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I just spent a one week summer vacation luggage free –I packed all my stuff into my favoriteย purse! Think carryon orย one bag travel is impossible for fashionistas? Well, there’s no more excuses! Check out my minimalist packing list!
One Bag Travel: Go Luggage Free
Packing light doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! Thatโs what TFG is all about: weย help you make smart packing choices while staying true to your personal style when creating your travel capsule wardrobe.
In one of my lightest packing feats yet, in this articleย I showed you how I traveled with a small carryon for a four-week trip to Colombia and Portugal, including aย two-week cruise across theย Atlantic Ocean.
Inspired by my ability to downsize on that trip, I wantedย to take even less on a one weekย vacation in July. However, little did I know that I was going to end up with my lightest packingย accomplishment ever!
I packed for a one week summer vacation luggage free in my Rebecca Minkoff Backpack!
Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack
And the best part? On both trips I didn’t sacrifice any of my girly needs. I still brought allย of my makeup, flat iron, two pairs of cute shoes, and fun feminine clothing, too!
While this may not sound very impressive since it was only a one week trip (not a four week tripย like my last one), remember that packing for a longer trip doesn’t mean you have to pack moreย stuff, it just means you have to do laundry once a week as needed.
The major advantage I had with this minimalist packing list is that I was traveling in hotย weather.
However, I couldโve easily packed three less items (party dress, one pair of shorts, and one top)ย to save even more space. I could have also sacrificed for one bag travel by leaving behind some girly luxuries likeย my makeup bag or flat iron.
Read the Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack review including feedback from our readers!
But why would I want to forego my personal style when I don’t have to?
Another major plus on this trip is that I wasn’t planning to work since I was only going away forย one week. As a digital nomad, normally I have to bring my arsenal of tech anywhere I go, but inย this case, my iPhone was all I needed.
And as an avid scuba diver, I usually also bring my diving essentials wherever I travel but notย on this trip. It was just a one week vacation with friends including a road trip!
My item of choice for one bag travel: the top right black leather backpack
I flew into Guadalajara where our road trip began with a stop in Tequila (the home of tequila), three nights in Puerto Vallarta, and then three nights in Guadalajara.
There were six adults in the SUV (three couples) and while there was plenty of space for us, there wasn’t much space for our stuff! Between purses and luggage, there were twelve bags total – boy, am I glad I decided to go luggage free!
It was fun getting a chance to take a break from all my long-term travel gear and just pack for aย one week vacation.
This was my โnon-minimalistโ minimalist packing list:
My one bag travel efforts consisted of a 9-Piece Travel Essentials Packing List, two pairs of shoes, toiletries, and all my girly essentials.ย I needed enough to last for eight days without doing laundry (except for undies).
My activities included: two pool daysย in Puerto Vallarta, a day tour in Tequila, two sightseeing days in Guadalajara, threeย dinners at nice restaurants, and threeย travel days.
Watch the video to see how everything fit into my purse and when you’re done, read the rest of the post below for even more details!
Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for access to all my packing videos!
Here’s a full summary of everything I packed including what’s inside each organizer and all the clothing that I packed!ย
Slim Packing Cube including:
- Coral sleeveless top
- Black sleeveless top
- Olive green shorts
- Black dressy shorts
- Blue printed summer dress
- Blue printed party dress
- 6 undies (5 thongs, 1 boyshort)
- 1 underwire bra
- 1 underwire bikini
- Fitness tee (to sleep)
- Fitness shortsย (to sleep)
EZ Packing Cube (small clear organizer for toiletries)ย
- Face wash, eye cream, and face moisturizer stored in small, stackable travel containers
- 2 oz shower gel
- 3 single useย shampoo packets (I only wash my hair every 2-3 days)
- 1 oz conditioner
- 2 oz body moisturizer
- Small sunblock stick
- 10 ear buds
- 1 razor (I used the conditioner as shaving cream)
- Full size electric toothbrush without charger (fully charged it lasts 6-8 days)
- Toothpaste
- Travel size liquid deodorant
NOTE: in the video I say that the above organizer also has my daily essentials but it doesn’t. I got confused with a trip I took the following week!
