"How to pack light for vacation using a carry on and tote bag:Part I" - My Mayne Wardrobe
1461
post-template-default,single,single-post,postid-1461,single-format-standard,theme-bridge,woocommerce-no-js,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode_grid_1300,hide_top_bar_on_mobile_header,qode-content-sidebar-responsive,columns-3,qode-child-theme-ver-1.0.0,qode-theme-ver-16.0,qode-theme-bridge,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-7.9,vc_responsive
 

“How to pack light for vacation using a carry on and tote bag:Part I”

27 Feb “How to pack light for vacation using a carry on and tote bag:Part I”

Posted at 23:54h in Lifestyle by
I love to travel!! There is nothing more exciting than flying to a new state or country and having the opportunity to make memories!!! But the most unpleasant thing most of us have to do is pack!!! Believe me, the struggle was real for me guys. I would always over pack, go over the weight limit, pay more money, and then have to wait for our luggage to come out in luggage claim!!  Wasting precious Vacay time!!! Not to mention half of the outfits I brought, I didn’t even wear them!!!! AHHH!! Ain’t nobody got time for that!!!! Can I get an Amen!!! I am going to share with you ladies how to pack lite for vacation using only a carry-on and tote bag to make your vacay experience wonderful!!
sunset
Sunset on the Marina near Kemah Boardwalk
So… With multiple trials and errors from my experiences, here are some tips and strategies I came up with that has really helped with downsizing my packing, but does not fall short of classic and chic outfits!! My husband and I are going to Jamaica this summer, which is a long way to go, but I figured I would give you a preview of my packing process. In this post, you will get a full behind the scenes of how I plan my outfits, the process, and give you ideas and tips on how to pack your carry-on. Besides you cannot have a functional wardrobe without understanding how to pack for trips and allow your clothes to be remixed into multiple outfits!!! All of these pieces of clothing, I already owned with the exception of the orange pants.(The joy of shopping your own closet!!)
This is a huge topic so I will break this post into 2 parts.
Part I, I will show you packing essentials that I bring for my trip, how I prep my bag, and provide a clothing list
Part II will provide multiple outfit ideas on how to style the clothes I decide to bring on the trip and how I actually pack my bag so everything fits. You can tweak it as needed depending on your style and the type of vacation, but it is meant as an outline.
So sit back grab some popcorn because this post will be a long one!!!!
Part I: Prep work
  1. Start to pack early.
  • For some of you guys this may be a hard one, but a very important step.  I personally start packing 1 week before any of our trips.
  • That way I don’t feel rushed when it comes time for the trip and allows for ample amount of time to purchase items that I need for the trip ex. travel size items, bug spray etc. organization is key.
  1. Lay out all of your clothes on the bed.
  • This will help you scan your clothes a lot easier and help you add or take away clothing you may or may not need for the trip.
  •  That way you don’t forget anything and you see every single item before you place them in the bag
  • Packing tip: When choosing which clothes to bring try to center your outfits around a color palette, your jewelry or neutrals that way it is easier to pair shoes and create outfits without worrying about matching!!!

luggage and tote bag

  1. Having the right luggage and carry-on bag.  What I mean by that is knowing what is the best carry on luggage for you.

tote bag and roll on luggage

Options of tote bags:

Charming Charlie Snake print tote bag 

Zara Camel color tote bag 

H&M Black color tote bag

  • My rule of thumb is everywhere I go, I bring a large tote as my handbag and a wheeled carry-on bag
  • 2 pieces believe it or not are optimal for fitting everything you need. Wheeled luggage is key when navigating the airport terminal and easy on your back.
  • Packing tip: Plus I find when you go on Vacay, and you are bringing back souvenirs, your large tote can provide extra room to place those items!!!
  • Toiletry bags: Cosmetic bags and travel size containers that are TSA approved are essential for storage when traveling. What is the point of bringing a full-size conditioner? You know you will not be using all of it on your trip. Okay.
  • Packing tip: To save space use your clutch for storing jewelry.  I love those drawstring bags you get from jewelry or makeup. I save mine place my jewelry in them and then place them in my clutches. You stretch the function of your clutch.

