Carry-On Only: 2-Week Hawaiian Adventure

To carry-on or check – that was our question

It’s probably one of the bigger travel dilemmas – checked luggage, or carry-on only? Some people swear by only taking carry-on luggage when they travel, and others like to pack everything but the kitchen sink. In April of 2015, my husband and I left for a two-week trip to Hawaii to celebrate our anniversary. It was our first time taking connecting flights anywhere, and we were both a little uneasy about checking our luggage. We thought it would be best to fly carry-on only to avoid any lost luggage or missed flights waiting for our luggage to arrive. So, we set out to find the best carry-on suitcases and backpacks to make the trip.

Here’s a few things to know about our trip:

1. We stayed in two different vacation rentals, and washed all our clothes at the mid-point of our trip.
2. The weather was very nice in Hawaii, so we didn’t have to bring heavy clothing.
3. We purchased the majority of our toiletries once we got to Oahu.
4. This was the one and only trip that I’ve packed in carry-on only.

Here is my packing list of everything I brought for two weeks in Hawaii.

Clothing

• Capris x 2
• Shorts x 3
• Skirts x 3
• Dresses x 5
• Tank tops x 7
• T-shirts x 5
• Undergarments (socks, underwear, bras, pyjamas)
• Bathing suits (2 tops, 3 bottoms)
• Bathing suit cover-up
• Sweaters x 3
• Rain coat x 1

We had fantastic weather the entire trip, so the rain coat was not necessary (thought I’m glad I brought it just in case), but the evenings were slightly chilly so the sweaters were used throughout the trip. I didn’t need all of my dresses, skirts, or tops, but I was glad I went prepared rather than needing to buy items on the trip.

Shoes

• Sandals x 2
• Running shoes
• Canvas slip-on shoes
• Water shoes

I wore all of these shoes, except the water shoes, but again glad I brought them.

Accessories, Tech & Other

• Orange scarf
• Variety of necklaces, watches, earrings and bracelets
• 1 small purse (turquoise) & wallet
• Straw hats x 2
• Sunglasses x 2
• Belts x 2
• iPod, phone, kobo, waterproof disposable camera
• Straightener, brush, hair ties/pins
• Eye mask
• Umbrella

I’m glad I brought my accessories, and I actually used all of them throughout my trip!

Toiletries

• Contact solution and contacts
• Tylenol, Gravol, Pepto
• Q-Tips, first aid kit and tweezers/nail kit
• Hand cream
• Sewing kit
• Toothbrush and paste
• Deodorant and perfume
• Make-up
• Laundry pods and dryer sheets

I know I said I bought my toiletries in Hawaii, but these are basic essentials I need while travelling, and for emergencies (of the first aid kind and also wardrobe malfunctions). Now I no longer need glasses or contacts (amen for laser eye surgery!) so these are no longer part of my packing lists.

So there it is – my list of everything I packed in my carry-on to travel to Hawaii for two weeks. Below I’ve included a printable list with all of my clothing items, accessories, toiletries and gadgets to help you with your packing. Normally my motto is, if you have room and you’re in doubt – just bring it, but on this trip it was we have no room, if we forget something we will just buy it!

How do you like to travel with luggage: carry-on or checked?

Take a look at some of my other packing lists here! And check out my review of the BUBM Tech Organizing Case that would have been very helpful on this trip!