packing smart ✈

In general, I do not consider myself a very organized person, except when I travel. I also have gotten pretty good at packing quite a bit, into a small bag. For my trip today, to Las Vegas, I am forced by TSA rules to check my pool cue. (Gasp!) So, to avoid having to pay for two checked bags, I will pack almost everything else I need, into my purse and carry on suitcase. I have a special travel bag for my pool case and I can also fit a few extra things, like my lotions and other liquids, just to avoid the hassle of pulling them out and even a sweater.

✈ Below, is what I will fit into my purse, a large Orla Kiely sling bag, I love.
1. iPod 2. Kindle in Oberon Cover and Borsa Bella cover 3. Canon Powershot G10 4. bento lunch box 5. extra snacks 6. portable reading light 7. promo cards 8. notebook & pen 9. reading glasses (extra pair just in case) 10. tissues 11. sunglasses (in handy pocket) 12. iphone 13. zip bag with chapstick and other various useful items 14. Orla Kiely wallet

Everything else below, will go into my 20" carry on, along with enough cloths, for my 5 day trip. I just bought this Swiss Gear bag, because I love the hidden lap top pocket. It is also well well made and designed. With plenty of other useful pockets and an expanding top, incase you need more room for your souvenirs or trophies ;)!

1. Various chargers and my G10 manual (still figuring it out) will go into this little Paperchase case 2. make up bag 3. keep this tin full of motrin 4. laptop and custom Borsa Bella sleeve 5. nail polish 6. another pair of reading glasses (can never have too many) 7. laptop charger 8. Nike flip flops 9."Lets Do Lunch" bag, for when I do not want to take my bigger purse.

How will it all fit...you ask? I have what I call a "burrito" folding technique which allows me to get all the cloths I need, into a fairly small bag. First, I layer all my shirts on top of each other (biggest first), then layer your pants & sleepwear on top, in the center. Then I fold in all the sides, finally bring the bottom up and fold in half, till is a tight, compact, "ball like" burrito!

I put my extra purse into my suit case first, the cloths burrito on top. Fill in around the sides and in the pockets with everything else. My shoes I double bag, I will later use the extra as a laundry bag. I even slipped in my latest two Netflix, to watch on my laptop. Bring the return envelopes too, so you can drop them in the hotel mail box when your done!
I manage to get 6 shirts, 4 pairs of pants, shorts & pjs into this one carry on!
I packed some cereal bars in a front pocket pocket and will pick up some yogurt at a nearby store. Avoiding restaurants, for just one of your meals on a long trip, can save easily $50 or more. Breakfast is the easiest for that.

Finally, do not forget your plane wardrobe can also help you get in a few more items. Keep it comfy, with tennis shoes and soft socks. I always dress in layers, planes can get pretty cold. So some kind of pullover is a must. I am always glad to have it, no matter how warm it might be at my destination, someone always has the AC cranked up indoors!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Comments

[Gretchen]

Very stylish. Good luck in Vegas!

[puglyfeet]

I love your style, Lara.

[michelle]

You are a packing goddess!

Love that you shared. I always wonder what I'm doing wrong as I'm sitting on my luggage trying to get it to close(:

[Lara Rossignol]

I found the orange ones at Target a while ago and the green at Barnes & Noble more recently. Both came in a set of 3 or 4, in various sizes.

[Megan Wallace]

Awesome! Thanks Lara!!

[Chieko]

That's amazing you can put all that in your Orla Kiely bag! Bravo!

[Christine]

I'm going to have to try your burrito method next time I go away. I usually roll everything and fit tons in but your method looks easier :-)

[jen jafarzadeh]

I'm a pouch addict so this made me smile. Is your adorable laptop sleeve something that's still available?

[Lara Rossignol]

Yes, I believe so, as a custom order. Send her an email, orders@borsabella.com she will make one for you!

[ashley@decorology]

This is immensely helpful. I'm traveling a lot this year and packing is an art form!