If you want to do some laundry in your room, (delegates etc), pack some things to hang them up to dry…. string, clips, clothespins, big paper clips etc (😉).

Sounds like you need to get a good roller / wheels carry on and check out your CAA store for the handy “personal item” (that really is another carry-on) that has side slits for you to slip it onto you regular roller carry-on’s handles. Big sentence 😂. Just checked. Mine is Baggallini. It has so many pockets and places to put things. Even has a secret pocket with a zipper on the bottom where more things can go (which could extend its height a bit), but I don’t use that because the agents might think it’s a carry-on and not a personal item haha. This bag also has great supportive straps / handles in case you’d like to carry it on your shoulder.

🏃🏽‍♀️ 💨

Hey Condu, full marks for long term planning! You’ve got great advice here and it’s given me inspiration. Question is - what about lifting carryons up and into the overhead bin? I’ve just turned 81 and the thought of it frightens me. I understand your desire to do carryons only. Those long lineups at the airport are a killer, but I’d rather swipe a checkin off the carousel than lift a carryon up to the bin.

Since you've already tried carry on only and it worked, why not do it lol. You have a month, so a day of shopping for items you might have usually brought in checked luggage, is no big deal. I have greatly scaled down what I bring. Not quite at carryon yet lol.

Last trip I only brought jewelry that will fit in a 7 day pill keeper. 3 chain lengths, 2 pendants, 2 earring sets. one extra watch. Don't care if people see me in the same jewelry lol.

The washer & dryer is my thing too. You definitely don't need as many clothes that way.

I think you said one time that you use Lancome facial products. Lans sells Lancome, but maybe not everything. I've found that the little sample jars from Lancome are enough for nearly a month of various facial products, wisely used. I'm picky about facial products so I have to take my own since my skin is sensitive. But I've worked it out.

I found some great little easy squeeze pop top bottles on Amazon that hold about 3 oz. of liquid such as for my face wash. They stay tightly closed in flight. I also found that the sample bottles of my shampoo and conditioner last longer than I ever thought they would.

Like you, my meds for that long and my water pic take up space, not much to be done about that. I do like to have Pepto/Imodium on hand lol. Also did you know that at least in the US, liquid meds such as eye drops, prescription nasal spray for allergies, etc. does not have to go in THE 1 quart allowed baggie. They are allowed in a separate baggie. That info changed my travel life lol.

Freddy's Pharmacy has a lot of sunscreen. He also has a lot of other things. But if Cera Ve body moisturizer is available at La Comer, I can tell you it's very good and is unscented. Good stuff!

I have a body moisturizer combined sunscreen that was recommended by my dermatologist. Don't know if it's in PV, but it's Aveeno Protect & Hydrate SPF 60. Even here I have to order it though.

I sewed a second wide piece of twill tape higher up onto the back of my backpack, so it easily stays on my rolling carryon. I also sewed a loop of less wide twill tape onto the top of my backpack so I can hold it if also necessary with the pull handle on my carryon.

Like you, tops and bottoms etc. are limited to what I can switch around...goes with almost everything. Therefore, I only take 1 neutral pair of sandals for evening, 1 neutral pair for day, flip flops for the beach, and I wear my athletic shoes on the plane.

I take my thin lightweight hoodie which is a very light grey (goes with everything) and is not like the bulky athletic type. It is the only long sleeved thing I take for possible needs later in the evening, and I wear it on the plane.

Hope something here helps you!

I would have to go to the lavenderia more than "once or twice" staying a mon th with carry on only. I go that many times in a two week stay and traveling with a normal suitcase.

I also can no longer comfortably lift a full carry-on suitcase into the overhead bins. I only like to do what I can manage on my own.

You can find sunscreen in under 3 oz. sizes to at least get you started. I easily find it in the travel-sized section at a drug store here at home.

Thanks for clearing up the 40 liters vs 40 lbs -lol- that makes sense.

I already mentioned my checked bag is only around 25-30 lbs. No way would I need or even want to go with a near 50 lb suitcase!

I pack 3 lightweight plastic hangers for doing hand-wash. A lot more efficient than clips or clothes lines.

Yes carryons for a month is definitely doable, we did it for 3 weeks and really no big deal, we had a laundromat just 2 minutes away, we both have the small suitcase type carryons which we put in the overhead bins, and a backpack which we put under the seats, you would be surprised at how much you can take with rolling and folding your clothes, as far as liquids, we bring everything under 100mls in a plastic bag like they want, and buy bigger things that we need there.

Bogwoppit

As I mentioned earlier, my first box of Tru Earth washing sheets worked very well. The recent box that I bought did not dissolve and therefore didn't work al all. So I was stuck with a useless product.🙃 Luckily, I had brought my little bottle of Zero with me. I had to use it very sparingly to last for 6 weeks.

Hola Pvforever, I usually store my carry-on under the seat in front of me. It makes a perfect footrest as I am very petite and my feet don't touch the floor when I am sitting in plane seats.🥰 If I am sitting in bulkhead seats, my husband puts my carry-on in the bin above us until we take off. Then he brings it back down for my footrest.

Kansas, thank you for so many suggestions. Yes, I like Lamcome products. I find that their sample sized products only last 10 rto 14 days for me. I reuse their eye makemup remover bottles for Joico shampoo and conditioner. Each bottle lasts me six weeks. I really need to try CeraVe lotion!

When we are staying in the hills of Amapas/Conchas Chinas, I need 3/4 sleeve or long sleeve tops as I find the evenings too cool for me. Sometimes I need them when staying beachside, as well.

Ladies, you have given me some excellent tips and info to make my packing more useful. I will be shopping for many of the items that you suggested. Muchas gracias mis amigas!

Kansas- love Cera Ve. We buy that in bulk (lol) here at home at Costco. Comes in a squirt top jar or twist top jar.

For all who find it difficult to lift their carry-on “up” into the overhead bin, someone behind us, or close to us usually offers to do it for us. I’m so grateful! I have even asked for help on occasion and a guy close by jumps right up. 💪

We don’t ever pack hangers as there are tons where we stay. Plus, if we need them they are very cheap- less than .80 cents lol. I wouldn’t say in a blank statement “they are a lot more efficient.” I’d say “to each their own.” It’s not a competition on who has the best way or who has the best response. We are sharing ideas here……

Hi Condu,

Last year my husband and I went with carry-ons and backpacks for our one month stay in Mismaloya. I packed all my lotions and potions in 3 oz. containers and in small containers for face cream and shaving cream. My body lotion comes from Lush and one 3 oz. container lasted until the very last day. I only had to buy sunscreen which I purchased from Woolworths. We had a washer and dryer in the unit and I still had clothes that I didn't even wear. I will pack the same for our one month stay for February 2025.

Totally agree carry on is the way to go. If you have a washer and dryer in the until, it's all good. Checking luggage, possibley losing luggage, paying for it, etc (I don't as my car has it but lots don't have a card that does) is a huge PIA. There's nothing like walking out of the airport and not having to wait an hour for luggage to come out:)

So I have always wondered which way to write ...carryon, carry on, or carry-on? I looked it up and the most frequent google answer was...carry-on, which you used Condu. The small things I learn every day lol.

When my husband isn't with me, most of the time a man offers to help me lift my carry-on. And I don't feel bad asking for an extra hand if necessary because mine easily fits in the overhead. None of this smashing an overstuffed duffel into submission, however it's always amusing to watch people doing that.