How to Pack a Successful Spring Break Into Your Carry-On

By Kelsey Lange on March 15, 2017

1. Create lists

In order to avoid a panicked stomach drop mid-flight because you forgot your sunglasses in your closet, make lists of everything you are going to need on spring break. Make a list of everything you need to accomplish before your flight as well.

These lists will help you stay motivated to make sure your trip begins and ends smoothly. It is also super satisfying to check things off of your list. You can either hand-write them or plug them into your phone on your notepad. Just don’t forget to follow up with them.

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2. Shoes first

It is easy to simply throw everything into your suitcase, but when you have very limited space in a carry-on suitcase, this is not the ideal situation. This is why my tip to you is to put your shoes and bulkiest items in first. Lie the shoes down as flat as possible to create your first layer.

Also, try to pack as few shoes as possible. If your break resides on the beach, one pair of flip flops, one or two pairs of heels, and one pair of sneakers are where you should draw the line. If you need to stack shoes on top of each other you need to get rid of a pair.

3. Technique is key

There are actually techniques to packing your suitcase. If you take the extra time into physically packing your items in different ways, your space availability can be doubled. Roll your clothing. It allows your clothing to be as jam packed as possible and avoids wrinkling at the same time.

4. Can you buy it there?

If you are uncertain if you should bring an item, ask yourself this question: can I purchase it there if I need to? If you feel hesitant to bring something you can buy at your destination, save yourself the trouble. If you can buy it at a local CVS, you should be fine not putting it in your suitcase.

5. Check the weather

Make sure to check the weather channel before making your list of things to pack. If the radar says rain, of course you should pack an umbrella, but if it is clear skies for the week don’t waste the space. On the other hand, something to not forget would be sunscreen. However, do not forget about the restrictions on liquid. You can buy travel sized anything nowadays. If anything, you can pour your shampoo, conditioner, and sunscreen into bottles made for this purpose entirely.

6. Take advantage of your purse

You are allowed a purse on the plane along with your carry-on. This is where you can put a lot of small accessories and toiletries. This is also where you can store sunglasses, headphones, and pills. Your “purse” can be a draw-string bag or small backpack as well. If you plan to only use a bag like this and a wristlet, don’t drag a large purse with you to your destination.

7. Don’t over accessorize

Your accessories are not as necessary as you think. Jewelry, scarves, belts, or really anything you add to an outfit are not needed.

8. Cut it in half

Put everything you would like to wear on your trip on your bed. Put all of the shirts in the same place as well as the pants, hats, undergarments, etc. Then take half of this pile and pack it into your suitcase. Cut each pile down in half one by one. You do not need as many options as you think.

9. Wear the bulkiest clothes

If you plan to bring a sweatshirt or coat on your vacation, wear it on the plane with you. If it is not cold the day of your departure, wear it around your waste. This goes for any bulky clothing. Whatever clothing that takes up the most space in your bag should be worn on the flight. This will eliminate a lot of space.

10. Dresses

If you pack as many dresses as you can you will immediately have multiple easy outfits. While you pack you should create outfits in mind for each day, one for each day and night. If you pack dresses you can wear during the day, this eliminates excess planning as well as space taken up by shorts or jeans. This can also apply to rompers or jumpsuits.

11. Collaborate with your trip mates

Discuss with your trip mates what they will bring and what they can borrow from your own luggage. Not every girl on your trip needs to bring their own blow dryer, straightener, mirror, and all of their makeup. Collaborate with your friends on who will bring what each of you will use.

12. Save some room

Remember to save room in your luggage for souvenirs and things you buy on your trip. You definitely do not want to get stuck leaving something behind in exchange for these things.

With the help of these tips, you can have a successful and stress-free spring break!

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