Carry On Only! Family Edition
Let’s face it - packing for your entire family can be daunting, time-consuming, and downright expensive when you’re having to check multiple bags (thanks, airlines!)
My family has carry on luggage it down to a science. We even go as far as color-coding so we know who’s luggage belongs to whom.
Here are my hot tips to bypass the checked bag line and settle into your seat more quickly:
Color coordinating where you can (& budget allows) helps each people to know what belongs to them quickly when you’re grabbing suitcases out of the back of a Lyft
I love the softness of cotton but not on a trip. We pack hiking gear only for more longevity. Thin wicking items like golf polos and hiking shorts are best.
Backpack + carryon only. The more versatile your backpack/ shoulder bag can be, the better. I love a good weekender bag or one like this Osprey day pack.
Everyone packs their own day pack with a water bottle, carabiner, rain jacket, small towel, a couple of snacks, extra charger & book.
Shoes must be multi-functional! For our boys, we bring 3 pairs of shoes only. They wear tennis shoes, pack Keens & then have flip flops for by the pool. I like shoes that work for more than 1 occasion, for example a wedge that can be dressed up or down.
Beach gear: Our boys take full face snorkels many places
Instead of a full sized iPad, our boys take old iPhones that have some off line games, some music downloaded, some kindle book options, etc.
Use packing cubes for all the things (especially convenient if TSA pulls your stuff out)
Bring a laundry sheet or two so you can hand wash and re-wear without adding bulk or extra liquids to your luggage
Each of us brings a packable bag for extra souvenirs, overflow, etc. then we can check the roller boards and take this bag back if needed as our carry on. Every extra bag has an additional purpose:
Mine is our beach tote
My husband’s is a packable duffle for stashing dirty clothes (Also plug for the ah-mazing laundry service on Regent Seven Seas so we didn’t have to bring any dirty clothes home.)
My boys each have super packable shopping totes that will also save us a bag when out & about
Speaking of longevity, I couldn’t wait to try out my new Wool& dress and wrap top during my recent travels. Have you heard of these amazing pieces? Wool is soft, moisture-wicking and odor-resistant so you can rewear without having to wash!
I’m also trying out a new Away soft-sided carryon to fit even more of my things in. (Peep the pic above and tell me you don’t love a good bathroom selfie!) It worked well on the last time, but the jury is still out on whether I’m a hard-sided carry on convert!