Small pouch for daily essentials:
- Antibacterial wipes
- Eye drops
- A few bobby pins
- 1 ribbon hair tie
- Tiny nail file
- Travel size hair brush
- Two tampons
- One panty liner
- Mints
- Half strip of antihistamines
- Half strip of motion sickness pills
- Half strip of painkillers
Small pouch for makeup (also used as a clutch):
- Foundation in 10ml travel container
- Highlighter stick
- Concealer pot
- Eye liner
- Eyebrow pencil
- Tiny eyeshadow palette
- Two double sided brushes
- Blush
- Blush Brush
- Lip gloss
- Travel size mascara
- Nars multiple stick
- Stud earrings
Other items stored in backpack purse:
- Naot walking sandals
- 1โ Flat iron
- Small tissue packet
- iPhone in wristlet (doubles as wallet)
- Ray-Bans in their case
- iPhone charger
- Passport
- Pen
Capsule Wardrobe inspired by Essentials Packing List (one party dress not shown)
NOT IN THE BACKPACK:
Usually I also pack my travel outfit in my luggage to ensure Iโm never maxed out on space.ย However, for a one week trip I decided it would be okay not to include the clothing I wore on theย plane.
This is what I wore on the flight (top left pic):
- Anatomie white travel pants
- H&M White sleeveless top
- Black zara jacket (sold out)
- Nude underwire bra
- Nude smoothing shorts
- Tan/mustard lace up sandals
- Y-chain necklace
- Pointy triangle stud earrings
I emptied my backpack upon arrival at my accommodation in order to use it each day. Forย evenings, I used my makeup bag as a clutch and left my phone behind.
Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack
One very important thing to note is that the Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack is probably aboutย 10 liters of space, so even if you needed to bring one or two more slim packing cubes or aย larger organizer in general, you can still follow this one bag travel concept and use a slightly more spaciousย purse.
I’d say most womenโs handbags are double the size of this backpack purse!
If you need more space, you could be more strategic with the items you wearย on theย plane:
- You could wear your bulkiest shoes (which I didn’t).
- Wear another clothing item or two on the plane.
- Wear a smaller purse to hold a few more essentials (I just used my makeup bag as aย clutch at night and my backpack during the day).
- Use a cute waist belt for your passport and other essentials so youโre as hands free asย possible while traipsing around the airport and sightseeing.
- Place items in your coat pockets (my jacket didn’t have pockets).
As a style-conscious long-term traveler, downsizing my 65 liter backpack to a 40 liter carry onย was a major accomplishment in 2012. Over the years I not only worked to pack fewerย items, but Iโve alsoย made a serious effort to lighten my load by using unique travel containers, choosing the bestย fabrics, and opting for compact versions of larger items.
In the process, however, I have always stood by Travel Fashion Girlโs motto: Minimize Yourย Luggage, Maximize Your Style.
And personal style is never worth sacrificing because it IS possible to carry fewerย items–notย just by using โtravel tech fabricsโ–but by strategically choosing only itemsย you feel good wearing!
Here are a few pics from my trip!
And for every single trick in my packing book, read my full course “Stop Overpacking“.ย I created the STOP OVERPACKING program to teach you my exact packing process. Every secret, every detail, nothing is spared.
Learn more about Stop Overpacking here!
Want a winter version of this minimalist packing list? Stay tuned for my luggage free challengeย when the temperature drops!
Do you have any tips forย one bag travel? Share and commentย below!
For more tips on how toย pack light, please read the following:
- 75 Packing Tips that Will Make Your Travels So Much Easier
- How to Fit Everything in a Carryon (Video Tutorial)
- Ten Step Packing Guide for One Bag Travel
- How to Choose the Best Travel Shoes
This was the very first blog post of yours I ever read and also saw the video of your packing the Julian for your trip. I bought my Julian backpack purse in 2018 and I have been following you ever since! Still love that purse and use it all the time! Love that there is a whole community that share ideas and tips. Keep it going!
