When I recently arrived in Costa Rica for a bachelorette party, all the girls marveled at how I arrived with just my MB Packing Backpack and Carmel Backpack. I not only managed to fit 3 dresses for the occasion, but was also saying an additional 10 days after the bach party to explore the rainforest solo and join a surf camp. Here's my tips to how I pack light without sacrificing too much on items I really love.
My favorite bag combination for carry on only travel is the MB Packing Backpack and Carmel Backpack!
Tip 1: Capsule Wardrobe your Clothes
I love packing pieces that can mix and match (think similar colors, styles) so that I can feel like I'm wearing different outfits even though I wore the same shorts for 4 days. Also, you can always wash your clothes and wear them again! If you don't want to take time going to the laundromat or paying for laundry service, I find that a quick rinse in the sink with some detergent works just fine - especially in a warm climate where you can hang up clothes to dry.
Tip 2: Pack Only What You Need
I will literally look at the itinerary and pick out outfits to go with each day so I know I have something for each activity. Make a list and stick to it! 2 fancy dinners? 2 nice dresses. No extras just in case I change my mind and want options. Also, I choose clothes that pack down small (light fabrics) and don't wrinkle. Of course, this is much easier to do for warm climates!
My MB Packing Backpack during my trek to Machu Picchu
Tip 3: Multipurpose Skincare & Makeup
The amount of makeup will depend on the activities we do. Of course, if we're going all out glamorous with the girlies I like to make sure I have what I want, but I also love multi purpose items like a blush stick that I can use on cheeks, eyeshadow, and lips. Sample sized lip products and skin care packets are also the perfect for travel. Another personal preference is to get eyelash extensions so I feel a little dressed up without any mascara or falsies. Skincare is always hard for me to pare down, but I always pack a versatile mini tub of Vaseline - perfect for dry skin, lips, or even little cuts or scrapes.
Tip 4: Wear the Bulkiest Items onto the Plane
My plane outfit will be the bulkier hiking shoes and not the sandals, long pants, warm jacket, etc. I usually get cold on the plane anyways so this works out perfectly. Also - controversial opinion but I don't think packing cubes save any space. The MB Packing Backpack's packing compartment already zippers closed to compress the clothes anyways so I say skip the cubes and pack the clothes in!
The MB Packing Backpack is perfect for carry on travel because it fits as a personal sized bag on most airlines, meaning it will fit under the seat even if the overhead bins fill up
Tip 5: Come Up with a Backup Plan
I am not immune to buying souvenirs, which tend to take up room in my bag. I don't want to pass up the perfect gift just because I don't have room, so I also pack a thin packable duffel so I could expand my capacity as I pick up goodies along the way. It's also a great laundry bag during the trip. Typically you get one Carry on bag (my MB Backpack) and a Personal Size item (my Carmel Backpack) but the duffle is still small enough to be a personal sized item so I tuck in my backpack and still fall within the requirements of carry on bags! If you're in a pinch, I've also used a reusable grocery bag so get creative!
Have more packing tips? We'd love to hear them. Leave it in a comment below!
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