Hello, dear wanderlust-stricken parents, and welcome back to Sparks Flying. Today, I’m going to share a travel hack that will not only save your sanity but also might add a few laughs along the way. Here it is: only pack carry-ons for your family trips!
Now, before you run for the hills at the thought of cramming your kid’s entire wardrobe into a carry-on, hear me out. This could be the best decision you ever make (beyond traveling with your kids of course). We went on a 5 week trip with our 3 kids, and each of us only had a carry-on and backpack. 5 weeks!
No toy left behind
Traveling with kids means that your hotel room will be covered with your kids stuff in 30 seconds flat. But if keeping to a carry-on (plus backpack) that means there’s less stuff to leave behind. And guess what- the amount of stuffies they bring will be correlated to the amount of space they have. And guess what? No matter how many they pack, they’ll be begging for that souvenir stuffy anyway, so you might as well have a little extra space for the souvenirs instead of the stowaways.
Let’s Play ‘Lost Luggage Lottery’ – Said No One Ever
Anyone who’s had their luggage lost in the ether of airport logistics knows the dread of standing at the carousel as bags dwindle and yours is nowhere to be seen. There’s a specific kind of comedy reserved for these situations. It’s the laugh-so-you-don’t-cry kind of humor, where you find yourself explaining to your little ones that their favorite stuffed animal might have decided to go on a separate adventure.
On the other hand, packing only carry-ons allows you to bypass this gamble entirely. It’s like having a VIP pass to peace of mind, knowing your bags will arrive when you do. It’s quite liberating, actually – in a MacGyver, ready-for-anything kind of way.
The Joy of Simplicity – Making Mary Kondo Proud
Ultimately, the carry-on strategy forces you to simplify, and in doing so, it teaches your kids (and you!) an invaluable lesson: Experiences matter more than stuff. You learn to prioritize, to be selective, to choose what truly brings you joy, or as Marie Kondo would say, “sparks joy.” The truth is, your little ones don’t need five pairs of shoes or their entire collection of action figures on a trip. Memories can’t be packed into a suitcase, they are carried in our hearts and minds.
See some of my favorite space savers here. Highlights:
Anything merino wool! See more about the benefits of merino wool and the MVP dress that didn’t need to be washed over a 5 week trip here.
See all of my favorite travel accessories here! A special shoutout to the backpack that could become your go-to for a weekend trip (imagine not even having a suitcase!). I’ve done a 2 night business trip with this backpack alone.
This waterproof Aloha bag is my go to for beach days, family trips, and everything in-between. I use the smaller bags for toiletries and snacks, saving so many headaches from spilled goodies.
My kids love packing books, which means heavy luggage and dead weight once you’re done with the book. Which is why we all have Kindles. Believe me, it will only take one time of Harry Potter’s Goblet of Fire sneaking past you on a 5 week/8 country trip to learn that lesson.
So, there you have it, my fellow globe-trotting parents. Embrace the comedy, celebrate the simplicity, and cherish the peace of mind that comes from packing only carry-ons. Remember, the purpose of travel is to create memories, not lug around a mobile version of your entire home. And besides, isn’t it more fun to leave a bit of space for the unexpected?
What are your go-to hacks for packing light? Comment below!
