Tips for Long Term Travel with Just a Carry-on

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When I was in high school, my family took a trip to Hawaii. This was the first big trip where I really put thought into what I wanted to pack and wear, and well... I didn't do a great job. My suitcase was overflowing and too heavy for me to even lift. I think I had packed around ten pairs of shoes... And well, It's not something I'm proud of.

These days, I pack much lighter. A few years ago I spent over a month in Europe with just a carry-on, and this year I did the same thing for six weeks in Australia. I know it can seem impossible to pack for such a long time, in such a small space, but trust me—it's worth it!

Even though I pride myself on being a light packer, there is one thing I will never go without—snacks! Travel can be exhausting, and being hangry doesn't help. So I always come prepared. Lately my go-to snacks have been the Windstone Farms Creamy Peanut Butter Portable Packets. They're delicious, easy to store, and perfect for on-the-go living!

Check out the rest of my tips for carry-on only travel, below!

Hover over the image, above, and click to instantly shop the Windstone Farms Creamy Peanut Butter Portable Packets!

Pack Snacks

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about traveling, it’s that you will definitely need to pack snacks! You never know when you won’t have access to a good meal, and running around, all day, can definitely work up an appetite.

Rather than filling up on junk food, I like to pack better for me snacks, like the Windstone Farms Creamy Peanut Butter Portable Packets, fruit leather, or small packs of nuts. I simply fill any open spaces, inside my carryon suitcase, with all the snacks I can carry, and I’m good to go!

Windstone Farms has been family owned and operated for 35 years, but their Creamy Peanut Butter Packets are new at Walmart. They're made from USA grown and harvested peanutes, in Louisville, KY, where they're freshly roasted and packaged. They come in travel and TSA friendly packets and are made with only the highest quality ingredients, so you can get a wholesome alternative to unhealthy snacks, wherever you go!

Packing Cubes

When traveling with only a carry on suitcase, it’s important to make the most out of the space you have. Packing cubes will allow you to pack more into a smaller space, without taking up more room. To make the most out of your packing cubes, be sure to roll your clothing, and separate each type of clothing into separate cubes (tops in one, bottoms in another, etc.) This will keep things neat and tidy, even when you’ve been on the road for weeks!

Packing cubes are kind of an investment. But I’ve had mine for three years now, and have used them every time I’ve traveled. They’re definitely worth the price!

Roll-Up Toiletry Bag

Using a roll-up toiletry bag is a must, for me. The pockets allow for easy organization, the hook is perfect for keeping it off the floor or sink (we all know that not all bathrooms are cleaned equally), and it can be rolled and zipped up for neat and simple storage.

Travel Journal

If you can make room, I always recommend taking a small journal on your journey. Of course, you can use your phone. But I find being able to put my thoughts down on paper, at the end of a long travel day, is the perfect way to unwind and keep track of any important details I want to remember.

Shoe Bag

When traveling, your shoes will definitely take a beating… With limited clothing options, you need to make sure that they’re not getting dirty quicker than they need to be. I always pack my shoes away in a shoe bag to make sure that the rest of the items in my suitcase are not damaged or dirtied simply by being next to them. Plus, it adds to the organization, which is a must when traveling!

Laundry Bag

Another way I like to keep my clothing cleaner for longer, is by separating the dirty clothes from the clean ones. Once an item becomes dirty, I don’t want to roll it up inside a packing cube next to my clean clothing. So I always pack a laundry bag to keep things separated.

I also like to pack a small container of laundry detergent. This way I am prepared to do laundry whenever the opportunity arises.

What Clothing To Pack

When traveling with only a carry on, it’s important to bring clothing that is versatile and classic. I typically stick with neutral colors, especially when traveling to Europe, so I can mix and match my pieces, and always feel put together.

When it comes to shoes, three pairs is my maximum, but two is preferred. Always wear your bulkiest pair of shoes when traveling, so that they don’t take up too much space in your suitcase.

With bottoms, I like to pack at least one dress, one skirt, a pair of leggings, and one or two pairs of jeans. That way I have something for every occasion and plenty to choose from.

Remember to grab some Windstone Farms Creamy Peanut Butter Portable Packets from Walmart! They're perfect for keeping in the cupboard, at home, when you need a quick snack, or for taking on the road! You can even earn $0.50 back while supplies last, with THIS Ibotta Offer! Be sure to lookout for a demo, at a Walmart near you, where you can try the NEW Windstone Farms Creamy Peanut Butter Portable Packets, between August 8th & 10th.

I would love to hear what your best travel tips are and what other tips you'd like to hear from me! I definitely feel like I've picked up a trick or two, over the years.