Two People In a 16" Carry-On Bag

I've got a goal for my fall vacation, and that's to go to France for a week, with just a small roller bag and two backpacks (one for each of us). I did that for our trip to Vegas and I probably took too many pieces, though that's not terrible when it's 1 million degrees out and you sweat through your clothes by midday. For our trip to France, I'll have some layering pieces that should work for everything, so we'll be set if it's cold or if it's hot. It's been both of those things when we've visited in September/October.

Would you like to see how and what I packed for Las Vegas? Still struggling to figure out how to get everything into a carry-on? Well, I've got you covered, first with packing.

I always make a packing list with items I want to take, and then I pull all those pieces to make sure they go together. All, or almost all, of your tops should go with all of your bottoms to make the most of your wardrobe. You will probably do laundry. I don't mind and I especially use it as an excuse to slow down and chill out in my room or at a laundromat. 

Once I've pulled everything together, I make sure it isn't too much (if it is, I make some decisions and pare down) then I roll all the big items and put them in a packing cube. Big items on the bottom layer and smaller items on the next layer. I am a big fan of compression packing cubes like these from Eagle Creek, but you don't have to spend a lot to get good ones. I also have a set just like these and they are great.

Do you wonder how a mix-and-match wardrobe works? Here's a video compilation of everything I brought with me to Las Vegas for the week. Notice I only have two shoe options and both are great for walking. The sneakers are Skechers Go Walk and the sandals are Reef Water Vista in Oasis, but I also have them in Hot Pink. I have wide feet and usually wear a 6 1/2. I bought the pink ones first in a size 7 and they are a bit too big, so when I got another pair, I sized down to a 6 and they are perfect. I will probably buy more in other colors. They can go from pool to museum to dinner and my feet never hurt walking in them all day.

I'll do a more static post on packing soon, if videos aren't your thing. I'll also be posting on how to pack your toiletry bag and get all your liquids into that 3-1-1 bag for security purposes. If you have TSA Precheck or Global Entry, it's less of a hassle, but it's still easier to deal with all your stuff when there's less of it.

What's your biggest struggle when it comes to packing?

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