Packing A Carry On: The Do's and Don'ts

Packing only what you need is easier said than done. I already tackled packing a single suitcase for 5 months abroad so I knew I had to think even more practically. I planned on visiting two countries with just my backpack. Seems crazy since I’ve never don’t anything like that before. For starters, I’m the type of person that over packs. For weekend trips I bring numerous options and unnecessary things for those “just in case situations”.

Although I felt like I was readily prepared, I forgot my swim suit so definitely make a list and check things off as you pack.

Tip 1: Check the weather.

When my dates for visiting were set I double checked the weather. As luck would have it, Budapest would experience the coldest week of the year during my trip. Bring things that are easy to layer and roll up. I would be starting off my solo travels in Edeleny, Hungary. I was staying with a family friend and knew there would be a washing machine so I could wash my things before my next destination. Madrid would be much warmer than the cities I traveled to in Hungary - that’s what happens when you decide to go traveling in January.

 I brought a pea coat, 1 hoodie, 1 turtleneck sweater, 2 long sleeve shirts, 1 t-shirt, 1 blouse, 2 pairs of leggings, 1 pair of joggers, and a pair of jeans. Don’t forget a hat, scarf, gloves and undergarments like socks. The leggings and joggers doubled as sleep wear and were perfect for those freezing days where I wore them underneath my jeans. I saw people dressed in fall jackets on a walking tour I went on. The tour was three hours long and I’m sure their bones were frozen by the end of it.

Tip 2: Make sure your backpack/carry on is a good one

I used a Ozark Trail backpack from Walmart. Similar one here . remember to check the dimensions of the bags you can bring on the plane. 

 I knew I would be shoving it under seats and putting it on the floor of terminals so it being cute wasn’t a priority. I definitely sacrificed cuteness for practicality throughout the whole trip. The different zipper compartments were perfect for fitting my boarding passes, travel goods, journal, lock, keys and snacks. The bottom compartment is used for keeping food cold or warm but I used it for my towel and travel containers. I got these from Target - they were perfect and came with a bag. I stayed in a hostal the last leg of my travels which is why I brought a towel. I packed a pair of flip flops as well since the showers are communal ( kind of like the dorm showers).  

Tip 3: Determining what you need vs. what you don’t

I wore my most comfortable sneakers and brought a pair of flip flops. Even though I was going out to bars and such I didn’t bring an alternate pair of shoes. I was fine. I knew I couldn’t fit my makeup bag so I just packed my naked basics eye shadow palate and my eyeliner. Even though my trip was 10 days, it was the most un-done I’ve ever been.

You need adapters for traveling, I advise bringing two –one of mine broke. I decided to not bring my laptop. My backpack has a sleeve for it built inside the largest pocket but I knew I would hate carrying it around. Even if I’d leave my laptop locked away, there’s still the time you’re putting that weight on your shoulders. Plus when you go through security it’s a whole other thing you have to take out.

The backpack may seem like it has a lot of space but it fills up quickly. During my travels there were people with hiking backpacks filled to the brim for their month long journeys. You have to ask yourself tough questions like – when will I wear this, how will I wash it, how badly do I need to bring this sweater, do I really need to bring my blow dryer?

It’s easy to make outfits if you stick to a certain color scheme. Bring basics that layer and know what you’ll wear with what. When you pair things up before you go it makes everything easier. You need a lock to keep your stuff safe, you don’t need three make up palates. You need a something to wear to sleep because being naked is not an option when you have multiple roommates sleeping a few feet away. You don’t need three pairs of shoes or that watch you got for Christmas. 

Let me know what some of your  packing tips are or things that you've learned along the way

Happy & Safe Travels!