Here’s a little-known fact. I don’t check my luggage when I fly. I am a carry-on kind of girl and have been for years – even before those extraneous baggage fees started popping up and making our airfare even more expensive.
It does more than save money. It saves time. No waiting to check luggage at the curb or in the terminal. And there’s no chance the airline will lose my precious luggage between Detroit Metro and LAX, either. Sure, there are exceptions to the carry-on rule. If I’m taking a trip that last longer than 5 days chances are I’ll need to check a bag. But most of my travel falls in the 5 and under category.
I was absolutely inspired by reading this column in the Huffington Post. Jasmine Moy is on target here with her expert packing tips. If you plan ahead, you don’t need much to get by for a long weekend or short trip away from home.
Some things to keep in mind:
Stick with a neutral color scheme – If you choose clothes that mix and match, you’ll have more outfits than you need. I prefer blacks, whites and beiges.
Choose practical shoes – Pack two pairs, perhaps heels for a dressy night out and flats for day. Be sure both are comfortable enough to get you through the week. Wear your bulkiest pair of shoes to the airport.
Pick the right undergarments – I said it, undergarments. You’ll only need the minimum if you choose the right ones. Remember your strapless bra with that strapless dress, for example. And tuck away enough underwear for every night of your trip. Don’t skimp on the important stuff.
Minimal makeup and hair products – The liquid law makes me a true minimalist – and I love makeup. Pack tiny travel sizes of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, your favorite gloss, lipstick, hair product, deodorant and perfume in a clear ziplock bag. Then, choose the essentials only for your makeup case. The mix and match rule applies here too – just the goods you need. Leave the full face for your return. You can always hit up a makeup counter for a free makeover on your trip if you really need to doll up.
Last minute additions – Be sure to grab your airline confirmation, wallet, phone, chargers, a magazine or iPad for the plane and tuck them in your favorite purse – the only one you’ll carry so make a good choice that goes with everything.
There you have it. You’re ready to roll your carry-on bag right onto the plane. Keep your bag of liquids in and easy-to-access pouch since you’ll have to send that through security separately, along with your shoes. You’re a packing pro, though, so it’s no trouble.
Got any packing secrets to share? With the holiday sneaking up soon enough, it would be great to hear them. Let us know. Leave us a comment.
This post is brought to you by Paragon Apartments and the Paragon Patio. We’d love to connect with you on Facebook or @ParagonApts on Twitter.
This post is brought to you by the fine folks at Paragon Apartments, offering apartments across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, and the Paragon Patio, where residents connect. We’d love to talk with you on Facebook and Twitter!
