Expert Tips: 10 Days in a Carry-on

Ever wonder how you’re going to manage a whole week without a big, hefty suitcase and $50 worth of fees for your checked bags?

Check out this NYT article following a flight attendant and her tips for packing everything you need in a tiny, fee-free carry-on:

It’s incredible how much she’s able to fit, and keep wrinkle-free! All I have to say is this woman is a packing genius.

STEP ONE Folded clothing takes up too much space. Instead, Ms. Poole tightly rolls everything, which also minimizes wrinkling. This suitcase will hold three pairs of shorts, three pairs of dress pants, one skirt, three pairs of casual pants or jeans, three nightgowns, three bathing suits, one sarong, three lightweight sweaters, four dresses, 10 casual shirts, six dress shirts, a clutch, toiletries and two pairs of shoes. She’ll wear the third pair of shoes, as well as jeans and a longer sweater.

STEP TWO She continues to roll the clothing and sets it aside.

STEP THREE Shoes go in first. Ms. Poole packs them along the edges of the bag, then begins putting in jeans and pants to form the bottom layer of clothing. 

STEP FOUR Continuing with lighter clothes, she forms more layers, packing garments tightly.

STEP FIVE The lightest items are last and make up the top layer of clothing.

STEP SIX Her toiletries and clutch go on top. The bag closes easily — no need to sit on it.