How To Pack the Perfect Carry-On Suitcase

Go Beyond the Beach with your ALOHA Collection Pouches!

Your suitcase will never be the same once you go Splash-Proof! Packing is an art form for our team at ALOHA Collection (some may call it an obsession). Whatever you call it, we've got it down to a science, and we're sharing our fool-proof tactics and magic tricks on how to pack the perfect carry-on suitcase with our Splash-Proof travel pouches. The packing process is an essential part of any trip. Our ALOHA-approved packing tips will help you choose the best luggage, efficiently organize your travel bags, and keep your suitcase as light as possible. We’re also sharing our best travel tips on how to use each of our Splash-Proof pouches.

Pack it Right

First step, let’s talk suitcases. Traveling light means avoiding checked baggage whenever possible, so be sure you have the right size suitcase. We prefer an international-sized 4-Wheel. If you’re planning a trip throughout Europe, Australia, or Asia, it’s the safest way to guarantee your bag will meet carry-on size compliance. 

Pack it Light

Once you have your luggage sorted, it’s time to get packing! Traveling light requires preparation, so your next step will be to create a packing list. Overpacking is not an option when carrying on, so choose select pieces that are versatile and that can be worn more than once. Lightweight sundresses are always a great choice. You can wear them from day to night, and they weigh next to nothing. A pareo can do quadruple duty as a scarf inflight, a beach blanket, a coverup, and a casual wrap dress. Edit your outfits ruthlessly and don’t bother packing “just in case” items. If you REALLY need something, you can buy it on the road. A fun travel hack we’ve adopted is the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip. Ideally, we recommend 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 layering options (like jackets or sweaters), and 1 dress, but the formula can be changed according to your destination. 

Pack it Tight

Packing cubes are another essential packing hack that travel pros swear by. You can use our Splash-Proof pouches as packing cubes to separate outfits based on day or night, or even sort them according to activity. Our Mid Pouches are great for compartmentalizing your intimates, workout gear, swimwear, and lightweight clothing. You can use our MAX pouches to pack larger, bulkier items like jeans, pants, and sweaters. Be sure to pack an extra one for use as a dirty laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from your clean clothes. Our travel-friendly Dopp Kits are perfect for stowing your TSA-approved toiletries. Your belongings will stay safe from accidental spills inflight. The next step is to decide how you will pack your pouches. While some travelers prefer to fold their clothes, we prefer the rolling method when packing our travel cubes. This tactic saves precious suitcase space and can also prevent clothes from wrinkling. Now that you have your travel bags packed and organized, a simple rule of thumb is to place heavier items on the bottom of your suitcase (where the wheels are), this makes running through airports WAY easier due to weight distribution. 

Layer Up!

Wear heavier items on board your flight. Sneakers, joggers/pants, and bulky jackets take up precious luggage space and since most airplanes get cold in flight, you’ll be good to go from takeoff to landing. Our go-to travel uniform is a pair of Nikes, Vuori joggers, and an ALOHA Collection travel hoodie. 

Mini Upgrades

While our Mid and MAX Pouches are great for organizing your luggage, our mini pouches will hold all the inflight essentials you need while up in the air. From moisturizers to face mists to hand sanitizers, here is what we always pack in our inflight travel kits to arrive well-rested and refreshed.

• Eye Mask
• Caudalie Beauty Elixer Travel Size Face Mist
• Sage Sleep Well Essential Oil
• Earbuds
• Kopari Lip Glossy
• Touchland Power Mist Beach Coco Hydrating Hand Sanitizer

Pack Like a Pro

Now that you know how to pack a carry-on suitcase that complies with the ALOHA Collection Travel Team standards, you are officially ready to start traveling light. Bookmark this page for future trips to make packing a breeze! 

ALOHA Collection Packing Guide Breakdown

Here’s a snapshot of how we pack our pouches for a typical weeklong, warm-weather getaway: 

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