cosmetic bags, drawstring bag, clutch

  • Packing tip: Instead of bringing your big bottle of perfume bring sample sizes!!! You will save room and one of those bottles are enough to get you through your vacation.
  • Packing tip: If you are going to the beach or a tropical Vacay, why not use your beach bag as your personal item! That way you don’t have to actually pack the third bag!!
  1. Last but not least list of items to take when going on vacation. The pieces listed below are foundational pieces for building different outfits for vacay. These are pieces that I have found are great building blocks to create multiple outfits and you may already have some of these pieces in your closet!!

statement necklaces

luggage and tote bag

  • 4 pairs of shoes: Flip-flops, Sneakers, Heels or wedges, Nice pair of flat sandals
  • 1 Maxi Dress
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 7 shirts
  • 3 statement necklaces
  • 2 bags: Small Cross-body(casual), Nice clutch(dressy)
  • 1 kimono
  • bathing suit
  • 2 pair of pants
  • 1 dress
  • Denim Jacket (It sometimes is cool on the plane)
  • Toiletry bag
  • TSA-approved bottles for liquid items (I like to get mine at Target and CVS)
  • Packing tip: You can double the kimono for an outfit and use it as a cover-up over your bathing suit
  • Packing tip: Wear your sneakers on departure and returning home to maximize space in luggage.

Again this an outline and an example you can swap out the pants and replace it with skirts, more dresses etc..

So what did we learn in this post?? Let us recap:

  1. Start packing early at least 1 week prior to vacay!!
  2. Lay out your clothes
  3. Use a carry-on bag with wheels and a tote bag
  4. Plan clothes around a favorite color scheme ex. neutrals or favorite accessories
  5. Follow or create a packing list.

Remember organization is key!!! I hope this post was helpful for you guys on how to pack light only using a carry-on and tote bag!! Stay tuned for How to pack light for vacation: PART II on creating multiple outfits with the above-mentioned pieces and how to pack your luggage!!

-Janel

Print page
0 Likes
10 Comments
  • pinkandgabulous
    Posted at 03:44h, 28 February

    This is great! I’ve gotten better over the years but there are some good tips here. Using your beach bag as your personal item. Using clutches to store jewelry. I love these!

    • Janel
      Posted at 04:26h, 28 February

      Thank you!! I am so glad you liked it and able to get some tips!!!I know the beach bag tip was a recent discovery!!!

  • Ambra
    Posted at 22:48h, 01 March

    This is a great post! I always wait until the last minute and I am going to take your tote advice!

    • Janel
      Posted at 02:47h, 02 March

      I am so glad you were able to take away some tips!! Thank you for stopping by!!

  • Emmalyn Love
    Posted at 15:15h, 03 March

    Girl, it’s like you read my mind and wrote this post for me haha. I’m horrible at packing but this definitely helps. Great tips.

    • Janel
      Posted at 22:12h, 03 March

      I am so glad you were able to take away some gems. Thank you so much for showing my blog some love!!!

  • Sabrina Pope
    Posted at 14:22h, 10 March

    Thanks to your tips, I picked up a bag that can do double duty. I was worried about trying to fit all of my things in one piece of luggage. I picked the perfect bag to double as a carry on bag and a beach bag. Now I have plenty of room.

    You are F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!!

    • Janel
      Posted at 14:25h, 10 March

      Thanks sis for checking out my page!! I am so glad you were able to find some helpful tips. I hope you enjoy your vacay!!!

      • SABRINA POPE
        Posted at 05:54h, 11 March

        Thanks to you l I was able to pack everything in a 24″ suitcase for my 7 day cruise.

        • Janel
          Posted at 23:26h, 12 March

          I am so happy to hear that!!! I am glad you were able to walk away with great tips and use them for you vacay!!! Hope you have a blast.