How I became a Carry-on Girly as Latina who is Extra

From Two Suitcases to One Carry-On

If you know me, you know I am extra. I’m talking multiple outfit options for every occasion, a full skincare routine, three pairs of shoes minimum, and at least one “just in case” outfit that I never end up wearing. So when people hear that I now travel with just a carry-on, the reaction is always the same: “You? HOW?” And honestly, it’s a journey that took me years to master.

It started when I got tired of paying baggage fees, waiting at carousels, and dealing with lost luggage. I was spending the first hour of every trip stressed about bags instead of enjoying the destination. So I made a deal with myself: one trip, carry-on only, just to see if I could do it. That first trip was rough — I agonized over every item, rolled my clothes so tight they looked vacuum-sealed, and wore my heaviest shoes on the plane. But when I landed and walked right past the baggage claim with my little carry-on rolling behind me? That feeling of freedom was unmatched.

Tips from a Reformed Overpacker

Here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t need as much as you think. Stick to a color palette so everything mixes and matches. Invest in travel-size containers for your skincare (non-negotiable — we don’t skip skincare). Wear your bulkiest items on the plane. And most importantly, embrace the idea that you can buy things at your destination if you truly need them. Being a carry-on girly hasn’t made me less extra — it’s made me more strategic about my extra-ness. And honestly? That’s very on brand.