Mediterranean Cruise: Packing Light & Tips For Carry On Only

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

To watch the video about how my suitcase has held up over the last 5 years of almost constant use, head here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ_Wqod4YrOKqtk

[@TBram3]

Tip for packing belts! Line them around the perimeter of your suitcase. They will take up minimal space that way, and they won’t wrinkle/bend. 😉

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Great tip!

[@annaburch3200]

Yay on the canvas bag tip!! I have a canvas drawstring backpack that's super cute with a flower print. I lay it in my suitcase the same way. Light jacket and water bottle, sunscreen, my mini first aid kit, and any snacks for the day, go in there. It hangs on my back in a way that doesn't make me sweaty in hot weather. I also carry my crossbody purse. I hope you have an absolute blast!!!! Can't wait for the videos. 😊 BON VOYAGE!

[@MJohannaS89]

For the shopping totes, I cannot recommend the brand LOQI enough. I have had the same one for 8 years, it folds up to a 4x4” package (though I roll mine and clip it rather than wrestle it back into its baggie) and weighs less than 2oz. When it is open, it spacious and it holds over 40lbs. And they have tons of designs and licensed pieces of art (Monet, Van Gogh..) to pick from. Mine lives in my purse (it fits easily into a small crossbody) and I have it handy for all of my European needs- grocery shopping, taking off the wool coat that you needed in the morning and not in the afternoon, putting it around my purse before I put it on the plane floor because I throw it in the wash. My husband even carries his in a pocket if he is going out and “might” stop at the store, or we want to carry around our coats in museums. We gifted one to friends that backpacked around Asia and they used it for shopping, beach tote, laundry bag. Ok, excited rant over. Have a fantastic trip!

[@alisong2328]

Great idea to pack non-liquid toiletries in a bag or purse for when you will be staying in one place and can unpack them!

[@tinas4946]

Okay…. I’ve always wanted a Tumi backpack but the price is crazy. Thanks for the tip to buy from threadup. Have a great cruise.

[@LadyOfRain1]

YAY!! First time I've ever seen a travel blogger use this method. I've been using it for about 10 yrs after I saw it on a channel for a luggage company. The presenter named it after his Mom, but we've just always called it the Lasagna method, b/c of all of the layering. I find it a fantastic way to get compression without having to use compression cubes (which can be one expense you can avoid if you know you are taking everything out of your suitcase to hang it up or put away at your destination and don't need the compartmentalization of the cubes). Thank you for demonstrating!

[@kamloopscruiser874]

We cruise a lot and less is more in the small cabin wardrobes and storage. Arriving WITH the luggage is such a plus!😜 and I make sure I take stuff the ship laundry won’t shrink or discolour. Stuff I worry about is a quick hand wash in the shower or sink.

[@marakimou]

I actually saw a beautiful navy Tumi backpack at TJ Maxx yesterday. I was so tempted but didn’t need to spend $199. Have a wonderful time!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Love TJ Maxx!

[@BecomingVT]

So here I am, rewatching your video just to see your face since you’re still on your cruise and I miss you. 😂😂 and yes, this is the most comprehensive packing/air travel tip video ever. 👏👏👏

[@notactuallymyrealname]

Slipper game strong! Sleeping on planes is the worst and I fully support doing whatever makes you comfiest on an overnight flight.

[@amax9263]

Green suits you! Have a great time!

[@carolynspeedoftruth8093]

Enjoy your trip! It sounds amazing! I have benefited from so many of your tips! Thank you! From one traveler to another …. Getting vision correction surgery was life changing and a game changer for my travels!!!! Highly suggest everyone look into giving themselves this gift! Upgrade in life for sure!

[@marinare]

I let out an audible gasp when you revealed you got a tumi backpack!! And the color is stunning and soooooo on trend right now. So happy for you. Also love the crossbody & tote combo. So chic.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Seriously I SQUEELED when it came up on ThredUp!

[@thelegaultlife3096]

ok someone explain what the deal is with Tumi backpacks?

[@tparks427]

We have begun buying slippers just for vacation. We bring them home and the get rid of the old ones at home and replace he new ones we bought for the vaca. It nice to walk in slippers in the hotel room. Like you said, it’s just cozy.