Hi Alex, Iโve been a fan for years! Question: Roberta Minkoff now has a jumbo size Julian backpack. Thoughts on that? Iโm unsure which to purchaseโฆthe regular or jumbo? Also, do you notice if RM or Nordstrom or Amazon comes out with more color options during a particular time of year? They are fairly limited right now. (July 2022)
Hi Courtney, I am afraid that I have only tried the regular size bag so can’t really comment on the jumbo size. I have always been happy with the regular size.
You might find my review helpful to learn what I can fit in my regular purse: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/rebecca-minkoff-julian-backpack-review/
And yes they do tend to have more color options but for nordstrom, in particular, they tend to come available and sell out fairly quickly. Is there a particular style you would prefer?
Love this so much. Iโm currently making a leather backpack for short business trips that will be 9L and your posts have confirmed it will be the perfect size. I canโt wait to pack it for the first time.
That is awesome to hear Samantha, so happy to have helped. Hope you have an incredible time on your travels! ๐
Iโm laughing because Iโve been a fan for years and almost always travel with a carryon. Tomorrow Iโm traveling up to Washington to visit my kids and other family and this is what Iโve packed in my car: 3 sewing machines, 3 boxes of sewing fabrics, pattern, scissors, etc, 3 boxes of clothes that no longer fit for my sister, 3 boxes of presents for grandchildren, a cooler with all the food from my refrigerator, some hanging clothes an 2 boxes of clothes because Iโve lost weight and none of the clothes I have up there will fit. I feel like Iโm the role model for anti-carryon!
Hi Kathy, everyone is different! It’s about packing and traveling in a way that makes sense for you. Hope you have the most amazing time with your family! โค๏ธ
We wrote a post about this to change the carryon misconception: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/traveling-carry-on-only/
Love this- and your outfits! Iโm not sure how you had enough clothes without laundry for every day, including a dry swimsuit? Would love to see a breakdown of each event ( day, night etc) and what you wore. And did you use the travel shoes for your party dress? Thanks!
Hi Stephanie, thank you!!! Have a look at TFGโs signature packing lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you could pack, I based this trip on our Minimalist Packing List: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/
The vacation packing list is for indefinite travel. Generally speaking, you can pack enough for one week then do laundry once a week depending on the duration of your trip.
The clothing is shown above the section that says: Capsule Wardrobe inspired by Essentials Packing List (one party dress not shown).
Hope this helps!
love this post and have re-read it several times. i am in the UK and prefer to travel carryon only where i can. i prefer wheeled mini suitcases to backpacks (easier to use) but i would like to suggest a couple of items to you Alex that i have found invaluable. all my handbags are from The Healthy Back Bag Company (they are based in London, UK) and they make a Baglett which i have 6 of in diff colours. i find that they can hold a decent sized phone (i have the Galaxy S8) and a purse plus lippie and keys.i use this as my evening bag. i also have their Large Baglett which holds my passport and phone plus hairbrush lipbalm gum tissues and mini notepad and pen – ideal for flights.
Hi Carrie, so pleased you enjoyed the post!! Thank you for sharing your recommendation for a purse with us, always love hearing about our readers favorite products! Happy travels! ?
Hi, great tips. I have the rucksack โregularโ size the slightly larger one but to me seems super small. The one you are showing seems much bigger. Which size do you have?
Hi there, thank you for reaching out! So pleased you found the article helpful. The backpack is the Rebecca Minkoff Julian and I have it in the regular size (which is also known as the large), you can read my review of it here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/rebecca-minkoff-julian-backpack-review/ Hope this helps! ๐
I love this post. I can’t believe I found it again so easy. Always inspiring.
I love that you didn’t skimp and brought your flat iron.
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for your lovely comment, so happy to hear that you enjoyed the post! ?
I just discovered this post and I’m wondering if you ever got around to the luggage free winter trip and if so how it went.
Hi Whitney, thank you for your comment! Let me look into this for you!
