How to pack?  What to pack?  What to pack in? The packing dilemma continues to be a big one, and everyone has adopted their own method for packing success. For me, successful packing means never having to check luggage, whether you’re traveling for a weekend or a month. And if you’re traveling for a month, I challenge you to follow these easy steps to be able to fit everything you could possibly need (and nothing you don’t) exclusively in carry-on luggage.

Step 1: Pre-Arrange Your Outfits to Maximize Mixing and Matching

Packing for 30 days does not mean you should pack 30 outfits.  An ideal travel wardrobe is one that can be mixed and matched into a variety of outfits. At least a week before your trip, lay out all of your favorite clothing items and accessories,then start coordinating. Avoid playing the “What If?” game when packing. What if I get invited to a fancy party? I’ll need a floor-length gown. What if I end up hiking Mt. Everest? I’ll need a winter parka. Weed out items that don’t coordinate, that are too bulky, and that just don’t make sense for your particular trip.

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Step 2: Use These Packing Lists as Guides

For Women:  
2 pairs of flats — they take up no room and are most comfortable
1 comfortable wedge shoe — easy day-to night shoe
1 dressy shoe — for night or fancier event
1 pair of sneakers or casual shoe – for working out or hiking
6 bottoms (pants, jeans, shorts)
2 skirts — not easily wrinkled
2 dresses – that can go day to night
12 versatile tops
2 long sleeve shirts
1 thin, but warm sweater or pullover
1 sarong
2 scarves/wraps
15 pairs of underwear — hand wash mid-way through your trip
2 sets of pajamas

For Men: 
2 casual shoes that can go from day to night
1 pair of flip flops
1 dressy shoe — for night or fancier event
1 pair of sneakers — for working out or hiking
8 bottoms (pants/jeans/shorts/swim trunks)
6 button-down shirts
12 t-shirts
2 long-sleeve cotton shirts
1 thin, but warm sweater or pull-over
15 pairs of underwear — hand wash mid-way through your trip
5 pairs of socks
2 Belts (rolled)

Step 3: Pick a Carry-On That’s Spacious and Pliable

I have found that hard case carry-ons, while they are rugged and durable, don’t expand enough for me to fit everything that I need. I prefer a soft carry-on that has a little stretch. I own this Bric’s X-Bag 21” rolling duffle carry-on, and I am happy with the spaciousness of the interior compartment and thankful that it has met all regulations for carry-on luggage, even on small shuttle flights.

Step 4: Pack From the Bottom of Your Body Up

Think about packing your suitcase from your feet up. Shoes go on the bottom, then start building two stacks. Pants always go on the bottom, then sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, tank tops, then scarves.

Step 5: Compress

Don’t forget to use your compression straps to tighten down each stack of clothes. They will not only keep items from shifting around, but they also create extra room around the edges and on top of your clothing stacks. Use that extra space to stuff scarves, bras, belts, bathing suits, socks, etc.

Step 6: Where to Put the Laptop?

Many carry-ons have a separate outside compartment especially for a laptop, which are ideal, but I can even fit my laptop on top of all my clothes inside the compartment.  It easily slides in and out at security.

Step 7: Invest in a Large Tote For Your Personal Item

Don’t forget that you can bring a carry-on suitcase plus one personal item on any flight, so maximize the size of your personal item and go for an oversized tote bag. I picked up this Day Gweneth Bag in Copenhagen and love how flexible and open it is. It fits everything! In this tote should be all additional items for your month around the world like toiletries (all 3 oz. and under), medications, camera equipment, cosmetics/shaving kit, sunglasses, jewelry, wallet, passport,etc.

Happy packing!

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