6 Tips for Acing Carry-On Travel

While you may be seeing some cheaper airfares right now, if you don't jump on them right away, you might be out of luck. With a lot of Americans taking a "wait and see" approach to travel this summer, due to so much uncertainty happening right now, airlines are noticing more and more people waiting until closer to travel time before they purchase. This also means that airlines are cutting routes, so there are fewer to choose from. 

A lot of things are up in the air and being able to go with one bag that you put in the overhead (and that all-important personal item under your seat) can save you a lot of money and hassle. My personal travel goal this year is to pack super light on my trip to Europe and take just a 16" roller bag and a backpack for each of us. I know most people aren't willing to do this, and you don't have to, but packing a full-size carry-on per person is absolutely doable.

1 - make a packing list

This is so important. When you start making a list, you can see how many things you actually want to take and it can make it a lot easier to take things off your list and streamline your travel wardrobe. You always want to make sure you mix and match your items, so all the tops go with all the bottoms you take, giving you a much larger selection when you get there. If you have 4 tops and 3 bottoms, you have 12 outfits instead of only 3 or 4. 

Instead of bringing a really fancy going out outfit, bring something that is still pretty, but can work for other things, like a plainer black dress that can be worn for sightseeing, but can also go to dinner with the addition of some accessories, like a belt and jewelry. Bring only shoes that you can walk in all day and leave your high heels at home. Opt instead for some pretty sandals or cushiony wedges.

2 - choose the right bag(s)

When I travel, I choose a different bag for different kinds of trips, but if you're a one and done sort of person, make sure you invest some actual money in a good bag. That doesn't mean it needs to be $300 or more, but you want to make sure the quality is there, so you're actually getting your money's worth out of it. A bag that lasts you for a decade is a better investment than a pretty one that is poorly constructed and ends up with a broken wheel and janky handle during your second trip. 

Read reviews, go see them in person and drag them around the store. Even if you find a better deal online, it's always good to know what you're getting and to be able to open it and see just how big all the compartments are and if it's laid out in a way that works for you.

Samantha Brown convertible roller bag

Delsey Helium wheeled bag

Mixi 20" hardside

3 - use packing cubes

People will tell you that you don't need cubes, and they're right, but they are a tremendous help to light travelers, because you can get the compression cubes that allow you to pack more in less space. They also help you organize and can go straight from your bag to a dresser drawer when you arrive. If you travel as a couple or a family, you can get everyone their own color, making it easier to spot who's stuff is inside without having to open it and dig around.

4 - roll your clothing

This can be controversial, but I swear by rolling. You can save 1/3 of the space you would have if you didn't roll. Of course, if you're using compression packing cubes, you may not have this problem. You just need to make sure you fold your clothes into the shape of the cube in order to maximize all the space inside. I generally roll everything and then fold my pajamas on top.

5 - optimize your travel outfit

Don't forget that what you wear on the plane should also be able to work for your trip. You also want to wear your bulkiest items on the plane. For example, I always layer: tank or tee with a sweatshirt or cardigan and a wrap/scarf. You can always take layers off when you get going and that sweater/sweatshirt/cardigan can be an emergency layer if you need it at your destination. I also wear jeans, if I'm taking them, and my sneakers. 

6 - don't forget your personal item

You get a personal-sized item for your flight, so use it wisely. Whether you're a tote, duffle, or backpack person, choose one that is going to be comfortable for you, that will carry everything you need. I usually bring a backpack with me, because I bring my laptop with me on all my trips. I also use my personal item for my toiletry bag, all my electronics cords, and snacks. That way I have room in my carry-on for just clothing and my second pair of shoes. 

You can pack your purchases in it on your way home, just in case you are forced to gate-check your carry-on, but if there are two of you, I almost always pack a bag that packs flat for those extra items on the way back, because often we have souvenirs or a bunch of international snacks we're bringing home. On our last trip to Disneyland Paris, I really wanted to bring home a cute Mickey bucket, but it was too large to fit in the limited space we had. If I had a back-up bag (we went with an expanding carry-on that did not have enough space for such a large purchase and another small carry-on that was completely full), I could have come home with it. 

