It’s no secret that flying with just a carry-on instead of checked luggage can significantly reduce flight costs for international trips—sometimes even by half compared to flights that include baggage! 😎
However, packing for a one-week trip abroad with just one carry-on per person can sound a bit daunting. In our early family flights, I never even considered it as an option. 🫣 But after realizing how ‘easy’ it is to pack a lot of unnecessary items out of fear that ‘we might need this’ or ‘just in case,’ we decided to try packing in a minimalist and precise way this time, without the fear of missing anything important on our trip!
Best Tips for Minimalist Packing for a One-Week Family Trip Abroad.
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.
(Spoiler alert: later in this post, I’ll share my must-have packing items and a few things I skip and why.)
A structured list will help ensure you don’t forget any essentials while also preventing you from packing unnecessary items that you likely won’t use.
Here are the factors I consider when preparing my packing list for a trip:
The Weather: What’s the forecast? 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.
Attractions & Activities: Will it be a morning adventure or an evening out? Is it a beach holiday or nature hikes? Or perhaps city dining and shopping? Understanding the type of trip will help you choose the right clothing style to pack.
Do I Really Need This? Every item on my list must pass a few questions:
I never start packing until I’ve finalized my list.
But wait, how do I choose which clothes to pack and organize them on my list? What’s the tip that saves me from unnecessary headaches during the trip?
But wait a momentי 
How do I choose the clothes I’ll take and organize them into my list? What tip can save me from unnecessary headaches during 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.”
Using a compact fold for your clothes will help you fit all the items you’ve chosen to take with you neatly into your carry-on.
The folding method I usually use is: fold in the sides tightly along the length of the garment, then roll it up compactly and precisely along its 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 tucking them into each other so that the fold stays in place and won’t come undone.”*
I think one of the biggest stressors for me regarding carry-ons is the issue of liquids. So, I decided to research this topic further.
(To start with, leaving Israel, liquid regulations are generally quite lenient, and there are usually no major issues.)
However, it’s important to know that each country has different rules regarding liquids in carry-ons or personal items. For example, a liquid that is likely to be confiscated is an open or closed beverage bottle. Even if you buy it right before security, either from a vending machine or kiosk nearby, there’s a good chance they’ll pour it out.”
On the other hand, creams, ointments, and liquids under 100ml (in small bottles) usually won’t be an issue. Typically, you’re asked to group these liquids in a small bag or special pouch containing all the bottles.
*Baby/child bottles containing liquids are often taken for inspection and returned afterward as they are
Again, you can never know 100% for sure in advance, but here are the main things you should know about packing liquids
Take: I definitely don’t compromise on the little things that make me feel good—jewelry, belts, hats, skincare for my face and hair, and everything that makes me feel great about myself! 🙂
In conclusion,
While this packing method may not suit every trip or family vacation, it is definitely possible! 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 a carry-on for the whole family?
Willing to try after reading this post?
Share your thoughts in the comments below! 
Hi, my name is Hadassa Shitrit.
I am a mental coach for women and business owners who want to develop, achieve success, and create their dream lives.
I am a blogger and content creator focused on personal development, consciousness, business and entrepreneurship, and lifestyle.
I own the brand HADASIM, and I host the podcast ‘It Speaks to Me.’
In recent years, I have been leading dozens of women and business owners to their personal and business success and fulfillment, combining consciousness with practical and technical tools.
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