When you’re able to pack lightly in the fewest number of bags, you can move more freely and efficiently. Carry-on only travel means no waiting to check your bags. It also means no waiting to claim your bags at the end. Thus, there is no opportunity for them to lose your bags.
When we got started we were surprised how much we could cram into a smaller bag with a little finesse. We just needed the right kinds of bags and accoutrement, plus a few techniques to get us there.
Essential #1: the suitcase
When we are trying to maximize how much we can fit into one piece we prefer a lightweight, hard sided, roller carry-on. The boxiness means no lost square footage. The cubes fit in perfectly to its dimensions. These types of cases are lightweight and slip easily into your trunk and the overhead compartment. This is because they dont have pockets or extra compartments to add weight or bulk.
When considering international travel, having a low weight case is important. This is especially true when you’re planning to fill every nook and cranny to maximize the space. You’re gonna want all the weight to be coming from your stuff, not your case.
To be international airline compliant, most airlines require bags <22 inches tall including wheels. Many bags which we get away with in the US will be checked there due to size. We’ve learned to just get used to this size and use it all the time.
Look Ma, No Hands: The Full-Sized Backpack
When we want to be hands-free or headed to places that wheels aren’t preferred such as cobblestone paved Europe we like a backpack that functions like a suitcase. We use these bags because they don’t feel like a deep cavern to dig through. Instead, they open like a book. The main compartment holds two medium cubes so you can pack similarly to the hard-side but with a little less space. The MotherLode Jr, which I prefer for the smaller size, fits under the seat. So it’s small enough to be considered your “personal item.” This means you can carry both this and your roller carry-on for your domestic flight. Note: This bag was originally made by eBag, which was bought by Samsonite recently. We have both versions and happy with Samsonite’s upgrade to add a trolley strap to help it sit effortlessly on the roller suitcase!)
Essential #2: The Packing Cube
There are a variety of brands, shapes, and sizes. However, after much trial and error, our clear favorite is the medium sized cube. Amazon basics offers this essential packing device. At 13.75” x 9.75” x 3” it is perfect for the simple fact that you can fit four of them in a hard-side roller carry-on suitcase or MotherLode backpack.
One cube is spacious enough to fit an entire week’s worth clothes for a kid, and adults can certainly get by with two cubes each. That’s how much you can cram in these little suckers. That means for a Florida getaway with a family of 4-6 you can take just two carry-on rollers. IT CAN BE DONE!
Our favorite cubes: Amazon Basics and the since retired same sized eBags
Inside: outfits for 2 days/nights in Paris, 4 days in Santorini and 1 in Athens
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