How to Pack 2 Weeks in a Carry-On Bag

Whenever possible, I try to travel with just a carry-on bag. Then there is no worry of the airline losing your luggage and one less stop you have to make (baggage claim) on your trip! When my husband and I went to Italy a few years back, we each managed to pack for 2 weeks in just our carry-on bags. We traveled (by train, ferry, & taxi) down the west coast of Italy with many stops, so it was nice to just carry around 1 bag.

Here are a few tips to help you pack for your trip in just a carry-on bag:

The Right Bag

The type of trip you are taking might determine what kind of carry-on bag you use. I love to travel with my hiking backpack! It has lots of pockets for keeping things organized and it is easy to travel with if you are on the move and have multiple stops. Keep in mind you will have to carry this on your back until you get to your lodging. If you don’t think you are up for this, a normal carry-on spinner suitcase may work better for you.

Whichever you choose, be sure to check the maximum carry-on dimensions on the airlines website to ensure you will have no issues bringing it on the plane. Sometimes, when you are at the gate, airlines will tag larger carry-on bags to be stored under the plane. I usually try to take advantage of this, so that I don’t have to mess with stowing my bag in the overhead compartments on the plane. If you do this, just be sure to keep any items you might need with you in your personal bag on the plane.

Bigger Items

Try to wear some layers on the plane to help save room in your carry-on. I always wear my biggest jackets that I am bringing on the trip. Same goes for shoes… wear your biggest pair you are bringing (for me, this is usually my tennis shoes – which are comfy so win win!). Then try to pack your smaller shoe(s) in the carry on. Try your best not to pack more than you need.. shoes take up valuable space! But it is also important your feet are comfy, especially if you are doing a lot of walking.

Staying Fresh

Pack an extra bag or two (grocery bag, gallon bag, or nicer luggage bag) so that you can throw dirty clothes in during your trip. This will help keep your dirty clothes from stinking up your clean clothes!

Another tip would be to find places that have a washer & dryer. That way you can wear some of your outfits again, saving space in your bag! One final trick I love (but might not be for everyone haha) is packing some dryer sheets. I keep one loose in my bag to help things smell fresh. I also pack a couple more in a sandwich bag so that I can rub on my clothes if I decide to wear something more than once. Hey, I’m a mom of two and any time I can cut down on the amount of laundry we do, I’m in!

Side note- my husband and I do our own laundry and rarely combine them. Some people think this is weird.. anyone else out there keep their laundry separate from their spouse?! Comment below!

Roll Your Clothes

Rolling your clothes (instead of standard folding) will help save a lot of space, letting you pack more! Also, if done well, it can help keep wrinkles to a minimum. Even so, a travel size bottle of wrinkle release spray is great if you want to avoid ironing on your trip.

Travel Size Toiletries

And of course, be sure to pack travel size toiletries. Make sure all your items meet the TSA rules, in particular the size of the liquids you are bringing on the plane. Here is a link to carry-on rules.

What other tips do you have for carry-on travel? I would love to hear from you… comment below!