How to pack when you only paid for carry on luggage.

So an airline posted cheap flights and you jumped on and managed to get a cheap week away. Amazing, we all love a sneaky week away. Now you have the task of trying to pack everything you need into a tiny bag as you did not buy extra luggage. The amount you pack is very dependent on where you are heading. A tropical trip is easy to pack for. A few sun dresses, shorts and t-shits and thongs and you are good to go. The real test is when you are travelling somewhere cooler, like Tassie in winter. Here are some tips that will help you ration your packing so that it fits within the carry on limit.

• My very first tip is – If you are travelling for longer than a weekend, buy check in luggage. Yes you will pay an extra $15 for flights but in the long run it will save you a lot of heartache. Trying to buy it later or paying excess will ultimately cost you a lot more.
• So – first things first – how heavy is your luggage? Whilst those fancy little suitcases on wheels look stylish some of them weigh over 3 kgs before you start. So make sure your bag is a light as it can be. My husband always packs into his sports bag. It has lots of compartments and weighs less than 1kg empty. Consider a backpack if you do not want to carry a sports bag.
• Make sure you wear your bulky items on the plane. Any coats and boots needed for the cold should be worn to save bag space and weight.
• How many pairs of shoes do you need? I agree it does not look cool to wear your hiking boots out to dinner, but who actually is looking? And do you really care? If you do need to dress up consider packing some ballet flats or similar.
• Pack 1 pair of staple pants / jeans that can be mixed and matched with different tops. Throw in a pair of leggings for lounging around or if you need to wash, but otherwise your staple pants will be your go to.
• Pack a couple of tops that you can layer for warmth. You can swap them around the next day so it does not look like you have worn the same clothes in your photos.
• Consider your toiletries. Do you need to pack a hairdryer or will a scrunchy or hat solve your hair issues. If you are staying long enough to need lots of toiletries, consider buying them when you arrive and leaving them. Paying $10 for shampoo and conditioner for the week will be cheaper in the long run. Also consider travel bottles that you can fill up from your stash at home. They weigh less and are perfect for shorter trips.
• Tip – Remember your carry on liquid limit is generally 100ml.
• Some accommodation provides little luxuries so check these out when booking. Examples include hairdryers, toiletries and beach towels.
• Technology can also take up lots of bag weight. Laptops and phone chargers can all add up so have a think about disconnecting from technology and enjoy your trip. In saying that – I always travel with my laptop, you never know when inspiration will strike. But I have purchased a lightweight one now so I can still fit it in my carry on.
• Finally – do not pack for just in case. Pack strategically. Have an idea of what you are wearing when and only pack those items. What is the worse thing that could happen? You wear the same clothes for a few days? Does not sound to bad to me.

What additional tips or tricks do you have when packing carry on?