How I Pack My Carry-On for Summer

This post is sponsored by American Tourister. As always, all opinions are my own and I only share products I truly love and use. 

After so many requests, I am so excited to share with you how I pack my carry-on for summer! It’s been a long time coming and I’ve been waiting for the right time to go through the method to the madness. These past years, spending most of the time on the road, I’ve really dialed in how I pack and like to travel. I almost exclusively travel with a carry-on only and these past three months have been traveling with the American Tourister Moonlight 21″ Spinner. I’ve found the benefits of of traveling with a carry-on means less time waiting at baggage and ease of travel.

I was drawn to American Tourister for their hardside suitcase collection as they are much more durable (trust me I took this one through all weather conditions in Bali and it held to the task.) These spinner suitcases make it very easy to push, relieving any strain on your back as well. As this Moonlight Spinner is lightweight, it means you can be more easily under the weight limit for airlines too — did you know many airlines are now weighing carry-ons? Paired with a retractable handle, the split case with two compartments, a mesh blouse pocket that zips close on one side and the ability to expand 1.5″ means it has everything you’ll need for a carry-on.

So after around the world and back, I wanted to share this special guide for how I pack my carry-on for summer with the American Tourister Moonlight Spinner. Check it out!

How I Pack My Carry-On for Summer

I think the first step to packing any carry-on, is dialing in what you will actually put into it. What I usually do is put out all of the clothes I think I’ll need, check the weather, and start putting away an non-essentials. All of my bottoms and tops can mix and match easily as well. My packing list for summer usually looks like this:

• 3 pairs of shoes (an espadrille, one pair of rubber flip flops, one leather sandals, and I’ll wear sneakers on the plane)
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 1 loose pant and workout pants (I’ll wear one on the plane)
• 1-2 dresses
• 2 bikinis
• Undergarments
• 4-5 tops
• 1 loose jacket (I’ll wear this on the plane)
• Toiletries
• Longchamp backpack that folds flat inside to use as day bag.

Packing the carry-on…. 

Tip 1: Use packing cubes.
This is a game changer and helps keep your suitcase organized. On the zip side of the American Tourister bag, I’ll put in my packing cube to keep my tops organized so I don’t tear through my suitcase. I love these packing cubes in particular. If you’re looking for more efficient traveler tips, checkout this blog post.

Tip 2: Roll everything.
I swear by rolling everything, literally. I’ll roll my shirts into the packing cube, and then place my bottoms rolled, around the cube. Other items like the swimsuits fit around the side.

Tip 3: Place dresses flat on top.
I always lay my dresses flat on top of the packing cube as it helps keep them wrinkle-free.

Tip 4: Use the other side for accessories and shoes.
I always use the buckled side of the American Tourister suitcase as the place for all of my loose items. I stack my shoes, keeping items as neatly organized as possible. My toiletries are minimal and I use refillable travel bottles for nearly everything inside a leak-free bag.

Tip 5: Use the zipper pouch for organization.
The pouch inside the Moonlight is perfect for being organized so I usually pop in my vitamin case in there.

Tip 6: Don’t overpack.
I know this may be cliché but I swear every time I overpack, I end up wishing I had saved a little bit of room for that splurge purchase. Worst case if you do, this American Tourister suitcase can expand 1.5″ so you can fit in a few extra things!

My latest trip I brought my carry-on with, was on a weekend adventure to my hometown of Auburn, California. We stayed at the stunning Park Victorian overlooking the city (pictured here).

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