Nothing ruins a vacation faster than stepping off the plane in Bali and discovering your bags have been routed to Mali. Experienced travelers know that baggage snafus happen with disarming regularity and that it can take days for the airline to reunite you with your wayward luggage (if they manage to track it down at all).
There is, however, one surefire way to prevent your bags from being lost and potentially ruining your much-deserved getaway, and that’s to make like a travel editor and become a carry-on expert. Aurelia d’Andrea, travel editor, Moon guide author, and co-founder of Vegan Epicure Travel lends her expertise to help you travel like a pro.
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Expert packing tips
Whether shipping off for a week-long vegan cruise, a 12-day food lover’s tour of Thailand, or traipsing to Los Angeles for a long weekend, my packing strategy remains the same: one carry-on bag and one personal item.
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Together, this minimalist approach holds everything a plant-based traveler needs—and then some. Admittedly, traveling light takes a little getting used to for everything-but-the-kitchen-sink types, but take it from a globetrotting pro—a low-maintenance travel style is the ticket to stress-free mobility. In other words, bringing only a carry-on bag and one personal item are exactly what you want on your next vacation.
How to pack for your next vacation
To help you navigate this unchartered territory, follow this packing roadmap, and your next getaway is guaranteed to be smooth sailing.
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1 Carry-on luggage
Airlines have varying size restrictions for carry-on luggage, but you’ll find most US-based airlines limit carry-ons to 22 x 14 x 9, give or take an inch or two. My own bag—a Paris thrift-store find made of thick vinyl—is 14 x 10 x 6 inches, or roughly the size of the average woman’s purse. No pully handle and no wheels—just two straps, a zippered closure, and a side-pocket with enough room for some vegan jerky. Find your own compact leather-free weekend bag and take it for a trial run on your next weekend escape.
Pro tip: If you’re traveling as a couple, share an airline-approved carry-on bag and take turns playing porter.
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2 Just a squeeze of toothpaste
One fun strategy for instant integration into a new locale is to leave your shampoo bottles and toothpaste at home (squeeze enough onto your travel toothbrush for in-flight freshening), and make the quest for toiletries a jet lag recovery activity. Hit the streets in search of the local supermarket or pharmacy, learn to read labels in a new language, and get familiar with the local currency, all in one practical exercise.
Pro tip: Vegan-friendly sunscreen is one personal-care item worth packing, since it’s almost always sold at premium prices in tourist destinations, where your favorite brand might not be available.
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3 One pair of shoes
Limiting yourself to one pair of shoes and a pair of flip-flops is the roughest pack-like-a-pro rule for most people. Depending on the type of travel, I make my shoe allotment a pair of sporty flats, espadrilles, or clogs that can transition from day to night. Try it, and if you really can’t live without that second pair, make vegan shoe shopping one of your vacation activities.
Pro tip: Instead of more shoes, pack a second pair of sunglasses. Without a backup pair, you’re guaranteed to lose the ones you brought and end up paying a small fortune for emergency replacements.
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4 Reusable water bottle
I never leave home without my trusty reusable water bottle because a fresh supply of H2O is indispensable to keep me hydrated (and to fend off jet lag). Bringing a water bottle is also better for the environment because you’re taking plastic cups and bottles out of the equation. So, guzzle your water before going through security check, and refill it at one of the water-fountain refilling stations near the bathrooms in many airport lounges before taking it with you as you explore your vacation destination.
Pro tip: Save precious room in your carry-on bag by toting your water bottle in your hand as you board the plane.
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5 Tote bag
What did we do before compact tote bags were invented? They come in handy when you’re exploring local markets and want to try all the amazing fruit for sale, or when you’re headed to the beach and need something to hold your vegan snacks, sunscreen, and towel. One reliable option is the ChicoBag—it’s lightweight, squishes to the size of a small potato, and is strong enough to carry all your vegan provisions.
Pro tip: Ended up with too many travel souvenirs at the end of your trip? Use your compact bag as your “personal item,” and stuff your actual purse inside your tote with all your newly acquired goodies.
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6Solar phone charger
Challenge yourself to stay off your phone when exploring new corners of the world. But, while limiting your social media scrolling is good practice during any vacation, sometimes, phones are a must. GPS apps, HappyCow and Yelp, and even our trusty phone cameras help us navigate new locales, find and book activities, and make lasting memories. A solar charger will help ensure your battery doesn’t die out even if you’re not near an outlet.
Pro-tip: You don’t have to shell out a fortune. Amazon offers a wide selection of solar phone chargers at varying price points.
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7Travel pillow
A travel pillow isn’t an absolute necessity, but if you’re traveling on a long, overnight flight (think Los Angeles to Paris), it’s definitely worth investing in a comfortable, high-quality neck pillow. Unless you’re traveling in business or first class, finding a comfortable sleeping position can feel near impossible on an airplane. A neck pillow will help you find comfort and get essential sleep so you can arrive to your destination well-rested and ready for exploration.
Pro-tip: Save room in your carry-on and latch your travel pillow to your luggage using a carabiner or simply carry it in your hands.
