Hey you precious over packers! As an experienced traveler and also a huge advocate of packing everything (including the kitchen sink), I’m here to share with you how we packed for a trip using only a carry on!

I’ve read hundreds of posts, hacks, articles, etc. about people who can pack a million things in just a tiny suitcase. Since the Hubs and I travel all over the world for business, I decided to give it a try. We usually take 2 checked bags each, with 2 overstuffed carry-ons and 2 large personal bags. It NEVER fails that all of our bags are overweight…. except this time 😉

On this trip, I needed a variety of outfits, enough make-up for a full face, same with hair products (all the good stuff), and of course – shoes to match all my outfits… You can see what all I decided to pack in my tiny suitcase in the pic below.

Here you will find:

• Black Long-Sleeve with Cold-Shiulder cut-outs
• Black Short-Sleeve with key hole
• Hot Pink blouse
• “Be Yourself” cropped tee
• Basic Black tee
•  Black Heels
• Gold Heels
• Jewel Tone Heels
• Black Sneeks
• All my undergarments 🙂
• Wrinkle-Proof Pink dress
• Black leggings
• Jeans
• Make-Up: Primer, foundation, BB cream, powder, translucent powder,  “baking” pink powder, mascara Primer, mascara, 3-4 eyeliners, fake lashes, lash glue, 2 lip pencils, 2 lips sticks, 1 lipgloss, lip plumper, blush, contour kit, brow pencil, finishing mist…
• Hair brush and teasing brush
• Straightener
• Hair products: shampoo, conditioner, mini mouse, gel, paste, spray, dry shampoo
• Other cosmetics: deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, body lotion, face wash, makeup remover wipes, face lotion, body wash, razor, contact solution, contact case, glasses 🤓
• Loptop, charger, and phone charger

As you’ve probably already guessed, all cosmetics are travel sized.

1. Because I was flying, and carry-ons can only have minis.
2. Because I didn’t really need huge bottles of everything…
3. Because I was dedicated to writing the post and making it happen!!

This process actually called for a lot of travel hacks, and I’ll list some of them below:

• Roll all your clothes.
• Use packing cubes.
• Buy mini cosmetics
• Only pack the necessities.
• Lots of tops. Only a few bottoms. Mix and Match. People normally don’t notice when you re-wear pants…
• Less is more. You don’t need a library. Just download audio books.
• Wear the big stuff.
• Remember, if it won’t fit and you can buy it there… consider doing that.

Now, keep in mind this trip was just for 4 days. As I write this, I’m sitting in the airport preparing to board for a 3 week trip all over Asia. We couldn’t swing just a carry-on for that, but we did manage to keep it at just 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on. I’ll show you how after we land!

Thanks for reading and feel free to share you packing hacks in the comments below!

– the Wife