Our Top Carry-On Packing Tips

There’s little we love more than a jaunt out-of-town, whether for a weekend at the beach or a week in Paris or London. All of the airplane carry-on restrictions in recent years have been cramping our packing style, though – it’s hard enough to fit all our shoes and outfits in one bag, and we hate having to check a weekender just because of our hair products. Which is why we’ve compiled a collection of our favorite packing tips to help you be efficient, stylish, and not have to check a bag on your next trip.

1. Pick Your Bag
The most important part of packing is the bag; without the right bag, clever tricks only go so far. If you’re just going for a couple days, we’d opt for a classic shoulder bag like this sturdy Bric’s piece or this gorgeous leather Claire Chase duffel. This expandable Tumi roller might make it harder for you to find overhead bin space (and you might even have to gate-check), but it might be beautiful enough to be worth it.


2. Only the Essentials
Your mom probably told you this more than once, but we have to echo her: Lay out everything you want to take on the trip; then only bring half of it. Even if you’re going for three weeks and plan to check a bag, you’ll have a chance to do laundry. If you’re just going for three days, you don’t need enough clothes for nine.

3. Roll Your Clothes
Not only does rolling your clothes help them fit in smaller spaces (and more of them), but it helps keep them from getting too wrinkled, and definitely helps prevent the hard creases you get from regular folding.


4. Circumvent the No-Liquids Rule
No, we’re not suggesting that you just bring all the liquids you want in your carry-on. Rather, even many of our favorite designer toiletries and hair products offer travel-sized versions; if you can’t find what you’re looking for, any pharmacy sells small bottles into which you can decant. If you don’t even want to deal with those, plan to stay at a hotel (or with friends) with quality in-room toiletries.

Need a new bag? You’re in luck! This week we’re featuring some of the best brands in luggage — Tumi, Victorinox, Nicole Miller, and more — with our Luggage Week series. Bon voyage!

Talk Travel with #ideelSTYLE

When the going gets chilly, the cool kids get the hell out of dodge! No matter where you're planning on traveling this holiday season, there's no doubt you'll need to pack in style. So we've put together our Baggage Claim series to make sure you've got sturdy and chic luggage with all the nifty nooks, crannies, bells and whistles to have you on your way. Featuring brands like Calvin Klein, Claire Newell, Eddie Bauer, Jenni Chan and tons more, everything from holiday cocktail frocks to gifts for family will make it there in one piece.

And speaking of jetting, whether to grandmother's house you go or you're escaping the winter chill, packing can be quite the doozy. So in honor of Travel Tuesday, we'll be talking strategy on Twitter with all the essential ways to create a versatile vacation wardrobe and how to get the most out of your luggage space. Want to join? Follow us on Twitter, and then look for us at 2pm using the hashtag #ideelSTYLE to get in on the conversation!

Pick of the Day: Tumi

New Year's resolutions are in full effect. And while we've pledged to live healthier, call home more, and save money just like everyone else, there's a new goal on our list for 2011—traveling! And if you think we're going to be lugging around that ratty old suitcase from college, think again. We can't wait to pack up this bold tangerine-colored Avignon Frequent Traveler suitcase from Tumi. This famed luggage label is a favorite among the jet set, and and it's easy to see why with Tumi's patented technology, solid construction, and attractive styling. For the forgetful ones among us (guilty!), this bright orange beauty will also stand out in a sea of black bags at the airport. And our Tumi sale isn't limited to just suitcases—there are also handbags, crossbodies, and laptop cases, so you can rest assured that all your possessions will be safe and tucked away in style. With so many places to see and be seen, these Tumi pieces make getting away a cinch, whether for a weekend jaunt or that exotic getaway you've pledged to treat yourself to this year. Get them here!

Pick of the Day: LeSportsac

If ever there was a "plain Jane" of luggage, it might just be the garment bag. Prone to somewhat less style variations than her upright, wheeled sisters, she's usually the serviceable, sturdy piece that gets the least fashion attention but quite a bit of wear. Thanks to getting the chic LeSportsac treatment, though, this Jane is plain no longer, with her playful polka dots and sophisticated chocolate hue. She's not just a pretty face, though: LeSportsac's signature attention to quality shines through in the bag's durable rip-stop nylon construction and hand-sewn adjustable shoulder strap. We've definitely found our new travel companion. Get it here!