Suitcases make travel cumbersome. Having to pay to bring the necessary luggage is less fun. Overweight baggage charges, worse yet. For a trip lasting 4 nights or less, commit to only brining carry-on luggage. Sound difficult? Here’s how to make it work:
The average allowable carry-on size for airlines is 45 linear inches. Once filled, the suitcase pictured measures 20” x 15” x 10”. I find that my carry-on appears much smaller than all other travelers, but it also easily fits in a standard overhead plane compartment.
Stick to one neutral color palate to build your wardrobe for the week: black, blue, or brown.
Lay out each outfit with accessories to make sure nothing is missing (e.g. dress that has a specific belt, top that requires special undergarments, shoes that need unique socks).
Decide in advance which outfits will be worn on each day, to avoid over packing.
Roll each outfit separately and stack inside suitcase. Rolling clothes tend to make them more compact and it will be easier to locate items when unpacking.
Tuck socks, jewelry, and other small items into shoes.
Pear down toiletries to the necessities.
Plan to wear the same pants on each travel day. Just bring a new shirt, saving space on half of an outfit.
If you plan to bring a cardigan or jacket, wear it on the plane.
Wear the bulkiest shoes on each travel day.
Limit shoes to 3 pairs – including what you wear on travel day.
Bring a small amount of detergent to hand wash items that can hang dry – socks, undergarments, workout clothes
For a 4-day work trip:
(List geared toward women)
Travel day 1
Jeans, top, cardigan, running shoes
Conference Day 1 – Set-up
Pants, blouse, flats, workout clothes, running shoes
Conference Day 2 – Event day
Pants, blouse, flats, workout clothes, running shoes
Conference Day 3 – Event day
Pants, blouse, flats, dress for banquet or other formal function, heels
Travel day 2
Jeans, top, cardigan, running shoes
Other items
Undergarments, socks, pajamas
...until we meet again!