Since you can't fly private (YET). How to pack with just a carry-on and personal item.

Overpacking seems to be a reoccurring theme amongst all the people I talk to. I refuse to carry more than I need, but most importantly, I refuse to spend more than I need. News flash, I am cheap in real life. However, going carry-on means you never have to pay for a checked bag. (Unless you are flying one of those carriers that charge you for a carry-on, we know who they are domestically and internationally). It also means you do not have to worry about lost luggage once you reach your destination, and it's easier to keep track of.

And most importantly, a carry-on does not mean you have to skimp out on clothes. A carry-on requires you to PLAN PROPERLY. I have used my faithful carry-on (it is currently on life support. We are coming towards our final days) for four-day trips and week-long trips to- Barcelona, Lagos, and Croatia. Hopefully, at the end of this blog post, you will have a new outlook on being a carry-on traveler. You'll see it's fun. I have not paid for checked luggage in almost two years, so I know they work.

First: You need a good suitcase!

This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people have horrible luggage. You don't think of luggage until you start traveling and realize how much your current set needs an upgrade. So if this is you, don't worry, I have tips. I utilize two travel combos when I am on my Carmen SanDiego journey: Backpack/Telfar Bag + Duffel Bag and Backpack/Telfar Bag + Wheeled Luggage. Both combinations have their benefits, but I have learned that the airline staff tends to be more stringent on the sizing requirements when it comes to wheeled cabin bags. Particularly the smaller, lesser-known airlines. Some airlines allow a main piece of carry-on luggage (which will go into the overhead bin) and a small personal item (which will go in the seat in front of you). BUT Please remember- EACH AIRLINE WILL HAVE IT'S OWN RULES ABOUT THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF YOUR LUGGAGE; PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR AIRLINE BEFORE TRAVEL.

*I have purchased new luggage for my summer travels, and I will review them after their first trips.

Okay, now the real fun- HOW DO YOU DO IT?

1. A-List- Please semi-plan in advance. It helps alleviate the possibility of leaving something and rushing at the last minute. It helps to have outfits and not just random clothes that may or may not go together. If you have an itinerary in mind- pack according to that. Don't plan for hypothetical events every day. Having no more than 3 "What if" outfits is fine. And seven pairs of shoes for four days is overkill and unnecessary.

2. Packing Cubes- If nobody has told you, let me be the first—packing cubes. Use them to organize your outfits in advance. Even if you plan for multiple outfits, you can use packing cubes to keep them organized and separated according to day or activity. You can even keep your clean clothes away from your dirty clothes.

3. Avoid frivolous toiletries. If you are not committed to using only a specific kind of toiletry, forgo most of them and purchase them at your destination. Stores do exist in other places, and they take baths, so there will not be a shortage of soap, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste.

4. Invest in a fanny pack or any waist bag- In my experience, keeping track of my travel documents is stressful when you constantly have to take them out at a checkpoint and then put them away again. I am always worried about losing my passport and being stuck. Having my documents frees up my hands and makes me feel comfortable knowing I do not have to dig in my pockets at check-in to get my passport. It also helps alleviate the stuff in my personal item so that you can pack other things.

5. LEARN HOW TO PACK. Utilize your space correctly. Place more oversized items first, and then work around them to ensure you are using all empty spaces. Roll heavy items, and fold the light ones.

6. Wear heavy clothes on planes- This means all jackets, bulkier sneakers, etc.

7. Be realistic. Know your destination and the likelihood of you wearing the attire. There is no need for three pairs of jeans if you are going to Jamaica for three days and plan on being in swim attire 85% of the time.

8. Footwear- This may be more difficult for men, but make sure you have footwear that can be worn for multiple occasions. One pair of shoes per outfit is not the best option for carry-on travel.

If your airline allows for a free checked bag, by all means, please utilize it. OR, you can utilize these tips to ensure you have your clothing with you. As well as use your free checked bag as the luggage for your souvenirs.