How to Pack 10 Days in 1 Carry-On

I've touched on the subject of packing in previous travel posts, but with the holidays around the corner, I thought it would be helpful to expand on exactly how I pack enough stylish outfits for 10 days...in a single carry-on bag!

You guys know we're budget travelers (tips on that here), which means no one is hauling our bags for us, therefore we travel light! Granted, traveling for the holidays likely isn't the same as two weeks in Europe, but the simpler the better in our book!

First, you must start with a good bag...I love this Atlantic 21-inch Compass Unite because of all the zippered compartments, built-in wet pocket, sturdy base, and easy to maneuver wheels. There are also extra clips for attaching other bags, and comfortable, padded handles. When hopping off and on trains and escalators, you want a bag that is light and transports easily.

So first we'll start with what to pack. I believe it takes as much effort to dress like a schlep, as it does to throw on something cute. (Don't misunderstand, of course I own and wear clothing that should never see the light of day. I just don't bring them on trips where a camera is always out!) Shift dresses, skirts with tshirts, well-fitting jeans and cardigans are just as comfortable as sweatpants. And by adding gel insoles and/or good quality wool socks, my wedge boots, flats, and tennies are actually more comfortable than athletic shoes.

{What to Pack}

Choose neutral pieces, and keep them within the same color palette so everything mixes and matches, as well as layers. Weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key. We aren't packing 10 separate and complete outfits (or 20, if you count nights), we're packing for enough combinations for 10 days and nights.

{Tops}

Chambray // Gingham // Pullover // Striped Tee // Sleeveless Blouse

Tip: Avoid packing duplicate pieces, so you can get as many looks out of the few things you bring. 

{Bottoms}

Cropped Distressed Jeans // Dark Rinse Straight Leg Jeans // White Jeans // Black Yoga Pants

Tip: Accessories are an easy way to look pulled together, and don't take much room in a suitcase. Pack an assortment of scarves and statement jewelry pieces to add a pop of color, and make any outfit more chic.

{Filler Pieces}

Black Shift Dress // Floral Skirt // Leopard Scarf // Plaid Scarf // Floral Scarf

Consider both a lightweight jacket and vest, instead of a single bulky coat...they are easier to travel with, and can be worn alone, or layered for more warmth when needed. Of course if you're traveling to Alaska, you'll need a heavy coat, but wear it on the plane instead of packing it.

{Jackets}

Utility Vest // Cardigan // Jean Jacket

Tip: Stack your bras on top of each other, then fold together with undies tucked in the cups. This will help them keep their shape, and utilize the extra space. Also, no need to pack 10 pair, just bring a small bottle of liquid detergent to wash these items in the sink.

{Staples}

White Tank // PJs // White Long-Sleeve Tee // Gray Short-Sleeve Tee // Bras & Undies

Tip: Pack a tank, short-sleeve tee, and long-sleeve tee...these will serve as layering pieces if the weather is warmer or cooler than you expected.

{Shoes}

Boots // Flip Flops // Leopard Flats // Tennies

Tip: Use plastic shower caps from the Dollar Store (or your hotel!) to wrap the soles of your shoes. This will keep them from getting your clothes dirty when packed.

I use waterproof bags for toiletries in case of leaks, and store my curling iron in a felt sleeve so I can pack it while still warm. No one wants to miss their flight because they were waiting for their curling iron to cool off!

{Misc.}

Waterproof bags for hair products, make-up and jewelry

Curling Iron & Hair Dryer (don't forget adaptors if traveling international)

Crossbody Bag

Tip: Use pill containers from the Dollar Store to pack rings and small earrings, or even to fill with face cream. No sense in bringing the whole bottle if you're only gone a short bit.

{How to Pack}

Okay, now that we've got all our clothes sorted out, it's time to fit them nicely in our carry-on sized bag. Start by tucking your hairdryer in the corner, then tightly roll all the pants and jackets. Place shoes in any gaps. Yep, rolling really does take up less space than folding...plus it keeps things from wrinkling as badly!

Tip: Place dryer sheets throughout your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Roll tops, dress and skirt, and make a second layer, filling in gaps with toiletry bags and curling iron.

Roll scarves and place in the shaft of one boot (every bit of space is utilized!), and place undergarments in the other boot. Lay them on top, and buckle in place. Put the larger toiletry bags and purse in top zippered compartment.

Since I don't check the bag, I put items I might want to access during travel, like chargers and books, in the outside pockets. Voila! Ready to go!

In addition to the roll-bag (each of us has our own), I have a personal carry-on tote (more on that later), and Mr. Sugarplum carries a small backback, that doubles as a day-pack once we arrive. We've employed this system for all our trips, long and short (read about those here), and it makes for relaxed, stress-free travel! What tips do you have for packing and traveling? Are you heading out of town soon? Check out my Sugarplum Style series for ideas on how I mix-and-match...you'll see most of these pieces pop up frequently.

{GIVEAWAY}

Surprise!! There's a giveaway in this post, too! Atlantic Luggage knows life's a trip...so they want to give you the trip of a lifetime! They are running a sweepstakes to give one lucky duck a family trip for four to your choice of San Diego or New York City! Go here to enter today!
 

And Surprise again!! There's a second giveaway just for blog readers! Atlantic Luggage is giving one of you a 4-piece set of Compass Unite in Cobalt Blue. That's a $780 value!!

Enter the rafflecopter here, good luck, and happy traveling!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post brought to you by Atlantic Luggage. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Hi Sugarplum.**