My Biggest Packing Mistakes from One Month in a Carry-On
Plus five travel MVPs for your next trip
After nearly a month of traveling through Europe - first for Emilie’s soccer tournament in Gothenburg Sweden, and then for my annual sibling trip with my brother, Max - I’m finally back in the states.
It was the adventure of a lifetime - we lived out of our tiny carry-ons and navigated thunderstorms and heat waves traveling through Gothenburg, Berlin, Athens, Marseilles and Paris.
This was the longest I’ve ever taken off from work, and the experience was glorious - I swam in the sea, tried my first “floating sauna,” hiked the Calanques in Marseilles, reunited with old friends, and felt more calm and present than I have in years.
Despite considering myself a pro packer, there are always a handful of missteps along the way, so I thought I’d share my top takeaways you can steal for your next trip.
Things I Wish I Packed (but didn’t)
A Luggage Scale
Even though I only brought a light carry-on suitcase, a few of the European airlines have very strict weight standards (8Kg/18 lbs) and forced me to check my bag (the horror). If I’d had a digital luggage scale I could have saved myself the headache in advance.
A Hat That Actually Stays Put
Europe was very hot when I visited, and my large sun hat would have been great if it wasn’t so windy. Next time, instead of chasing my hat all over town I would definitely opt for a sun hat with a neck-tie.
Travel Laundry Soap and Sink Stopper
For longer trips doing laundry is key, but hotel laundry rates are wild (in one case $5 per pair of underwear). Most hotel sinks don't have plugs, but this flat rubber disc + soap set lets you hand-wash clothes or soak stains anywhere.
Portable Car Phone Holder
Never would have thought to pack this, but if you’re renting a car abroad it really helps to have a portable car phone holder so you can drive hands-free and still see directions at a glance.
Easy Slip-On Shoes
Shoes are the most critical (and difficult) part of packing in my book. For this trip I packed comfy sneakers and ankle strap sandals, but found myself wishing that I had brought any form of slip on shoe. I spotted lots of chic people in the classic Boston Birkenstocks, as well as simple slides, mules, or even elevated leather flip flops (which were everywhere).
A Razor
PSA: It is now acceptable to bring a small disposable razor in your carry-on. Rejoice!
Hair Conditioner
So, it turns out most hotels we stayed at only had body wash and shampoo (why, though?). While I'm normally fine with hotel products, my matted mane was staging a full revolt by day three. Next time I'll pack a small jar of conditioner that doubles as leave-in treatment.
A Hair Brush
I’m not a big hair brusher at home, but a mini brush would have been quite useful to tame the mane (especially with the lack of conditioner). I ended up picking up a small wooden comb from our hotel in Berlin which gave me quite the arm workout.
My Top 5 Travel MVPs
Noise-Canceling Earplugs & Silk Eye Mask Duo
Block out snoring roommates, crying babies, and street noise while filtering bright hotel room light. Your ticket to quality sleep anywhere. BeeVines Silk Sleep Mask $9 - Linked Here; Loop Quiet Ear Plugs $21 - Linked Here
Super Compact Travel Umbrella
Weighs 6oz, fits in any bag, saves you from expensive tourist ponchos and ruined plans during sudden downpours. I needed this a lot in Sweden, and it barely took up any space in my bag for the rest of the trip. Davek Mini Umbrella $40 - Linked Here
Packing Cubes with Compression Zippers
My ride or die travel MVP. Turn your suitcase into organized compartments while compressing clothes to half their size. Find anything instantly and maximize space. Away Packing Cube Set $45 - Linked Here
Collapsible Water Bottle
Holds 2 liters when full, folds flat when empty. Stay hydrated without the bulk, breeze through security, and pass on all the single use water bottles. HydraPak Travel Water Bottle $27 - Linked Here
AirPlane Foot Rest Hammock
Stay with me! This contraption was recommended from my jet-setting friend and was a real game-changer. It weighs nothing and provides comfy leg and foot support for long flights. Feimini $19 - Linked Here
And Another Thing!
On the flights with very strict weight guidelines for carry-on, I saw many travelers having to unexpectedly check bags (and some did get lost in transit). For this reason I highly recommend packing the following in your tote or backpack: laptop, headphones, charging cords and adapters, toiletry case, change of clothes and pjs, plus any jewelry or valuables.
💬 READER PROMPT: I’d love to know - what are your top travel MVPs that you wouldn’t leave home without.
Current delight: metal coup glasses! One of the only items I bought while traveling, and such a fun way to serve (and elevate) yogurt, ice cream, treats, or nuts.
Reading: The way we live in the United States is not normal - contemplating this viral post by Substacker
Watching: Shaun White: The Last Run - a compelling four part series about three-time gold medalist Shaun White as he competes for his final run in the 2022 Olympics.
Fewer Better Faves: A cute tote for a great cause, a perfect white tee, and a flip clock!
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Curated Product Recs: My fewer better faves for your home, life, and wardrobe. To the recs
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AirTags in all luggage, even carryons incase they get gate checked. Also a baggu or other small reusable bag for shopping, laundry, beach days, etc.
In air,en route home from 3 weeks in italy and Switzerland, we traveled by car, changing cities every 3-4 days.
Agree with so many of these suggestions especially traveling light! I thought I would share what really worked for us while its still fresh:
Humby shampoo and conditioner bar set- one set easily lasts the entire trip for two travelers and takes up barely any space
Toothpaste bits instead of a tube, easily packed enough for two people for 3 weeks in a small glass jar.. I like Bite - there are other brands
Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets..these fantastic, 18 laundry sheets pack in a flat envelope, 1/4 sheet will wash a sink load. For extra stain fighting,rub a small corner into the stain before washing.
Super Absorbent, Fast Drying Microfiber Travel Towel. The ones I bought had a compression case and carabiner so they hang on your backpack. These were great for trips to public beaches as they pack up small and dry quick. Also work great to wring out water from garments washed in the hotel sink.
We were excited to try the foot hammock. We used them on the trip to Europe. In the end they didn't work for us, maybe because we are tall..I am 5'8 my husband 6' When we deplaned we left them at the airport for another traveler to find and maybe love. They took up too much space to drag around for three weeks. For us our Bombas compression socks were a more practical option that took up less space.
Traveling light made our trip so much easier!