Checking luggage just isn't for me.
It's partially because I'm opposed to the notion that checking a bag should cost money, and partially because I worry about my suitcase getting lost. When Im in a new place, it really grounds me to have my essentials in tow. And if my suitcase gets lost for the first few days of my travel, Ill spend the trip feeling unsettled rather than exploring my new surroundings .
That being said, I try to always do long trips with only a carry-on. I once moved to France for six months with just a 30-pound checked bag, so packing for a two-week trip in a regulation-sized carry-on is a piece of cake. I've never Marie Kondo'd my life, but I love to Marie Kondo my packing list .
Here's what my packed carry-on looks like for a typical two-week trip:
When it's time to start filling the suitcase, I try to keep color palette in mind as much as possible so I can mix and match what Ive brought. Most of the clothes I bring for travel are various neutral shades, black, or muted colors (like a slate gray or olive green), so they can be paired up interchangeably.
Here are my must-haves for a 14-day trip with only a carry-on:
Maya Kachroo-Levine
The biggest space saver, for me, is bringing fewer shoes.
I need one active pair of walking shoes that are also good for the plane, inter-country train travel, and long car rides. I swear by my Merrell Gridway Mocs , which are super-comfortable even for walking long distances, and easily slip on and off at airport security.
If Im going on a trip where Ill need a nicer pair of shoes, Ill bring low-wedge sandals that can also pass as casual sandals. If theres no need for a nicer shoe option, Ill use Birkenstocks as my second pair of shoes.
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I am a fan of versatile leggings that are good for a morning stroll around a new neighborhood, a run or hike, and plane wear. Ill typically pack two pairs, just because I hate to continually wear my plane leggings. My go-tos are Lululemons Wunder Under High-Rise Tight , because they stay comfortable for an entire 12-hour flight, and somehow make me look put together when I land.
Jag Jeans
Are they tights? Are they leggings? Who knows, but coming from someone who likes to spend the bulk of their time at home in sweatpants, jeggings are the ideal travel pant, because you can do a whole day of walking-based activities in them.
Everyone has their own denim preferences of course, but the DL1961 Emma Power Legging Jeans are a personal favorite because they transition perfectly from daywear (sightseeing around town) to nightwear (for dinner or drinks).
Target
These are a great day pant, and they are versatile enough to work for unpredictable weather. I tend toward a softer trouser in khaki or olive, because it can be dressed up or down. Soft trousers are also a perfect plane pant if you prefer to avoid traveling in athleisure or sweats.
Thomas Lohnes / Getty
Again, if its not a multi-purpose product, its not coming with me.
First, I brave life without a cleanser and wash my face with hotel bar soap. The only skincare routine I bring is Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream , because it works as a day and night moisturizer, it helps my skin stay hydrated post-flight, and you can buy it with SPF.
For makeup, I bring eyeliner and NARS The Multiple , because Ill use it as a blush, highlighter, eyeshadow, and even lip color. This way, I avoid bringing my entire makeup bag. And I bring a travel-sized bottle of Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water for cleansing and makeup removal. Plus, of course, a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, and mouthwash.
Shutterstock/Dmitry_Tsvetkov
A comfortable, loose-fitting dress that can stand up to a full-day adventure is essential. For the spring and summer, a chambray or shift dress is ideal. For later fall, a sweater dress or even a long-sleeve chambray dress with tights works.
Shutterstock/Jeremie86HUN
I bring one jacket that can work for outdoor activities, but still look nice paired with jeans. And it must have a hood, because no matter the season, statistics show that it will pour in any place I travel to. Ive been using the Merrell TrekPro Mid-Layer Jacket with great results.
Shutterstock/Sergey Ryzhov
Facebook/Lululemon
Whether youre an athlete who needs an Under Armour base layer, or you prefer to just use a fitted T-shirt, having something to layer on a chilly day is important.
Ideally, I pack a couple fitted shirts that I can use for layering under athletic wear, or under a button-up for dinner. (For a sleeveless base layer, I pack the classic Fruit of the Loom Sleeveless , and for long sleeves, Im on the Swiftly Tech Lululemon Crew Neck train, because I can also wear this shirt in the evenings with jeans.)
Flickr / Stephan Geyer
No matter the season, I always pack a scarf, because it can also be a shawl, a blanket, or even a neck pillow if things get desperate. Not only that, but a scarf can change up an outfit that you actually wore three days before.
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