It's officially the start of the busy winter travel season, so let's talk luggage & packing with these carry-on packing tips and checked luggage advice!
Are you Team Checked or Team Carry-On?
Checked Bags:
Pros:
- You can take everything your heart desires, lol.
- Pack your liquids for a breezy security experience.
- No lugging your suitcase through the airport.
- Extra room in your carry-on for in-flight goodies like snacks, books, or headphones.
- Perfect for hauling back souvenirs or shopping treasures from your trip.
Cons:
- Big & bulky—it’s a hassle on multi-destination trips, especially with lots of stairs or cobblestones.
- Lines await as soon as you arrive at the airport to check your bag.
- Can be hours waiting for it at the baggage carousel.
- Potential extra cost (depending on the airline).
- Higher risk of handling damage or lost baggage during transfers.
Carry-On Bags:
Pros:
- Compact & efficient—easy to manage anywhere you go with these winter travel packing tips.
- No risk of losing your beloved luggage.
- Bypass the baggage claim and get on the road faster.
- Avoids those pesky checked luggage fees.
Cons:
- Limited to a 1L bag for liquids/gels.
- Forces you to make those tough packing decisions.
- Space limits mean waving goodbye to spontaneous shopping!
- Challenging if you're lugging around gear like cameras or sporting equipment.
I'm 100% team carry-on!
I prefer my travel mates to join in on the fun, lol. Nothing kills the travel vibe more than waiting (& hoping) for a sight of your bag at the carousel, elbowing through weary travelers. Not how I want my trip to begin or end!
Some of My Favorite Winter Travel Packing Tips: (maybe they'll help you convert to carry-on only too!)
- Packing cubes are life-changers—they organize & compress your gear seamlessly.
- Roll clothes to save space & keep wrinkles at bay.
- Airlines often allow a carry-on plus a personal item—use the biggest personal item fitting their guidelines to maximize space.
- Mix & match clothing options and use hotel laundry services if needed.
- Verify hotel toiletries ahead of packing, saving room for essentials.
- Ladies, don't forget a chic pashmina or throw—it’s perfect for adding a touch of style and staying cozy on the plane!
- Embrace digital copies of books/documents to reduce weight.
- Keep an emergency kit with essentials—charger, snacks, and toiletries—in your personal item, just in case.
- Pack foldable, lightweight travel shoes or sandals to optimize luggage space.
Don't forget to save this post for your next adventure!