The majority of your travel budget goes toward your flight and accommodations. The airlines that have lower fares usually make up for the price by up-charging for luggage, check-in methods and picking your seat on the flight. If you're looking to keep your fare low you have to learn how to pack your personal item like a carry on. It's much easier than it sounds. If you don't know how to make the most out of your backpack, here are the best techniques to still have the best looks and keep your trip within your budget.
Personally, using a book bag as a carry on is extremely convenient to me. You don't have to worry about placing heavy luggage in the overhead bin, your hands are free, items are easily within reach and believe me it IS enough space. If you have a trip coming up that's a quick weekend getaway up to 5 days long, your regular book bag will get you through it.
SAVE SPACE
1. ROLL your clothes
I know we've always been taught to fold our clothes but when it comes to book bags, you save the most space by rolling your clothes. *BONUS: Your clothes have less wrinkles!
2. Travel Cubes/Ziplocks
We're trying to save space right! Compressing your clothes in a bag saves you space, especially with bulky items. Travel cubes are worth the investment. They're not very expensive to start out with plus they're reusable. Travel cubes work well both in book bags and suitcases and come in an assortment of sizes. My Amazon storefront is full of packing cube options and other travel must haves here.
3. Be Intentional
Leave no empty spaces! Think of your book bag like a game of Tetris. You know you spent enough hours playing it as a kid to be an expert. Be intentional about the order of the items you place in your bag. Place tops in purses and socks in shoes to use every space available.
AIRPORT 'FIT
1. Wear Your Jacket
You're going to get cold on your flight. Wear your jacket, wrap it around your waist or hang it over your arm instead of packing it.
2. Wear Your Bulkiest Shoes
Typically, this will be your kicks. Save space and go comfy through the airport by wearing your sneakers to the airport.
THINK BALANCE
Remember the tip about being intentional? All your space should be occupied but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be comfortable.
1. Remember Your Center Of Gravity
One of the benefits of a book bag is that you can maneuver through it easily. Don't lose this by packing important items at the bottom and bulk items at the top.
2. Balance Left & Right
Aim to pack both sides in a similar fashion so that your bookbag feels as comfortable as possible on your back.
THE PACKING ORDER
1. Bulky First
Place your biggest and bulkiest items first. This will most likely be shoes. Remember, don't leave any valuable space.
2. Clothing
Roll those clothes and think of that as your middle layer.
3. Fragile & Liquid Items
Place your fragile items in between layers of clothing. Place liquids in ziplock bags to avoid any spills. This way they're safe, your clothes are safe and you're not wasting any space.
4. Important Docs & Items
At the top and in the most accessible pockets place the items you know you need to get to quickly. Your travel docs, charger, headphones and any meds.
You CAN make everything fit.
You CAN just take one bag.
You CAN still have fashionable outfits and only travel with a backpack.
Enjoy the journey,
XoXo