Do NOT Make These Carry-On Packing MISTAKES | What Not to Pack & Tips

We've made nearly every mistake in the book when it comes to packing for vacation but have learned a lot through the years about packing hacks and how to pack a suitcase to maximize space. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned traveler, you could be making one of these 7 very common carry-on packing mistakes.

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We're Nik and Allie, a U.S. based couple with a love of travel and adventure on a 6-month sabbatical through Europe and Asia. We publish new videos every week.

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 Don't Make These Carry On Packing Mistakes
0:39 Mistake #1: Not Having a Plan
1:50 Mistake #2: Not Knowing Rules and Requirements
3:19 Mistake #3: Not Being Intentional with Clothing
5:42 Mistake #4: Not Being Organized
7:06 Mistake #5: Overpacking
8:07 Mistake #6: Bring Things You Could Buy at Your Destination
8:57 Mistake #7: Not Testing and Refining Your Plan

[drewmorris]

Overpacking is always my mistake. They say “you pack your fears”, and I definitely do that one. :)

[I_Santos_]

I have a set of packing checklists on my phone for various types of trips. Whenever I’m on a trip, every time I notice something I could have used or something I have but don’t need, I make a note of it on my phone. Then when packing for my next trip, I make sure to consult my notes and adjust my list accordingly. The more I travel, the less adjustments I need to make. I used to rely on memory for this, but I would always forget any details like that by the time I got home haha.

[terrim]

"Live out of that carry on bag while you're at home" Excellent suggestion! 👍

[jd]

Wrinkle resistance: I travel with a small spray bottle that I fill with water. Hang up a wrinkled item, spray it with the water. When the water dries, the wrinkles are gone.

[HappyTrekkers]

Several years ago we watched a rick steves video about taking one bag. We tried it when going to Paris the first time. Our travel mates showed up at the Airbnb with a suitcase that you could smuggle a small family in. Since then we have been to Italy, the Philippines, Spain, Mexico, etc. Sometimes for as long as a month and still take just one backpack each. If you have to get out of a plane, catch a train then get in a taxi, and then walk to your AIRBNB you will be much happier knowing you can grab your one bag and go.

Plus as you said they sell everything everywhere else. For international travel, I have $50 set aside just for those things. I figure if I can afford to buy a plane ticket, get an Airbnb and eat out the whole time then spending a few bucks on some incidentals won't kill me. PLUS I actually find shopping in a local store for mundane things kind of interesting. It's always a familiar yet different experience. I always like to do some normal people things aside from the touristy things to see how the locals live.

great video

[purplephoenix]

If you have your boarding pass printed at home on paper before you go, pop in in a ziplock bag. It adds pretty much no bulk or weight, but if it rains, it protects it from any risk of the ink smudging and wrecking the QR code.

[XCsoccerTRACKmom]

I travel with my husband so we 1/2 hour clothes and have clothes in two suit cases (instead of having our own suitcase).This way, if one luggage is missing we both still have clothes.

[ninaannem.greeley]

Wow, really helpful. About six years ago, I started trying to limit myself to a carry-on when going to Europe and I found it so liberating! It's so much easier to get onto a train or hail a ride with just a roller carry-on suitcase. So, I've been making it my goal to travel with only a carry-on since then ... of course, it's easier in the summer since there's less need for warm layers, but so far, I'm doing pretty well. One thing I might add to your video is that it is now so easy to find laundry soap that comes in sheets (earth breeze, ecos, etc.). They are not liquid, so no need to declare them to the TSA, and they are light and easy to use if you want to wash out underwear or other clothes in a sink. I wash clothes out all the time in hotels, etc., so that I can recycle outfits whenever I need to.

I don’t know how people can put dirty shoes in luggage without a bag, is it just me or everyone is okay with shoes touching everything else?

[DLFH]

Everything you stated hit on everything I've learned over the years to optimize space and making my trip smooth. The biggest to do things are organization and buying lightweight wearables at my destination like a scarf that acts as a souvenir and provides a needed function.

[sharonrazmzan]

All great points. One of the things I like to do post trip is to evaluate what works and what doesn’t. It helps me to be more intentional with my choices for the next trip.

[sunnyscott]

I struggle with my carry on, worrying about the size. I either take a 16" or 21" spinner. Then I see passengers dragging carry-on items big enough to hide a body in, shoving them into the overhead bins. No one says anything at all. It's very annoying and frustrating.

[lindabrown-navilys]

I went overseas for the first time to Tokyo and I way over packed! I did not consider the weather which was extremely hot in the summer. So, the next time I travel to Tokyo I learned from my mistakes. Everything went into a carry-on and a backpack
I simply rolled them and put them into packing cubes and I tried the capsule method. And I still had some clothing articles that didn't get worn.
Trust and believe, I will never ever overpack again. But keep in mind.. there is a balancing act between over packing and the flip side of that is under packing. My travels will be taking me to Europe next month and I definitely will need some help with that. The UK has a tendency to be cool and rainy even in the summer.
Thanks again and I will be subscribing to your Channel. Happy travels!

[halliebass]

I work from a list these days and have “a pack and repack taking stuff out” policy! Am travelling more with just a carry on. I do use the idea of a capsule for trips. Stuff goes together! Good points!

[suewolf]

Best suggestion you had was to give it a trial run. I have done that in the past, and will do it in my present as well as future. I'm in my seventies, and I have worked in the travel industry for over 40 years with three Airlines, and two major travel agencies. You should also time yourself on how long it takes you to pack, especially if you are traveling to multiple cities in a short period of time. Packing cubes are the best and compression packing cubes are even better. Good luck with all your videos

[ericavanderlinde]

My spouse and I did carry on to Korea a few years ago and had to take our own bedding! We already had sleeping bag liners (light fleece with a zipper), so we put a twin sheet inside and rolled it super tight. I took an inflatable pillow that was actually for lumbar support (about 12 inch square, purchased a while back) and of course a small microfibre towel. It was summertime so we knew it would be fairly warm so it worked out well. Rain jacket was a lifesaver, too. I recommend Keen brand for sandals and footwear, very supportive and cushioned.
Love this video!
My problem is too many compartments in my backpack so that my small items that I quickly shoved away have to be retrieved, sometimes with panic. Also, this point illustrates my organizational quandary between my mind vs reality: I find several small cheap pencil cases good for different legs of the journey to organize with. And always a couple of ziplocks, because you never know: your sink washed undies may not dry completely before you have to pack due to high humidity in some places.

[NickB-yqng]

Never thought of the protip: living out of your bag for a week before travel. Great idea, especially if you're trying to pack the most efficient bag possible. Also, great idea about checklists. I never pack for any length of trip without one.

[whizkid]

Very useful, thank you! Packing for a 3 week trip and already finding myself over packing lol. These tips and suggestions will be put to use.

[suewolf]

Nice idea to live out of your carry-on suitcase, or your personal items bag for a week. However I would do that a month or more in advance not one week before you are traveling. You're going to have to wash all those clothes and many times iron a bunch of clothes. So do this way in advance

[honorahs.]

I have spent my life looking for the perfect pair of shoes for travel...comfortable and good for walking but also dressy. Haven't found it yet!