Smart Packing: One Carry-On, No Problem.

The Original "Beach Bums"

Summertime and vacations just go together like salt and pepper, cheese and crackers, margaritas and sunshine... I remember taking many family trips when I was younger throughout the summer to places like Beaver Lake, AR, the Grand Canyon, and Michigan. While inevitably those trips would always shouting matches between me and my brother and long hours on the road singing to the Beatles, thankfully summer vacations have changed quite a bit. Squabbles with my brother are now no longer the problem, but rather the ever-perplexing issue of packing is the major stress-inducer. It just seems like there is never enough room in that tiny carry-on bag and usually there just isn't enough room to bring a second bag or the airline fees make it unfeasible.

Whenever I struggle with packing, I just start thinking back to when immigrants in the 19th century came to America and brought all of their cherished belongings in just one suitcase. My struggles seem a bit petty then, because, heck, if they can pack their life in one bag, I definitely can pack for a few days! So after much trial and error, here are some essential packing tips to travel smarter and lighter!

Smart Packing: One Trip - One Carry-On by historyandhighheels

J Crew navy stripe dress, $115 / Madewell chambray boyfriend shirt / Calypso St Barth horizontal striped shirt / Red lace tank / Roksanda Ilincic cotton sleeveless top / Maison Martin Margiela black jacket, $450 / American Eagle Outfitters dark blue jegging / Pleated skirt, $42 / Orla Kiely white layered skirt, $285 / TIBI short shorts / Trasparenze elastic waist pants / Lisa Marie Fernandez ruffle bikini swimsuit / Keds dot shoes / Shoe Republic summer sandals / GLOBE-TROTTER 30" Limited Edition Candy Suitcase with Wheels / Forever New mini purse, $28 / GUESS analog watch / ALDO earrings / Elizabeth Cole necklace / VIVETTA pink wide brim hat / French Connection skinny belt

P.S. Next week, Mikael and I are going to Chicago for our summer get-away. If you have any suggestions on fun places for us to go or things to do, please let me know if the comments!