Bagsmart Tote Bag

Travelon Anti-theft Urban Backpack

Baggallini Large Day Duffel

Now, you just need to learn to pare down your toiletries by decanting what you can into smaller tubes, buttles, and pots and you're ready to be a carry-on traveler!

Nomatic toiletry bag

Gravel Max toiletry bag

Wet/Dry toiletry bag

What is your biggest struggle when it comes to packing light?

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Great Destinations for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Happy Pride! As an ally and someone who loves to learn history of all kinds, I am continuously looking for ways my vacation destinations are uplifting the LGBTQ+ community and historical spots within. This year I'll be looking for those little nuggets in Normandy, like how designer Christian Dior was never officially out due to the attitude of the time, and how many queer movies were filmed in the region.

So, why would you visit destinations that aren't inclusive or accepting? Anytime I travel and see overwhelming support, resources, representation, I feel like I made a good choice in where to visit. This is an atmosphere I want to immerse myself in. Palm Springs was a great location for many reasons, but especially for their year-round Pride vibes. We have purposely postponed a trip to Florida indefinitely, due to their many new laws restricting freedom of speech, women's rights, history, drag queens, and queer students (or even students with queer parents). 

It's not just my family and a lot of my friends who are avoiding the Sunshine State. Advocacy groups have added a laundry list of warnings against Florida for travelers. The NAACP put out a statement regarding those thinking about making the trip: “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.” 

Instead of Florida, we headed to Paris to visit Disneyland there (and saved money doing so) and we'll be visiting Disneyland Paris again this year. 

If you aren't looking to visit a Disney park or Florida, how about one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities around the world? These cities ranked highest on the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Barcelona, Spain
• Brighton, England
• Brussells, Belgium
• Gothenburg, Sweden
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Montreal, Canada
• Oslo, Norway
• San Francisco, California
• Valletta, Malta

Spend your travel dollars with travel brands that support the community. You can make new friends while traveling with an inclusive group trip from Contiki, that will take you to awesome destinations, make you feel safe, and help you bond with other queer travelers. Other travel companies to utilize are Out Adventures, Toto Tours, Detours Gay Travel, and Brand G Vacations. Find tour guides, events, travel guides, accommodations and more on IGLTA, a nonprofit organization that wants to advance LGBTQ+ travel, allowing people to know where the safest and most inclusive places and companies are. 

Don't forget your gear! This baker's dozen of queer people are bringing clothes, bags, accessories, and sunscreen for your travels. REI, Patagonia, Columbia, and Prana are some of my favorite outdoor brands that make clothing and support the queer community. These 10 amazing brands are queer-owned. I also love Juvia's Place for makeup that's all-inclusive. They have bright colors to help you express yourself and foundations, powders, and concealers for everyone, from the palest skin tone to the deepest brown. It's a Black woman-owned business that thinks makeup is for everyone and their prices are super affordable. Mother Monster herself, Lady Gaga, has an amazing makeup brand, Haus Labs, that is for and used by all people, including many men who are makeup influencers that I follow.

I also enjoy following queer travelers on social media, because not only are they fun, but I learn about great new places to visit and which cities/countries are inclusive and rainbow-friendly. Nobody wants to feel unsafe or unwelcome when they are on vacation. As a woman, who sometimes travels alone, these places are usually great for solo ladies, too. Here are some of my favorites:

• @27travels are two lesbians from NYC who got married on a trip after traveling the world for several years. They are fun and their account is a mix of their favorite things and the best inclusive places they've traveled to.
• @raviaroundtheworld is a proud gay man who connects with his community wherever he goes. It can be risqué, but his posts always make me happy.
• @coupleofmen is a gay couple who have traveled the world and help other LGBTQ+ travelers find better accommodations, destinations, and activities.
• @asianmapleleaf is a Canadian-born gay traveler who takes his followers along on his adventures, while he indulges in his love of photography and cuisine. You can find him traveling with his sweetie @teraj08, a gay Black traveler, singer, and music producer.
• @thegaytraveler is a personal friend of mine I met years ago at the Travel Goods Show. He highlights travels with friends, as well as LGBTQ-friendly destinations and events in his hometown of Washington, DC.
• @amis_adventures is a Black trans solo traveler that shows what life is like for him in different destinations.
• @thequeernomads these beautiful Black women are married travel advocates and queer activists. 