Just came across this bag – reminds me of the Rebecca Minkoff bag you love: https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-small-giani-leather-backpack/4641672?origin=topnav&cm_sp=Top%20Navigation-_-Get%20Inspired-_-New%20Arrivals&page=4&top=24
Great post. I tried to find this back pack but am not sure I found the same one. I know it comes in multiple sizes, and the one I bought also has the zippered pocket on the back (the smaller one does not) but I don’t think it is as large as yours.
Where did you get it?
Thanks!
I’m totally inspired by you! I LOVE this idea…totally petrified of it, but love it just the same. I’m the king of over packing. I can never decide what to bring, and usually pack twice as much as I need. As a petite woman, I feel like sometimes my luggage weighs more than I do!!! Thank you for the tips and inspiration. Can you also post more on where you bought some of your clothes. They look amazing, and obviously travel well. Thank you.
I followed your advice this past spring. I went to two climates Holland and Cape Town, SA. I used a 12 piece module[ 6 winter, 6 summer items]. My bag weighed only 22 lbs. I wore all items.
Yay Awesome job ๐ I’m glad the tips helped you travel light!
Love your sight and all your help ….just have 3 questions:
1. Any cheaper options for a stylish backpack/purse? I love yours. It cannot cover the $.
2. Brand of flat iron dual voltage for Europe?
3. Heading to Rome in mid March.
Any ‘Must have’ fashion item? Thanks! Nancy
This has totally inspired me to evaluate my packing to travel with less. And to get a backpack purse. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing Muriel! Happy travels!
This is honestly extremely impressive – Sadly I do not think I will ever be able to pack this light because my camera equipment alone takes up so much space, but I definitely like the message here and have worked on downsizing considerably when I travel.
Rae
Thank you for your kind words Rae! Every little bit helps when it comes to simplifying your packing! Safe travels!
Thanks for this post! I just recently went to Europe for the first time last spring for 3+ weeks. Your website inspired me to pack a 44l backpack (and no personal item) for the trip with less than 17lbs because of a plane ride we had booked. It took strategy because we had different weather between Paris, Barcelona, a cruise, and Greece. I had everything I needed for the trip plus room for the Louis Vuitton tote that I just had to get in Paris and hauled the entire trip. (My pack included a puff jacket and raincoat, which I used.) I was glad I didn’t pack any heavier because the 17lbs felt heavy quickly. Our next trip will be to Germany and surrounding countries in fall for at least 3 weeks maybe longer. I am toying with a 26l bag and maybe a 10lb limit for comfort. I can be a one shoe person with the right shoes and I am eyeing some short Birkenstock boots. (I have the Rebecca Minkoff backpack purse and have loved it. Bought it for running around Manhatten. I will have to try using it as my luggage for a trip.) Thanks for all of the tips! I didn’t think it was possible to meet the airline requirements, but with sites like yours it was possible. I do love my clothes so this has been an interesting process! I absolutely loved Europe, the people and the food!
Thanks for the note KC! Glad you’ve found our advice useful! Sounds like you’ve had some great travels!
This was amazing! I also looked at your video on YouTube, Alex. Since you manage to pack minimally and fashionably, it would be very helpful to see how you packed your eBags Slim Packing Cube. I would have like seeing the pictures of the clothes you bought (and how you mix and match them) in this post. You wrote it all down, but I find a visual extremely helpful.
Thanks Maura! This is how I pack my packing cubes: https://travelfashiongirl.com/packing-cubes-video-tutorial-learn-how-to-pack-light/ The clothing is shown above the section that says: Capsule Wardrobe inspired by Essentials Packing List (one party dress not shown)
Absolutely love the Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack! I just used it on a two day trip to San Francisco. Thank you for sharing your travel style!
Thanks for reading Jessica! Glad you like the bag! Safe travels!
Wow! My dream is to travel luggage free some day! Very inspirational post.
Thanks for reading Diane! You can totally do it! Happy travels!
Thank you Diane! You can totally do it, we believe in you! Little steps at a time! Safe travels!
