Hi guys! I write this as I am on a flight from Calgary to Chicago. Pretty crazy that there is WiFi this high in the sky. If you’ve been following along on Instagram you might have seen me go on and on about how I am too chicken to check a bag these days due to lost luggage, etc. After backpacking in Costa Rica a couple of years ago, I began to realize how little you actually need when traveling. For that trip, I had only a backpack for 2 weeks. Since then, I am pretty determined to only pack a carry on when possible. If you are traveling to warmer climates, it’s a lot easier to pack with only a carry-on. It’s when you start to run into fall and winter months that this gets a little tricky.

Luggage

For luggage, you are allowed to have one piece of luggage and one personal item, on most flights. I find the hardshell, rolling luggage definitely the most convenient. It’s pretty crazy how much they can fit. When you are shopping for hardshell carry-on, make sure the sizing is the standard size of 23cm (9in) x 40cm (15.5in) x 55cm (21.5in) to be sure it will fit into the overhead bin. I like this basic black one that is similar to one I picked up recently at Canadian Tire. Lol. Sometimes Homesense and places like Canadian Tire have decent options too.

1. Camo Herschel Supply Co. 

2. All Aluminum Carry-on

3. The Carry On from Away

4. Louis Vuitton Horizon 50

Personal Item

A book bag is definitely the most convenient as a personal item, but oftentimes I opt for a tote bag. I can fill it to the brim, and easily access things like my chargers and laptop when needed. A book bag makes this a little bit harder to get your things but is much easier on your body when getting around the airport and to your hotel. A few tote bags & backpacks I recommend are here.

1. Large Black Shoulder Tote Bag

2. Chanel Deauville Tote

3. Black Faux Leather Shoulder Tote

4. Louis Vuitton Neverfull NM Tote Damier MM

1. Black Adidas Backpack

2. Camo Champion Backpack

3. Black Nike Backpack

4. Black Herschel Little America Backpack

Packing Cubes

These are new to me and I really wish I would have bought some sooner. It helps so so much with staying organized, I’m not sure if they really help with saving space. I got cheap packing cubes on Amazon and the zippers are starting to split. So I think I would recommend going for the ones that are a little more expensive. I’ll link some links below of some that I also will probably be purchasing for our next trip.

1. OrgaWise Packing Cubes

2. Amazon Basics Packing Cubes

3. Dream Travel Packing Cubes

4. Gonex Packing Cubes

I’m so happy I was able to travel for a week with only carry-on items. I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to fit everything I needed, but we need a lot less than we think we do! I’ve included a quick packing video below showing my strategy. I hope this blog leaves you inspired to pack smarter and lighter!

xx

Allie