Packing for a Vacation: Carry-On Suitcase Only

Everyone deserves a vacation; we all work hard and need some time to relax and unwind. But with a vacation comes a bit of planning and understanding your own personal needs to pack efficiently and properly.

Two questions that I receive frequently when or after vacationing are:

1. Why do you pack with only a carry on suitcase?
2. How do you get everything into just your carry on?

The answers are quite simple.

1. I travel with carry on only because of the freedom. I have all belongings with me at all times. I do not wait for baggage claim or worry that my suitcase may be left behind or get damaged. 
2. When I first started travelling I severely over-packed for the melodramatic "what ifs" scenarios that I would devise in my head. I quickly learned those scenarios do not present themselves as easily as I thought they would. So with time I got smarter and realized I needed less and less and began to pack accordingly. I also bring a laptop bag along with me to house my important documents and to keep my electronics safe.

So with those questions answered I would like to share how I pack for a vacation in just a carry on suitcase. The trip I will be demonstrating today is the typical 7 day all inclusive trip to a tropical destination.

Everything I would need for an all inclusive trip.

Pictured above:

• Carry on suitcase
• 3 Pairs of shorts
• 2 swim trunks
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 4 pairs of socks
• 7 T-shirts
• 1 pair of dress pants
• 3 button up shirts
• 1 pair of dress shoes (I wear these on flight days)
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 toiletries bag (items inside will vary person to person)

Not pictured that I wear on travel day:

• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 rain coat
• 1 t-shirt
• 1 pair of under wear
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 sweater
• A baseball hat
• Sunglasses
• Headphones

Stuff socks and underwear into your shoes to save space. I personally wear mine on flight days so I will not be using this technique below. 

If you do not wear your dress shoes start with them (stuffed with socks and underwear) at the bottom.

I start with my toiletries bag at the bottom standing vertically.
**TIP** Make sure all items in the bag conform to airport requirements before leaving home! 

Next I add the 3 pairs of shorts and 2 swim trunks to the right of the toiletries bag on the bottom of the suitcase.

Next up are the 7 T shirts in the top left corner of the suitcase.

Follow that up with the 7 pairs of underwear in the top right corner.

Then I lay my 4 pairs of socks on top of the toiletries bag

Then I will lay the 3 dress shirts over everything evenly.

Then I lay my dress pants over the shirts (leg openings touch the waist band). There is still room for more items if you pack this way.
For example: An extra pair of pants or dress shirt, some tank tops or t shirts. Just be careful of the weight restrictions airports have.

I then tuck my sandals into the front pocket of the suitcase. There is also room for any accessories you may need, like a belt. 

Voila! Fully packed and ready to lay on a beach for a week!

So I hope this may have helped anyone who was looking to exchange their monster sized suitcase and slim down to just a carry on suitcase. 

If you have any helpful packing techniques please let me know by either commenting below or tweeting me @EdRealManTravel.

Also be sure to check out our Facebook page and click the like button for tips and tricks that you won't find on the blog.

Happy travels!

-Ed