Absolutely love it – and I love that it gives me a new challenge! I have a 1 month trip to India and the Philippines coming up (for work) but now I am rethinking my packing strategy.
Thanks for reading Lauren! Glad we could help!
Hi alex,
Really inspired by your website and it helped hugely on my recent holiday to Prague even though I did go over on toiletries – whoops!! But still was under the allowance so its a small win!!
Thanks Hannah ๐ I’m glad you found it useful! Sounds like a big win to me!
This was so inspiring. I really want to get back to my minimalist packing roots. And I think I need a Rebecca Minkoff backpack/purse thingee too.
I Love my Rebecca Minkoff purse but it can be done with any purse of a similar size ๐ You can do it!
Wonderful photos! The trip looks absolutely amazing!
And I love that you travelled with SO LITTLE for that trip!!!
Thanks Phebe ๐ It was wonderful!
Realizing it is possible and easier to travel with one bag is fantastic. I remember the days of dragging monster suitcases throughout train and subway stations. It was horrible
I totally agree! Light travel is the way forward!
WOW! I was so inspired by this post. While I’ve been following TFG for nearly two years now, and work harder every trip to pack more lightly, this post encouraged me to tote just my backpack for a recent 6-day trip to Chicago where I visited with family. There were two “fancy” parties on the agenda (a niece’s 19th birthday party, and another niece’s first baby shower), so that meant packing two nice going-out outfits. And, since I was going to be around multiple family members the rest of the time, I didn’t want to look like I was wearing the same clothes all the time. I managed to do it, toting my full-sized laptop, an additional pair of shoes, and limited toiletries. I still overpacked (didn’t need a pair of shorts and tee I’d packed), but it worked out well. Next time, I’d probably rather bring a rolling tote (easier on my back) but still I impressed myself! Thanks TFG; couldn’t have done it without you!
Nice work! Anyone can do it ๐
Very inspiring, hopefully I can eventually get to this minimalist stage
You can do it ๐
This is like a traveling fashionista’s holy grail! I’m so impressed! I tend to travel light already, but I’d never dream of achieving this. Very useful post, thank you!
Thanks for reading Eleanna! We appreciate the compliment! But even more so, are happy the post helps! Keep traveling ๐
This is a fab guide! Everything is so condensed!
Jabeen x
Thank you for reading Jabeen! Appreciate the feedback! We love giving packing tips in simple, easy to digest formats! Happy travels!
Did they let you bring liquid make up like foundation? Customs wouldn’t let my husband bring an opened bottle of contact lens solution or a small bottle of hand cream in his carry on for a flight from Canada to the US!
I take liquid foundation in a small travel container. Each item should fit into a 100ml container, which should all fit into a smaller seethrough bag. Have a look at this post for ideas http://bit.ly/2auozV1
I had an uncle that was a world traveler and only carried on satchel bag with him at all times. this contained 2 pairs of underware, 1 white cotton shirt that he could wash and dry by the next morning and some shorts. He did this for years to the amazement of his fellow travelers!
This is awesome ๐ I can see why he impressed them!
Love your site! So many helpful tips! Have traveled quite a bit but the older I get, the more I want to lessen the load while still looking decent. Am anxious for my next trip to try many of your fantastic tips! Thank you for taking the time to enlighten us al!! I appreciate you!
You’re welcome Shannon ๐ It’s always nice to hear the posts are helping people!
Our last trip to Rome, we managed to get a week’s worth of clothes for each of us into one regulation-sized backpack — you inspire and challenge us! Besides, we’re there to have fun, not to worry about having more clothes than we really need ๐ Thanks again for sharing!
Nice Work ๐ Exactly, the stress of packing is really not needed!
Love all the tips! I want to adapt the light packing travel, lifestyle! And everything helps!!!
You can do it ๐
Great timely article, I’m currently trying to pack for a four day road trip (2 out/2 back) and 8 days of business meetings with two formal dress dinners. I’ll wear jeans for the road trip and will be required to wear specific pants for one event. I prefer skirts for sitting in hours of lectures for comfort.
