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My Necessities Carry-On Packing Guide For Summer Vacation

June 13, 2023
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I’ve returned from my first trip of the summer. I went to Lisbon Portugal. Even though it was a short trip, I have A LOT of content to share. I might have to break it down into 3 to 4 blogs. So get ready…

There’s one aspect that never fails to overwhelm me before a trip: packing! So I messaged my friends Rachel Bendavid and Leah Corselli for some packing tips. Rachel, an expert traveler, managed to travel to Italy for two weeks with only a carry-on! Impressive! On my last trip to Slovenia, I overpacked. So this trip I wanted to take Rachel’s advice and pack light. Finding the balance between carrying enough options to suit my moods and the desire to travel light is not easy. In the past, my suitcase would burst at the seams with an excess of clothes. So here’s my guide (and Rachel’s tips) for packing your carry-on for summer vacation.

The Best Travel Totes

Finding the best travel tote is essential for a smooth and relaxing flight. Totes and carry-ons have the appropriate size, weight, and roominess for shorter trips. While other types of carry-ons, like suitcases and backpacks, can take up too much space during your flight. So if you’re looking to invest in a tote, here are some of my top choices for summer getaways!

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Goyard Tote | Tory Burch Ella Tote

Emma Tote | Marc Jacobs Tote

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Which Carry On Luggage Holds The Most?

Over the years, I’ve purchased various carry-ons, but few could accommodate all my clothes, accessories, toiletries, and other travel essentials. However, the Tumi International Carry-On has been an absolute game-changer. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, I’ve cherished it for years as my ultimate travel bag. It also has gold hardware so it’s more stylish than the average carry-on.

Rachel loves her AWAY Carry-On. A more affordable option to my Tumi carry-on. It’s large enough to fit everything you need for your summer travels.

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My carry-on luggage.

Must-Have Travel Toiletries

I bring all of my beauty essentials on the plane with me. Everything from my nighttime skincare favorites to my daily lipstick. Begin your packing process by arranging all of the grooming and beauty products you use on a daily basis. This will make it easy for you to visualize which products you actually need for your trip.

My tips for packing toiletries are to buy two of everything! One for home and one for travel. It makes the packing process easier if you already have a travel kit packed and ready to go. The second tip is to unpack toiletries after your trip and refill your skincare, toothpaste, and old beauty products. That way you know that your toiletry bag is fully stocked. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination and realizing you’re out of lotion.

My Favorite Beauty Items While Traveling

Clinique Cleansing Balm – $38: Gentle and effective at removing makeup and sunblock. 

Black Girl Sunscreen – $15.99: This SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen contains natural ingredients. The sunscreen is moisturizing and doesn’t leave a white cast.

Danessa Myricks Beauty – $18:  My go-to lip and cheek pigment. You really don’t need much and it’s easy to blend. I can’t wait to try it as lipstick or blush.

NARS Mini Radiant Concealer – $15: Brightens and corrects the skin. The mini size is great for traveling.

La Mer Moisturizing Cream – $100: One of my favorite moisturizers. Super rich and creamy.

Dior Mascara – $32: Keep makeup simple while on a vacation. But a little mascara can go a long way.

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Louis Vuitton Monogram Toiletry Pouch 26. I have two that I throw in my tote or carry-on.

The Best Tip To Avoid Overpacking

It’s hard to predict everything we’ll need while we’re away. Rachel gave us great advice that I think everyone needs to learn. If you’re packing for a trip where you’ll be visiting multiple locations, it’s okay to repeat outfits. There will be different people at these locations. So no one will see you in the same outfit. Bring outfits that are versatile and can be mixed and matched for different occasions. It will make the packing process so much easier!

Her advice helped me so much while packing for Lisbon. It might be one of the few times in my life where I didn’t overpack. Share in the comments if you’re an over-packer like myself!

Xo,

Coco

 

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P.S. You can also bring a Tide stick or Tide pods to handwash clothes while you travel. This an easy hack if you’re extending your vacation last minute.

P.P.S. Make sure to activate the Chirpyest Browser Extension to earn up to 30% cash back from Tumi, Away, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and more.

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
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I have made a contribution today already to the LA Fire Relief Fund created by @victorybiblechurch in Pasadena. They are actively assisting families in need in both Pasadena and Altadena who have been affected by the devastating Eaton Fire.
Although I don't have a personal connection to Pastor DeCuir or the church, I was searching for an organization that is helping in the Altadena area. A well respected civil rights attorney I follow @leemerrittesq is on the ground helping the church members and community members with legal services in the wake of the fires. I hope by contributing to their efforts, we can extend a helping hand to those facing significant challenges during this difficult time
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