The Ultimate Women's Packing List to Fit All You Need Into a Carry-on Bag (Some Tips on What You Need and What You Don't) •

(Downloadable packing list at the bottom of this post!) I’ve mentioned at least five times how impressed I am that I packed into a carry-on bag for six weeks of travel. I’m more impressed that I survived with only the items I brought and I wanted to say a few words on my choice of items to pack, for any of you out there thinking about long (or short) term travel.

First, I am now a huge advocate of bringing the smallest bag possible. Also, while those bags with 4 wheels are AWESOME on flat surfaces, they SUCK on bumpy surfaces, which is basically anything outside the airport. Most hotels I stayed in did not have elevators or a bellhop. Border crossings involved long walks, and boy was I glad that I brought small bags.

What I’m Glad I Brought/Invested In:

Nail clippers and a nail file
A labeling system to label all my power cords so I’d easily be able to locate the one I needed
A blanket (from the airlines – there were some beds that had only sheets, and some places like buses that were cold, what a great thing to have brought!)
A multi-country plug adapter that allows 3 items to plug in at the same time
Only 3 pairs of shoes – I wore them all out but they were exactly what I needed!
Plastic bags you can pack and push all the air out of to create more space in my luggage
An umbrella – mostly to shield me from the SUN
Sunblock – it was expensive in Costa Rica, glad I didn’t have to buy any!
A fold-up knapsack for day trips
A GoPro – my first one and it was fabulous for alternate photos and videos
Eyeglass cleaner wipes – man do glasses get DIIIIIRTY!
Waterproof sandals – who knew I would be on so many boats where I would have to hop out into water and walk to shore?

Hiking the black rock of Arenal volcano.

What I Wish I’d Left Behind:

A few shirts. I only brought about seven, but it gets really annoying wearing the same shirts over and over. I’d leave room to cycle in a couple new t-shirts so I can buy a couple on the road and feel inspired.
So much underwear. I brought about 3-weeks worth, and never used all of it since I did laundry, so it just took up space.
So many pants – could have left at least one pair home

If you need a packing list, look no further! Click the icon at the left and download the one I made. Feel free to share it!

2 Comments

Susan Hultgren on January 28, 2019 at 13:52

I ALWAYS pack too much like pants and more dressier clothes. I have a friend who packs his old clothes when he travels and he calls them “leave -its”. This way he can leave an old shirt or two on the road and replace it with something new that will remind him of his trip. It works great with old shoes as well. Usually when you are traveling in a third world country the staff will appreciate it because they will bring it home to their family.