I’ve got a big Samsonite suitcase from when I studied abroad in college that has gotten me through a number of long trips throughout the years. And for the more adventurous trips, I have my newly purchased EMS backpack that I love so much I have to fight the urge to book flights simply because I want to use it again. But when it comes to the shorter, more fleeting journeys, I’ve got nothing. Seriously, every time I go away for the weekend, which is often, I bring three to five small bags with me just to avoid filling a gigantic suitcase for two days. And believe me, when I give myself the space, I use it.
One week from tomorrow, Lisa and I will be boarding a plane for Mexico for Beth and Bobby’s destination wedding. We will only be gone for 5 nights and our goal is to make it there and back with just a carry on – and I think we can do it.
To make that goal a reality, I have been searching for a small, lightweight, no-nonsense piece of carry on luggage that will get me through this trip and my regular weekends away. The task was a lot harder than I anticipated. I wanted something stylish, cute even, that was also practical. I scoured Etsy and found myself lost in, and falling in love with, retro bags and modern suitcases. I even researched Lug because they had already provided me with the most adorable “personal item” for the trip. At some point I realized that if I wanted something that was affordable, that would definitely last, and would also arrive on time for my trip, I had to buckle down and get serious.
I finally found this lovely American Tourister (which doesn’t seem to exist on their actual website)….
At Amazon it costs way less than the listed price and it arrived within two days, which was such a pleasant surprise – I had it for our New York trip last weekend, unexpectedly! While it hasn’t made it through a flight with me yet, it made my normally chaotic road trip much easier. I didn’t have to worry about my shoes, toiletries, hair dryer and clothes being in separate bags, and it has wheels! It’s also eco-friendly. And by that I mean, it is PVC free, 100 percent cotton and has a Bamboo floor.
So now I have my carry on, any advice on how to get all my Mexico necessities into it?
Very cute! I just bought a small duffel at Target for the same reason that you bought your carry-on. I needed something small, so I wouldn’t be tempted to fill it! Knowing stuff from Target, it probably won’t last very long. I might have to invest in something like you bought.
cute! I was actually eyeing suitcases at TJ Maxx the other day, but I never thought to look on Amazon. Their prices are even better!
I wish I had some advice for you, but I might be the world’s worst packer. My husband is not much better. The amount of stuff we brought to Greece was simply insane; looking around at all the other people checking into our flights and what they were bringing made me almost embarrased. But, I hope you have a great time in Mexico!
Wow, you deserve applause for attempting to pack for a wedding in a carry-on! I used to end up with baggage that could put the bride to shame when I traveled for weddings. But that was until I found this carry-on travel garment bag from Briggs & Riley. It has a lot of compartments for different things – dresses that need hanging, casual clothes, shoes, delicates, scarves, and what not.
As far as packing tips for your Mexico trip is concerned, if your luggage has a similar garment sleeve, use that for packing your dresses or else use laundry bags. If you don’t mind spending some money, PackIt organization cubes might also be a good idea. Carry tiny toiletries – preferably travel size. If you’re staying in a hotel, don’t carry electronics like irons or hair dryers as most hotels will provide these. Make optimum use of the space available – insides of shoes being a case in point. I hope you have fun on your trip!