Going International: How to Travel With One Carry-On

Pack your Bag, We’re Going On an Adventure: 1 Month of Outfits in 1 Carry-On, and we're gone!

My eyes have seen the light and the glory of packing minimally so I can move around with maximum ease. On my last jaunt to Mexico, I was super surprised by all the outfit combinations I was able to put together with 1 average-sized roller bag carry on, which housed all of my initial clothes and shoes. Plus, I went and bought 2 additional pairs of shoes, a bag of coffee and other small trinkets to bring home; plus, room for snacks in my personal bag.

My biggest piece of advice if you want to try this minimalist approach to packing and travel is to pick a bright color palette of lightweight pieces, a couple of statement accessories and patterned scarves. Those few adjustments to the way you pack will give you sooo many more options to switch up and add flair to your travel style.

Here’s a list of everything I packed in my actual carry-on, which includes the 24-26 different outfit combinations:

2 tank tops
1 cami
1 flowy top
2 solid skirts (black and white)
1 kimono
1 jumper
2 cotton dresses
2 shorts
1 bikini (2 bottoms)
7 days of undergarments (3 bras, 7-8 panties)
1 long sleeve shirt
1 blazer
3 shoes (later bought 2 more pairs-- a sandal and a walking shoe)
Makeup bag (including Urban Decay shadow palette, full lippies, concealer, mascara, nail polish, the works!)
Jewelry bag
Toiletries (Hack: brought 2 sets, one for my actual carry-on and one set in my personal item)
An additional small electronics bag, including selfie stick, mini ring light, and other random cords and blogger tools
Travel altar with candles, crystals, etc.
Comfort blanket

Personal Item Bag:

Electronics, including my laptop, wireless keyboard, phone, Kindle & chargers
Wallet
Passport
Keys
1 Notebook
1 Journal
The new, previously mentioned walking shoes
Also, my 2nd toiletries stash
Plus, there was room for snacks, which I purchased at my gate.