How We Packed a Week-Long Family Trip With One Carry-On Each

For years, we packed more than we actually needed for family trips.
Mostly “just in case…” things.

But on this trip, we decided to try something different:
one carry-on per person for an entire week.

This was actually the exact packing method we used during our family trip to Switzerland.

And honestly?
It changed the whole feeling of going on a trip abroad.

Best Tips for Minimalist Packing for a One-Week Family Trip Abroad.

#1 Make a Detailed Packing List

Before You Start Packing for Your Trip, Create a List!

Before you dive into your closet to pull out clothes and gear for your suitcase, take a moment to sit down and make a well-organized packing list of everything you plan to take with you.

A structured list helps you make sure you don’t forget any essentials, while also helping you avoid packing items you likely won’t use.

Here are the things I think about when preparing my packing list for a trip:

1. The Weather: What’s the weather going to be like in the mornings and evenings? Do you need a mix of summer and winter clothes? Jackets? Layers? Knowing the expected weather helps me decide what to wear on vacation and what items to prioritize.
2. Attractions & Activities: What attractions are we going to do? Morning or evening outings? Will it be a beach vacation or nature hikes? Understanding what kind of trip it’s going to be, and exactly where we’re going, helps me choose the right clothing style and outfit combinations.
3. Do I Really Need This? Every item on my list must pass a few questions:
   • Do I truly need this?
   • When was the last time I used it?
   • When will I wear/use this on the trip?
   • Is it really important to me?
   • If I don’t take it, will I be bummed about it during the trip?

I never start packing until I’ve finalized my list.

But wait a momentי 

How do I choose the clothes I’ll take and organize them into my list — and what tip can save you from unnecessary headaches during the trip? 

#2 Choosing Your OOTD for the Trip

After I understood the weather we will have on the trip + the nature of the trip. 

To pack minimally and accurately, I do 3 things before picking out my clothes.

1. Choosing a Color Palette
   I choose a color palette not just because I love it, but also to match my outfits to the vibe of the place and create beautiful photos for us :)) A color palette also lets me mix and match my clothes during the trip, so I don’t wear each piece just once, significantly reducing the amount of clothes I need to pack (especially on trips to cold places, when jackets/coats are needed).
2. Plan at Home- preparing outfits in advance helps ensure I’ve chosen enough clothes for the trip. It also saves me the hassle of waking up each morning during the trip and deciding what to wear.

Useful tip: take a photo of each outfit you prepare in advance and save the photos in a folder on your phone called “Trip Outfits.” (same for the kids!)

#3 As small as possible

Using a compact fold for your clothes will help you fit all the items you’ve chosen to take with you into one carry-on.

The folding method I usually use is: fold in the sides snugly along the length of the garment, then roll it up compactly and precisely along the entire length.

If I want the clothes to stay secured, I make one last roll before finishing, rolling from the other side of the garment and pushing them into each other so the fold stays and won’t come undone.

#4 Liquids in Your Carry-On: What to Bring ?

Because dealing with liquids when flying can be a bit tricky, I decided to look into it in more depth.

Each country has different rules regarding liquids in carry-ons or personal items. But for example, an open — or even often closed — beverage bottle is likely to be confiscated. Even if you buy it right before security, from a vending machine or kiosk inside the airport, there’s a good chance they’ll pour it out.”

On the other hand, creams, ointments, and liquids — if they’re small, under 100ml (even in the little bottles you packed) — usually aren’t a problem. You’ll usually be asked to group these liquids together in a small bag or special pouch containing all the bottles.

*Baby/child bottles containing liquids are usually taken for inspection, and given back to you afterward as they are

And again, you can never know 100% for sure in advance, but here are the main things you should know about packing liquids

#5 Take (or Not)

Take: I love bringing along the little things that have become part of our daily routine at home. Not because you can’t find them abroad, but because they simply make me feel comfortable — whether it’s a natural deodorant I made at home, natural toothpaste, or a few products we use every day.

Not to Take: Anything that comes with a “maybe.” At the end of the day, if we really need it, we can easily find it there too. I’d rather leave the extra room in the suitcase.

In conclusion,

While this packing method may not suit every trip or family vacation, it is definitely possible! And it can sometimes allow you to travel as a family for half the cost of a plane ticket per person, which is truly significant.

Have you ever gone on a family trip with just one carry-on suitcase per person?

Willing to try after reading this post?

Share your thoughts in the comments right here below