One of my least favorite parts of traveling is waiting on luggage. Being able to change plans last minute and go with the flow is crucial to happy travels, which means packing light for carry-on only. I’ve found the key to packing light is versatility! It IS possible to travel for 2 weeks or even a month with just a carry-on. Even if you aren’t trying to make a marathon trip with just your hand luggage, these smart packing tips for traveling light will help add some convenience for stress free travel.
Bring clothes you can layer, mix-n-match or that have more than one use. For instance, I usually pack a casual scarf in my backpack. On the plane I can use it as a pillow, if I’m cold it goes around my neck, it’s a shawl for my spaghetti strap dresses and a sarong for days at the pool or at the beach! ⠀⠀
Ideally, you should be able to pull out any bottom and any top and wear them together.⠀⠀
Shoes are always that “if I have room” luxury. My essential shoes that go with me on every trip are a pair of running shoes/sneakers, flip flops, strappy heels in either black or nude and a pair of comfortable, but trendy “everyday” shoe. My newest must-have travel obsession are these pink checkered Vans! I find they go with just about any outfit, are comfortable for all day wear and are cute enough to be on-trend. 💕
I got my Vans Asher Slip On Sneakers from Famous Footwear. I’m addicted to their amazing prices and I love that I can score designer shoes at a savings.
TIP: Wear your bulkiest pair of shoes and pack the light pairs. Pack socks or other small items in the shoes you aren’t wearing. Make use of that “empty” space!
Don’t pack for hypothetical situations. Only bring what you know you will use. Know your surroundings and the weather. Try making a list and sticking to it. Remove any items that will only be used once. Everything you pack should be able to be used multiple times through your trip.
TIP: Toss a couple of dryer sheets in the bottom of your bag to keep everything smelling clean. Also, some people swear that the smell of dryer sheets helps repel mosquitoes.
What’s one of your versatile, smart packing tips for traveling light? ⠀⠀
Thank you to Famous Footwear for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own.