[@daniellerowell8212]

I adore DCL and having a DVC so I never need to worry about laundry. I have learned to pack with thought and to not overpack. I love what you packed… your choices are perfect!

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

I ended up using my tote bag all the time in London. I took a pouch that carried my identity and debit cards and money, phone, plus umbrella 🌂 a pen and paper, and then any buys. I left my crossbody bag in the hotel the whole time. It was a game changer for me on this trip.😊

[@dawnturpin]

I love packing videos. They just never get old

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Watching them is definitely a lot less stress than making them but I still enjoy it!

[@carleythompson3911]

Hope you have an amazing time! We went to Chania and Santorini for our honeymoon and LOVED both places!

[@alisong2328]

I love the slippers! I pack HotHands warming insoles for international flights. They last 9 hours and keep my feet nice and warm. I sleep better if my feet are not freezing. I open one packet (they start warming up as soon as the packet is opened) and slip them into my shoes at the start of the flight and I pack another for the return flight.

[@mnoeliarc]

I love seeing your packing videos. Being Spanish and having lived in England for over 25 years it means that I have travelled a lot. I always learn something watching your videos 😊

[@rashanreid7107]

Jen, you are so lovely, I LOVE watching your videos and often watch them more than once 🤭. Keep up the amazing work. Have a wonderful holiday! x

[@allisonhorton330]

I am amazed what you can accomplish moments before an international trip! Bon voyage!

[@makeupbyjessw]

We have our RV, and we are totally familiar with it, and it's always surreal to move it to a new location but still be at "home". It's honrstly why we love it so much.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Love that!

[@annajohnson4761]

Glassesville LOL. Me too, sister! Always allll the glasses 🤓😎

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Seriously there is nothing more mission critical than being able to freaking see!

[@julieparker8176]

Just a thought, but I carry a piece of duct tape rolled onto a plastic drinking straw in case something breaks. Takes up very little space and comes in handy for a lot of different things.😊

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

So smart!

[@julieparker8176]

Clear duct tape, by the way.

[@lyneung5081]

I want to travel with a carry on bag as well but some airplanes they’re allowed 7kg only . Have a good trip.

[@jenniferbethune4382]

Curious if you’ve ever had issues with the Away bigger carry on being too large for European airplanes? Traveling Dublin to London in November and trying to plan. Thanks so much and enjoy all of your videos. Snile😊

[@micheleemmerich680]

Love your packing videos. A truck I learned years ago to prevent wrinkles in blazers is to pack them inside out. Don’t know why it works but it does. Not sure if it work with linen, but might be worth a try.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

LOVE IT!

[@eclairtreo]

Yep, and one sleeve goes inside the other. This is an old businessman's trick. If you pack your dresses or skirts inside out, when you do wear them, the fold lines will be inward instead of popping out. The folds don't show as much that way.

[@Lifeandtimeswithcyndi]

I’m so excited to see your vlogs from this trip. And I love everything in your vacation wardrobe. ❤

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you, Friend!! I am so excited.

[@user-cj9zx1me7b]

Great video...very detailed and helpful, thank you! But, what is the weight of your carryon when packed? Most international flights are very strict about weight. More so on the return from international airports than at JFK outbound. I just went through this holdup in Lisbon with my carry on and personal baggage. I finally made it but not without a few minutes of them weighing, debating, and finally conceding.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It depends on the airline - I’m flying Delta and they don’t weigh carry ons but some others including Air France do. I’ve never had my carry on weighed and honestly I don’t know the weight.

[@CoralJoyTravel]

You are going to have until bestest time and look divine. You are my carryon queen. Send the ship my best. ❤❤❤❤

[@malloryconnor4550]

Great video. Have a wonderful trip. As for slippers, I completely agree, having footwear that you can throw on is a must, especially for walking around in your hotel room and such. We have a family cabin and everyone has a spare pair of slip on shoes their because it is essential.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It’s one of those things I didn’t know was a necessity until I had it!😂❤️

[@thelegaultlife3096]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge what kind are your slippers? I can totally see where on a long flight that would feel amazing

[@donnabaardsen5372]

Always love your packing hacks! Having lived/traveled just about everywhere, including Europe, my packing hack includes rolling clothes before placing them in the suitcase. It's amazing how much extra room this provides, and virtually no wrinkles when unpacked. Can't wait to see everything from your cruise, Jen. You're going to have a fabulous time!

