Minimalist Packing Tips for a One-Week Family Trip 1 Carry-On for person
It’s no secret that flying with just a carry-on instead of checked luggage can significantly reduce flight costs for international trips鈥攕ometimes even by half compared to flights that include baggage! 馃槑
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. 馃 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.
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.
(Spoiler alert: later in this post, I鈥檒l share my must-have packing items and a few things I skip and why.)
A structured list will help ensure you don鈥檛 forget any essentials while also preventing you from packing unnecessary items that you likely won鈥檛 use.
Here are the factors I consider when preparing my packing list for a trip:
The Weather: What鈥檚 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:
- 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鈥檛 take it, will I miss it during the trip?
I never start packing until I鈥檝e finalized my list.
But wait, how do I choose which clothes to pack and organize them on my list? What鈥檚 the tip that saves me from unnecessary headaches during the trip?
But wait a moment讬 
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? 
#2 Choosing Your OOTD for the Trip
After I understood the weather we will have on the trip + the nature of the trip.聽
To pack minimally and accurately, I do 3 things before picking out my clothes.”
- Choosing a Color Palette
I select a color palette not only because I love it, but also to match my outfits to the vibe of the place and create beautiful photos. A color palette allows me to mix and match my clothes during the trip, so I don’t wear each piece just once, significantly reducing the total amount of clothes I need to pack. - 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 and deciding what to wear.
Useful tip: take a photo of each outfit you prepare in advance and save them in a separate folder on your phone for the trip. (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 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.”*
#4 Liquids in Your Carry-On: What to Bring ?
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鈥檒l pour it out.”
On the other hand, creams, ointments, and liquids under 100ml (in small bottles) usually won鈥檛 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
#5 Take (or Not)
Take: I definitely don鈥檛 compromise on the little things that make me feel good鈥攋ewelry, belts, hats, skincare for my face and hair, and everything that makes me feel great about myself! 馃檪
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! 