Thanks, for providing a guide to decrease what I have to pack. Loving your site!
Hopefully to go on a trip one day where I can pack light in one small backpack.
I’m glad you found it useful ๐ Have a look at this business trip packing list for more ideas http://bit.ly/2anbdHm
This is my goal for every trip!!
You can do it ๐
Seriously impressed! And great inspiration for my next trip ๐
Thanks Danielle ๐ Anyone can do it!
Great post! I have one year of travel coming up, and can’t wait to try some of your ideas. My most minimal packing so far was a 3-day trip with my Tumi Knox backpack, but with your tips I think I can do it your way. We’ll be based in Hong Kong, taking shorter trips out of there, so your post is very relevant for me. Thanks for the inspiration!
Glad you found it useful! Have an awesome time ๐
You may have answered in other posts but I’ve just found your site. What about wrinkling your clothing when stuffing it in the cubes so tightly?
Hi Terri ๐ The best thing to do is to find wrinkle resistant fabrics ๐ Take a look at this post for ideas http://bit.ly/29hB9VY
This is so inspiring! I can only imagine how freeing this was for you on your trip. I do carry-on with the Farpoint and a small purse now, but I hope to manage with as little as you had someday for the extreme convenience factor.
Thanks Sonia! Would love to do this full time but it was great at least for a shorter trip ๐
Alex as always you are a packing inspiration. Your wonderful site, tips and tricks led me and my partner (after I convinced him it was possible) to travel for 8 months around the world using the Osprey farpoint 40. It was the perfect bag for that length of trip and today you have inspired me to pack even less for shorter trips. Thank you and happy travels, Bonnie x
Thank you Bonnie! I’m happy you and your partner found it possible to travel for an extended period of time a 40L bag! Shorter trips should be a breeze!
I love this post!!! It’s amazing to see what you can do with the right pieces! Thanks for sharing:):)
๐ Yay! Glad you like it. I totally agree, the right pieces are key!
ลฑgreat result of minimalist packing! This bag doesn’t even look 10 liters.
So for the pool days there were no scarves or towels packed but you relyed on what the hotel provided?
Hi Bea for pool days I just used the pool towels provided by the resort and just used my white button up top open if I wanted some coverage ๐
Loved this post! I am in awe as I am the dreaded overpacker dum dum dum lol. I need to take this approach for my upcoming (Aug 5) 2 week trip with the boyfriend to Peru to spend with his family as they are from there… The first week will be at a beach resort in the northern part of Peru so it’s warmer there in the days for swimming in the ocean and then we’ll go to Lima where they live for the 2nd week where it is cold. I hope I don’t overpack… The thing is I’m Afro-Latina and so I must travel with my own shampoo and most importantly conditioner… Anything they give at a hotel always leaves my hair tangled and dry and for 1 week at a beach resort where I’ll be washing my hair everyday I will need my conditioner lolol
Hey ๐ I’m glad you found it helpful! It is possible to cut down on the amount you take! Take a look at this Peru post for some more ideas http://bit.ly/2apB4zE and have a great time!
I’m just wondering – since the backpack is leather, is it heavy? I try to always take canvas or a fabric bag when traveling, and I’m nervous about my stuff behind me in a backpack, but you make it all look so easy! You’ve inspired me to pack smarter!
Thanks Janell! I don’t find the leather to be heavy, perhaps the hardware adds a little weight but not enough to make a big impact – the versatility of the bag is worth it!
Awesome! Love this post!
Curious… what do you use for a wallet? Where do you keep your cash, credit cards, etc?
Thanks!
Hi Marti! Glad you liked the post ๐ My wallet is my phone case. You didn’t see it because I was using my phone to record the video but this is what I use: http://amzn.to/2ab4bFL
Is the flat iron dual voltage? I have gotten past taking a hair dryer but I have to have a flat iron that I can count on through out Europe! Thx!
Yes it is! It’s been fantastic abroad, no issues in Europe.