For some travelers, the mere thought of packing a carry-on can sour even the most intense vacation anticipation. But packing light can also be a creative endeavor that helps build excitement for your upcoming getaway. And with checked bag fees on the rise, it only makes sense to master the art of packing a carry-on. Here are some tips on how to save space — and your sanity.
Get into the minimalist mindset
If you tend to overpack, start by thinking about why you’re traveling in the first place. Doing so can help you focus on the many sights, sounds, smells and tastes you’re about to experience rather than the many clothes you can’t fit in your bag.
“It’s all about mindset,” said Pauline Frommer, co-president of Frommer’s Guidebooks and Frommers.com, who hasn’t checked a bag in more than 20 years. “When you travel,” he explained, “it’s about seeing the world more than the world seeing you.”
Pack colors that go together so you can bring fewer items but still have options, like re-wearing the same pants with different shirts. Darker colors mean that a stain won’t make something unbearable. And invest in some technical clothing. Such pieces keep you warm without being bulky, are easy to carry, have pockets for essentials like glasses and cell phones, and are water and odor resistant so they can be worn more than once. Many outdoor clothing brands (Patagonia and Arc’teryx, to name a couple) make clothes that are perfect for hiking, but stylish enough to dress up when the sun goes down. Just pack some eye-catching accessories.
“I tend to throw on a necklace,” said Ms. Frommer, which she wears over her day clothes “to make them look dressier.”
Choose your bag
There is no perfect carry-on for everyone. To determine which bag is best for you, ask yourself how you will use it. Will you be transporting it long distances, through subway turnstiles and city streets? Or will you usually get off a plane and get into a car? Wheeled bags tend to put less strain on your body, although if you’re taking public transport or the stairs, a backpack or light box can keep you hands-free and can make for smoother transitions. Also think about the things you will bring. Structured, tougher luggage is often best for keeping clothes wrinkle-free and organizing bulky items like high heels. That said, a soft bag without wheels has a better chance of going into an overhead bin.
Nerissa Settie, who as executive butler at Raffles Doha in Qatar trains the butler team and oversees day-to-day operations, wrote in an email that “each option offers a different benefit,” with duffel bags providing more depth and wheels bags that provide more pockets and less pressure on your shoulders. If you choose the latter, buy a bag with four wheels, Ms. Setty advised, which is easier to maneuver along an airplane runway.
Whichever bag you choose, you know the rules. Carry-on dimensions vary by airline, so be sure to check the size and weight requirements of your specific airline, including those of any connecting carriers.
Also note your route and fare class, which may affect the number of bags you are allowed to carry and their weight. And remember: Even though your bag may comply with the carry-on policy, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be allowed to bring it. For example, if you’re in a low-boarding group, you’re more likely to need to check your bag. With this in mind, keep essential items like medication in a small bag that can easily fit under the seat in front of you. If you’re not sure if you’re allowed to pack a particular item, check the government websites for the places you plan to travel from, such as the Transportation Security Administration’s What Can I Bring? page and the European Commission’s Air Traveler Information page.
Know when to fold them
When it comes to packing your clothes, the question is: Should you fold or roll them? Ms Settie recommends scrolling because it takes up less space and results in fewer creases. This is easy enough with t-shirts, but what about a suit jacket? The butlers at Raffles Doha use a technique that involves turning one shoulder of the jacket inside out and then rolling the opposite shoulder inside, aligning the sleeves and then folding the jacket in half while inside out, which minimizes wrinkles and helps protect the outer layer of the jacket (Ms Shetty shared instructions here). Or just wear your blazer on the plane, which Ms. Shetty suggests because jackets and jeans take up a lot of space and weigh more. Besides, he said, it gives you “the added benefit of traveling in style.”
As you place items in your bag, think about balance. Put heavier items like shoes on the bottom (near the wheels if your bag has them). Ms. Frommer said she usually packs two pairs and hides things like socks and jewelry in them.
Clothes should go toward the top of your bag to reduce creases created by weight, with jackets coming last, Ms. Shetty said. You can also add a layer of wrinkle protection by placing skirts and blouses in plastic dry cleaning bags before folding them and then placing them on top of your bag.
Borrow and buy
A little research beforehand can free up a lot of space. Call your hotel or B&B to find out if items like hair dryers and sunscreen are provided so you don’t have to pack your own, and ask if they have laundry facilities or offer cleaning for a reasonable price.
And don’t worry about the packing package just in case. Buying practical things while away can be a lot of fun. It’s a chance to talk to locals, try local products (like the affordable beauty elixirs found in Paris pharmacies) and, of course, bring some treasures home thanks to all that room left in your bag.
