packing cubes. That helps when you need one change of clothes for a night.

For the pjs, I take one set of dedicated "PJs" - but also make them something else I can wear - so usually shorts or sweatpants and a tshirt. I also usually take something for pool coverup or lounging - so between those, I have enough to sleep in. Or I wear a t shirt that I wore during the day.

Pack neutral bottoms, something you can dress up or down. I minimize toiletires if a hotel has them. I like to have moisturizer and conditioner, so I bring those.

I can’t give you direct advice, personally I tend to overpack. However, there are plenty of Youtube videos that show how to pack light.

I know how this is gonna come across, but I’m just gonna say it – maybe OP has larger clothes. With packing cubes, the roll method I don’t see how three pairs of pajamas is gonna make or break a carry-on

PP with black wardrobe. The slips also serve as night gowns, with wraps for cover ups.,

Packing my husband is so much harder because his size 12 shoes take up so much space plus his jeans and sweaters are all so bulky. My teen son is easier because he wears a lot of athleiaure stuff which packs down really well. Middle aged guys with the jeans and khakis and cotton sweaters are just really hard to pack. If you need to pack a blazer for them, that sucks up even more space.

Someone will say my spouse should pack himself but we’ve gone on too many family trips where it tirns out he brought 3 tee shirts for a hot sweaty trip. Or no jacket for cold evenings (we’ve bought them at gift shops twice!). Or all his shirts are faded and fraying so the vacation photos look bad. Or no decent shirt for a dinner out. He could care less but it bothers me so I redo his packing for family trips. I also eyeball the teens to make sure they’ve got the right stuff. My youngest is an awesome packer though.

I travel for two months annually with just a carry on.

I only wear black and dresses. Two cotton or silk sleeveless dresses with one matching duster/jacket or sweater. Cashmere wrap. Cotton wrap.. Silk or nylon panties and slips, 3 each, one on, one in wash, one just in case. They dry overnight, especially if wrung in towel. Three sets black knee high socks/stockings. ( dresses are midi length.) Two pairs shoes. Both easy to walk in, but one appropriate for restaurant or party.

I'm washing under things and hanging them to dry. Usually only spot clean a dress in case of spill.

Wearing dress, jacket, cashmere wrap on plane. Packing under things, extra dress, shoes, cotton wrap, minimal toiletries and makeup. Kindle. Raincoat that folds up into almost nothing.

Small cross body bag with phone, documents and glasses.

In my 20s, I did a version of this with blue jeans. I packed a dress in case needed for dress up or if the jeans had to be washed.

Depending on destination, may add swimsuit or winter coat. Silk legging/ tee shirts, etc. I use the wraps at night instead of a robe.

Anonymous wrote:I’d love your best tips for packing for a 9-day trip using only two bags: a standard carry-on rolling suitcase and a backpack.

My plan is to pack everything I’ll need for my first day’s layover/overnight in the backpack so I don’t have to open the suitcase at all until I reach my final destination.

I’m already planning to rewear pants, bring lighter fabrics for shirts, include a couple of lightweight dresses, and keep shoes to a minimum. I’ll also try to choose pieces that mix and match easily.

Where I’m really struggling is pajamas. They take up space, and since I’m sharing a room I need actual pajamas (not just a big T-shirt). I also feel like I need a fresh pair at least every third night, which means bringing three sets for a 9-day trip. That alone seems to take up a lot of room.

I also won’t have access to laundry, and probably won’t really be able to hand wash anything beyond maybe a bathing suit. It’s also a humid location, so I don’t trust things to dry overnight.

What other strategies help you pack lighter for trips this length? Any tips for minimizing toiletries, managing outfits, or making the most of a carry-on? I’m basically looking for your best “pack less but still have what you need” advice.

There’s a Reddit page for traveling with one bag, but I don’t qualify, so I’m hoping to pick your brains and get some advice!

If you need a fresh pair of pjs every 3 days due to crotchiness, use a nightgown.

People who do this maybe don't have a lot of daily medications and OTC products and/or go to places near drug stores.

