2. How much do you want to carry? I ask myself
that question repeatedly every time I pack my
bags for a long trip. Clothing is bulky so I pack
items I can wear more than once and won’t
show stains or wrinkles.
Here is what I normally pack for 10 – 14 days:
• 2 pairs of slacks
• 7 – 8 shirts including t-shirts
• Shorts that can double as swim trunks
• 8 pairs of underwear
• 9 – 10 pairs of socks
• Belt, flip flops
3. For travel in cooler or rainy months, I pack
warmer socks. Lighter socks in warm
months. I also like ankle heights to save
additional space.
Regardless of season, I always wear wool
socks on the airplane. Cold feet at 39000 feet
for 8 hours is no fun!
4. Pack only those toiletries that you’re sure
you’ll need. For me, toothpaste and brush,
deodorant, shave cream and razor, small
comb, and meds (and bring my prescription
in case I need to refill).
Optional items that take up little space may
include ear plugs, a few band aids, lip balm,
hand sanitizer, body wash (good if you have
unexpected long flight delays).
If you forget something, you can buy
anything you need while traveling.
5. Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste must
each be in containers that are 3.4 oz or less.
Your small dab of toothpaste in a 10 oz tube
will be thrown away at security. You may
pack larger containers but only in your
checked luggage.
All liquids that you plan to carry-on must fit
inside a sealed 1 quart Ziploc bag.
I separate my liquids from the other items so
they will fit easily in the Ziploc bag, then
store everything together in a larger mesh
bag.
6. Ziploc bag with liquids stored with my
nonliquid toiletries in a mesh bag. I keep
everything together and visible, and I can
easily pull out the liquids for inspection.
I prefer my small items bags to be clear
instead of solid fabric/plastic. It is easier to
find things inside. I also like mesh. Damp
items will dry easily.
7. I think about what I really need for electronics.
It’s easy to bring too many things. How will you
feel about carrying the extra stuff or if they are
lost?
• Universal travel plug adaptor with multi
plug outlet.
• USB charging items.
• Phone, which has an excellent camera and
lots of storage space.
• Earbuds for use on the plane or whenever I
want to listen to audio without disturbing
my neighbors.
• Flash card or drive if needed.
8. All of my electronics and related supplies in
a handy mesh bag. It’s aggravating to dig
around in the bottom of your day bag
looking for lip balm and have to fight
through a twisted mess of wires.
9. I strongly recommend packing a ringbound
notepad. I always keep a travel diary so I can
remember my experiences, big and small, for
years to come.
I also recommend one with a pocket like this
one. Its very useful to store postage stamps,
receipts, postcards, and other loose paper
items.
10. A garment folder is a great tool to store your
clothes in a compact and wrinkle-free
manner. This one is 12”x18” and fits nicely
in carry-on bags.
http://shop.eaglecreek.com/packit-
garment-folder-medium/d/1325
11. Here are the items I pack in the garment
folder. I will pack socks into a separate mesh
bag so they don’t spill out whenever I open
the folder.
12. Watch this video demonstrating how to use a
folding board to ensure a neat, compact and
wrinkle-free shirt.
For slacks and other non-shirt items, I hand
fold neatly to fit the dimensions of the
garment folder.
13. For shorts and underwear, I lay them
smoothly in layers in the folder. Try to keep
the overall thickness of clothing layers even
throughout.
14. Once I have all my clothing on the garment
folder, just fold over the sides as
demonstrated in this video. Velcro fasteners
will hold it all in place.
15. Other items to pack should include:
Lightweight raincoat that packs down small.
Before travel I reapply rain repellent. A light
raincoat also provides warmth and blocks
the wind. Don’t let a windy, rainy day stop
you from seeing the sights!
Depending on the season and climate, I may
also pack gloves, a light hat and scarf, or sun
visor.
16. This 12”x18” mesh bag will come in handy
in a variety of ways. I use mine to corral
dirty clothes or carry items when I visit the
sauna or pool.
17. A packed carry-on bag:
• Garment folder
• Raincoat
• Socks tucked into the corners
• Toiletry bag near the top for easy access
at the airport or on the plane/train
• Flip flops or second pair of shoes
18. Ready to set out on another adventure!
My carry-on is light weight and will easily fit in
the overhead compartment on my flight. I have
my updated ID affixed to the handle. And I
secure the zipper with a TSA approved lock.
I will also carry a small day bag containing my
electronics, note pad, or anything I might think
I’ll want during my flight.
Notice what I’m wearing as I leave for my
flight:
• Darker clothing (in case I dribble my
beverage!)
• Long pants with belt
• Wool socks and comfortable walking shoes
• I’ll probably grab a long-sleeve shirt or light
sweater in case I’m cold during my journey.
19. Alternatively, you may consider a back pack.
This is what I use.
It is the same dimensions inside as the
previous carry-on piece, plus some outside
pockets to store my note pad, travel guides,
snacks, etc. With this extra small item
storage, I may not need an additional day
bag.
