that huge bottle of perfume or the 20 creams you use at night? Remember it’s ONLY 10 DAYS!!
5) Books / Magazines / Laptops – Trade these out for a small tablet and download e-books, articles, and movies!
I hope these helpful packing tips help and that you take the plunge into backpacking! Drop YOUR helpful packing tips below in the comments! I’m always looking for new ways to pack lighter!
Check out these backpacks from Amazon and get to packing!