If you think you will buy anything on your trip, keep that in mind.

A travel-sized spray bottle of Febreeze is also helpful to extend laundry items. Small accessories can make an outfit look “fancier,”
so bring a couple of nice earrings and necklaces. I also like to bring a shawl/big thin scarf, which is really versatile.

I wear undershirts, so I often will wear the same undershirt as a pajama top and ja daytime undershirt, getting two wears out of it. Only bring two pairs of shoes, unless flipflops are a third pair.

Pare down what you bring for toiletries. Only bring the absolute essentials. Don’t bring multiple hair styling products, for example. Just bring one workhorse hair product.

How well do you know the person you're sharing the room with?

Will the hotel have robes?

You could always have a pair of shorts for walking around room, and when you get into bed slip them off - that might make you feel better about wearing them for 9 days. So two tops, 1 bottom is how I'd do PJs in this circumstance.

Merino wool is breathable and doesn't hold body sweat as much as some other fabrics. Look up the 100 day dress challenge from one of the brands. They challenge people to wear the same dress 100 days in a row and some of the styling ideas are cute.

I also shower before bed and would probably do one pair of pj's. Silk shorties that can dry quickly if needed. Can wash silk with shampoo.

buy sink suds to rewash.

The tencel pjs pack really small. I still only bring 1 set of a week but I guess you could have 2. Shoes take up a ton of space so if you can limit yourself to 2 shoes that’s ideal. For AA summer trip I do a pair of sneakers and a pair of sandals that are good for walking (I use vionic) but can be worn with a skirt or dress. Here’s about what I packed for a trip to Spain last year, plus bathing suits for beach:
Navy sundress
Black sundress
White gauze short sleeve overshirt
Ligjtwoejg light blue cardigan
Linen tan pants
Black gaucho pants, cotton
Black tank top
Black stretchy jeans and long sleeved shirt for overnight flight
1 pair shorts
White fitted tee
Bright blue dressy sleeveless shirt
Crochet tank top
Lots of underwear
Summer is obviously easier but the key was to have stuff that all worked together and where I could put things together — like the white gauze shirt was great because I could wear it over the sundresses or with the linen pants or tj shorts. Same with the light cardigan.

If the weather will be cold, the clothes will be heavier but you can probably getting away with wearing the same clothes a lot of times. We went to Italy in the spring and it was chilly and I basically wore the same two pairs of pants the whole time with a couple sweaters and a coat. I just had a lot of tee shirts to swap out each day in case I was armpit sweaty from walking.

Anonymous wrote:I'm the PP above - here is the link: https://www.briggs-riley.com/products/compact-carry-on-spinner?variant=39999314657322

It was not quite as pricey as this when I brought it a couple years ago but yes - this is it and let me tell you - everyone needs this. I know it's crazy expensive. I just have to say though that it just seems like every other carry on is the "same" when you consider size and all of them are basically not more unique design wise. The only differentiator is how well it holds up when it's thrown around.

Personally, having a number of "high end" brands, I don't find any of them to be truly that amazing. The Briggs one at least has a value added tangible advantage of packing a ton in it. That has been worth every cent

I like Briggs and Riley also. I’ve been going smaller and lighter with merino wool and quick dry clothing and can travel with just. 30 L backpack these days.

But this would be a great option if I needed items for more than one season eg colder weather, fall,

Has the weight ever become an issue for the volume of clothes you can pack into this suitcase?

I'm the PP above - here is the link: https://www.briggs-riley.com/products/compact-carry-on-spinner?variant=39999314657322

It was not quite as pricey as this when I brought it a couple years ago but yes - this is it and let me tell you - everyone needs this. I know it's crazy expensive. I just have to say though that it just seems like every other carry on is the "same" when you consider size and all of them are basically not more unique design wise. The only differentiator is how well it holds up when it's thrown around.

Personally, having a number of "high end" brands, I don't find any of them to be truly that amazing. The Briggs one at least has a value added tangible advantage of packing a ton in it. That has been worth every cent