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

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Top 10 Tips To Get Away.

                         Top 10 Tips To Get Away                  

    One of the best things that a person can do is spend time with good friends. Make memories that make you smile. So don't just sit there! Plan a weekend getaway with friends, hit the clubs, see a concert, See your favourite sports team play, Camp or even Glamp. The possibilities are endless. Just make sure you stay somewhere for at least 1 night. Here are some guidelines I have made up, after numerous successful attempts at the "weekend getaway. "

       A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking - Earl Wilson

1. Invite your friends - Pick  four dates and start asking friends that you feel comfortable asking, the more people the cheaper it is. Be up front with them and tell them how much it will cost, how much you should save for outings or food while away. Can't find friends that will spend money on a getaway? Get new friends!(not joking)
2. Get everyone's input - Even make a night of it, you will have fun discussing the possibilities. This will really get the ball rolling
3. Save Money- The reality of a weekend getaway is that you will spend money. So be smart, start saving it.
4. Pick the right place- travelling in groups usually is cheaper, so step it up a notch and stay in a nice place. Thank me for that tip later...  Don't be afraid to use www.tripadvisor.com for reviews but go with your gut instinct when you choose.
5. Pack right and Pack Light- pack just enough to get you through your trip. 2 reasons: Smaller bag and less laundry to do when you get home.... If you are planning a camping trip, Try and bring the essentials and for the food list, write down what you think you need and cut it down 40%. If your doing a shopping weekend bring a big bag and pack half as much stuff, so you can bring your new stuff home.
6. Do Something Cool - See a concert or a sporting event, go to the spa or shopping. Make it Great. (or make your own man Olympic's, See Picture up top)
7. Effort-  Do your homework and put some effort into planning the trip. You will feel the excitement, the more it unfolds. Your enthusiasm is contagious and people will notice your effort. Go all in. Your trip will be one of legend! and talked about for years.
8. Food- Planning ahead on what you might need for snacks or quick meals will save you money. Most resorts have kitchenettes these days, so look for a place with that type of suite. Don't forget to eat out at least twice, after all you are on vacation. 
9. Let your hair down- Have fun! that's what you guys or girls are there for, who cares if your head hurts a little bit in the morning and you spend all your money. 
10. Make it an annual event- If you end up having a great time (which you should, with these stellar tips.), start planning for next year. Building lasting friendships and memories.

   These tips have worked for me. Just ask my friends they'll tell you that I put a lot of effort into my outings. Its borderline obsessive... 

Have Fun Planning.
Chris

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