How to Pack Your Carry on Like a Pro

How to Pack Your Carry on Like a Pro

When you take a plane, you are almost certainly going to want to bring a carry on with you onto the flight. Sometimes, it can be a challenge figuring out what the necessities are. Of course, there are also airport regulations that restrict the items you can bring. Hopefully this guide will bring you some clarity on how to effectively pack your carry on.

First and foremost – ensure you choose the correct bag for maximum efficacy. As you might expect, there are plenty of bags designed for this purpose. A bag that has a sizable body and bountiful pockets is ideal for storage and organization.

Duffel bags are basically your all-purpose sacks. They are generally easy to carry and have two handles so that two people can share the weight while carrying it.

Backpacks and the best part of having them is that you can go hands-free with it. You won’t get tired even if you’re carrying a month’s luggage. Backpacks are the popular choice of bags for campers, trekkers or any outdoorsy person. I like them because they are easily accessible, they can carry a lot and are the most portable. Jost don’t pack too heavy!

Suitcases may not be that convenient and probably weighs more than you’d like to carry, but there are times when you just absolutely need it. A benefit if you do have to have a suitcase is that it’s a lot easier to organize your clothing, and keep them crease free.

Packing cubes are small pouches which are used to separate and organize items in your bags. I have not tried it myself, but I have seen minimalist travelers use these to travel with everything they had!

Next, try and place your necessities within quick and easy reach. Things like electronics that will need to be scanned, as well as toiletries are great for those pockets I mentioned previously. This will make things easier for everyone. Organizations like Venture Road provide excursions and forays for their groups. Having a well packed carry on can also serve useful on group trips such as these.

Like I said, having the right bag is important. in addition, having the right travel coat/jacket/vest is vital as well! While I can’t recommend a brand, I will say that having something with deep pockets and is able to zip up is going to help you keep your things safe.

Plan ahead. Try sitting down days or even a week before your scheduled trip and thinking deeply into what you are really going to need. Grab a pen and paper and begin to list off individually each item that you cannot do without on the plane or in a pinch. As it gets closer to your vacation date you will have a detailed and accurate list of what you need.

Here are some things that I always need on trips but for some reason never think of them until I have already departed:

Reusable Water Bottle - Reusable water bottles are worth their weight when you travel. ...

Laundry Bag - Because I can’t stand when the dirty stuff gets mixed with the clean stuff!

First Aid Supplies - For the cuts and scrapes that WILL happen.

Reusable Shopping Bag - Especially in Europe. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to carry groceries home by hand because plastic bags either aren’t available or they cost money.

Emergency Snack - Hunger can set on fast, and you will need something sustainable until you can find food.

Extra Memory Card - You will need it when you want to take more pictures and videos!

Hand Sanitizer - Clean hands are happy hands!

Lip Balm - Your lips will thank you for it

Copies of Travel Documents - I would print them and have them in a bag that I carry everyday AND have them on my phone - in both my images and emailed to myself.

Flip-Flops - You never know where you’ll end up staying, so having good footwear will keep you safe and clean.

Stain Remover - Always keep yourself looking good because you never know who you might meet. If you spill something, clean it off fast to be presentable and to keep your clothes in good shape for the rest of your travels.

Host Gifts - Regardless of if you end up staying with an actual host family, having a little something to give to people along your journey as a ‘thank you’ or even just a reminder of you will go a long way in the future.

Another useful tip? Make sure things like medication and toiletries are within easy reach. A great deal of the population is on medication, therefore, having it handy and within reach is sometimes essential. And on trips with groups like the aforementioned Venture Road you need to have personal care items ready to go.

It’s also not a bad idea to let someone who you’re traveling with know where your medicine is in case of an emergency. Always remember, safety equals fun!

Be prepared for worst case scenarios. Flights and schedules get changed around all the time—sometimes at the drop of a hat. That is why I strongly urge you to bring an eye mask and a neck pillow if possible. Should you find yourself needing sleep in an airport, you will be set with the proper preparations.

Having travel insurance can help with this kind of thing. If your stuff turns up missing, you miss your flight because you late, you injure yourself, you have to make sure you handle the situation. Protection while you travel is essential, so think about getting insurance before you leave home.

Traveling can be tricky business. This is especially the case when you do not plan ahead. By carefully planning and considering possible situations that could arise during your travels, you will already be one step ahead. Follow these tips on successfully packing a carry on and I wish you happy travels!

How to Pack Your Carry on Like a Pro by Lieke van den Berg

Lieke van den Berg is a 25 year old world traveler from the Netherlands. She discovered a passion for traveling when she was young and has been exploring the world ever since. Lieke stands by the fact that travel does not have to be expensive, it can be an affordable but priceless experience. Her goal is to inspire people to explore the world, discover themselves and inspire passion. She loves to share travel tips, travel tricks and travel stories.

Venture Road - An affordable way to have a priceless experience.

See you on the road soon!