The Carry-On Only Packing System for 2-Week Trips

## Why carry-on only pays off Skipping checked bags saves 30–60 minutes per flight segment, $70–$150 per international round-trip, and eliminates the single biggest cause of trip stress: lost luggage. For most trips up to two weeks, one 22" carry-on plus a personal item is genuinely enough. ## The rule of 5-4-3-2-1 For a 10–14 day trip in temperate weather: - **5** tops (mix short and long sleeve; merino wool if possible) - **4** bottoms (2 pants, 1 shorts, 1 versatile — dress, skirt, or lightweight khakis) - **3** pairs of shoes maximum (walking, casual, one dressier or sandal) - **2** jackets/layers (light rain shell + one warmer piece) - **1** outfit for something special (dinner, meeting, event) Add 7 pairs of underwear/socks and plan to sink-wash twice. ## Folding method Rolling is a myth for wrinkle prevention but a truth for volume. Use packing cubes with compression zips; you'll fit ~40% more. Fold structured items (blazer, button-downs) flat on top. ## Toiletries that pass TSA - Solid shampoo/conditioner bars and solid deodorant sticks — no liquid limit. - Toothpaste tablets or 3.4oz travel tube. - Sunscreen: buy at destination if going somewhere warm; it's cheaper. - One quart-size zip bag; everything must fit. ## The personal item that changes everything A structured backpack under the seat holds: laptop, chargers, headphones, a book, snacks, an empty water bottle, and a change of clothes for delay insurance. If your carry-on is gate-checked, you're still functional. ## What NOT to pack - "Just in case" outfits — you won't wear them. - Full-size toiletries — nearly every hotel provides basics. - More than one book — Kindle or phone. - Hair dryer — every hotel has one. ## The final test Walk around your apartment for 15 minutes with the fully-packed bag on your back. If you're miserable, take something out. You'll thank yourself in a cobblestone alley in Lisbon.