There are many more queer travel influencers for you to follow. 

I hope this gives you a little push to plan your vacation as a queer budget traveler. Even if you're not a part of the queer community, but an ally and curious traveler, always look for history of the marginalized peoples wherever you go. 

Portland Coffee Tour 2025 - Part 5

Spring has sprung, and that means the return of sitting outside in the sun and drinking some first-rate iced coffees. Honestly, I'm an all-year hot coffee drinker, but if I'm out and about in the middle of the day, I'll order one over ice. Often I choose something that's a bit different than my usual hot drink then, because the ice can water it down.

I had some errands to run on the other side of town and that gave me an excuse to try some other coffee shops not near me. 

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Crema Coffee + Bakery

I was picking up some treats for the dog on my day off and decided to pop around the corner to check out a coffee shop I've not seen before. My friend lives near there and told me Crema let's them hold their fundraiser there every year and that they also give back to the community through charitable contributions, and I love that. This shop is big and airy with huge roll-up garage door walls that are opened when it's nice out. I'm a big fan of those.

There are so many baked goods here, from bread to pastries, and next time I'm in the area, I'll be picking some of those up. There were so many Spring drink specials here and I was intrigued. I asked for a recommendation between the strawberry and the lavender latte and, though she said I should come back to try the other, the person taking my order and money said she slightly preferred the strawberry, so I ordered an iced oat milk strawberry latte. It was light and fruity and not artificial tasting at all.

I will try the lavender latte on a future trip and probably also sit outside, because they have the street blocked off and in that space they have a lot of nice tables and umbrellas and games to play. I bet it's packed in the summer. 

Saint Simon - Brazee

Saint Simon has a few locations in Portland. This one is right in the middle of a neighborhood and we used it as a meeting point for a weekend walk with friends. This place was busy busy, so you might not get a seat, if that's what you're looking for. It's also bigger than the other location I've been to, where I was able to order and snag a window seat. This one has seating outside, too, but that also seemed full. I can't blame people, because if I had a coffee shop like Saint Simon right by my house, I also would be there every weekend.

Saint Simon, named after The Shins' song by the same name, is very Portland: sleek, white, but innovative and friendly. I didn't actually wait in line too long before I got to order and it gave me a chance to look at the specials board and then ask about the intriguing fig and clove latte. I love a spicy drink, but too much clove can overpower everything and numb your palette. I was told it was a little spicy and a little sweet. 

The flavors were perfectly balanced and it was a great coffee to take with me on a walk around the neighborhood with friends to check out little "libraries" on the Sidewalk Joy map. 

Brickhaus Coffee

This is my favorite local coffee shop. I try to go at least once a month. It's Asian, woman owned and they got me the very first time I came in and asked for a suggestion and they recommended a "butterbeer" coffee. Um, yes, please. They also have all the Houses as latte flavors, with my favorite being Hufflepuff and my second choice being the spicy Gryffindor. 

I have tried many of their coffee specials and they are always delicious. They get their pastries from a local French bakery, so they are always awesome. I love their bagel breakfast sandwiches as well. They are a small business that raises up other small businesses, too. They sell a bunch of things from other local places and things they just love like handmade chocolates, bags from Portland Gear, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Funko Pops. There's always some amazing baking show on their TV that is entrancing (I believe they make Vietnamese sweets). 

Two of my favorite things at this shop are the Iced Strawberry Mocha and the strawberry pastry flower. They are perfect items for spring and summer, but the strawberry mocha is also great hot. I don't go many places where they know me and my name and always ask about trips I'm taking. This is the only coffee shop where I'm on a first-name basis with the owner. It's also the only shop that I go to that has eliminated tipping, because they pay their small staff a living wage. 

That's it for this month. I've got my eye on a few potentials for June, so stay tuned for that. Tell me about your favorite coffee shop from your travels or your own city.