[@Chelle99]

THE COLOR!!! (Purple is my fav) 😍😍

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I'm saying . . . on ThredUp the color didn't look as beautiful as it is and when I opened the box I literally screamed.

[@kelly_marie1223]

I’ve been looking at Away bags for over a year. Just ordered two with your link - the larger carry on and a medium. Can’t wait to try them out! Thanks for the trip on using extra purses as packing cubes. Never thought of that.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I hope you love yours as much as I love mine! Thanks for using my link and thanks for watching!

[@kimcunningham2662]

I really appreciate you showing how you pack your Away bag. I just purchased one from your link and it's first journey is a business trip Monday. I was stressing over how to get my linen blazers packed without having them look like rags. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Have an amazing trip!!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Whenever I’m bringing a lot of dresses and with something like a blazer, the layering method keeps things from getting too terribly wrinkled for sure!

[@kimt8162]

Awesome, Rome! Always, you are an inspiration. I was at a community pool, HOT concrete. I bought those CROC ballet flat shoes you featured in one of your Disney Vlogs. Saved my feet :) Have a fun and safe trip!!!!!! Can't wait to see your vlogs on it.

[@bethifoody]

Based on your recommendations, I recently bought a shirt and a dress from Wool&. I love, love, love them! Thank you for sharing your recommendations.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh hurray! So worth the money!

[@debbean6637]

Jen - love your content. You are a woman after my own heart. I use Trinny London stack makeup which is fab and you choose your won colours.

[@bronniepaterson4694]

Ha watched this after your cruise….great. I know you had a great time…👍🇬🇧

[@nancylima8711]

Have a wonderful time! Bon voyage!

[@elizabethpotvin9772]

Where did you stay in Rome? I will be there end of November, and it is so confusing to locate a place to stay..

[@sherenejoseph]

Just came back from ZA transiting through Heathrow- they have become super flexible about liquids now. They still enforce 3oz and less but no issues with multiple ziploc bags. Also Subtl gives you a free travel brush set if you buy a stack of 5. And while I do like the travel pillow you suggested - two years ago I invested in TRtl pillows!! Worth every penny!! We have done over two decades of long haul flights to india and back so pillows are a necessity!! We have never slept better thanks to the TRtl pillows!! You should try one :) and their compressions socks are super cute!! TUMI is such a great backpack!! But our family swears by Eddie Bauer. We have had great experience with them but thanks for the tip on pre owned bags! Need to check that out!! Have a fun trip Jen!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you, Sherene!

[@mnoeliarc]

That’s good to know. Stansted airport in the U.K. is still the strictest airport when it comes to liquids.

[@lisasproul8027]

Have a great time! Lots of great info in this video!

[@carolynwilson7806]

Absolutely love your detailed videos!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I'm so glad you liked it, Carolyn! Thank you!

[@tyshuga]

This was amazing. I love that tumi bag color .

[@carolynknierim6848]

Notabag sling "❤bag" is tiny, tiny, tiny. It fits in your pocket or clips on your crossbody bag, yet I strong enough to carry a laptop and waterbottle. It's like a Chicobag if you are familiar with those.

[@rebeccablashock3829]

Really great content! So comprehensive! Thank you very, very much! :D

[@roxannae3]

This was fun! I like how very detailed this packing video is. Also, your hair looks amazing! I love the color and the cut. I hope you are enjoying your cruise and cannot wait to see the videos of your trip. Thanks, so much, for sharing!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

My pleasure, Roxanna! Thank you!

[@LyndaCOLBY]

Safe travels Jen...

[@dancingpeacock123]

Monday is when I go to JFK with departure on Tuesday at 12:30a.m for a months time in Europe

[@leilaarcena7134]

Have fun and thanks for all the nice items I can use in trip to Israel soon ❤

[@jennyvanburen8496]

I’m so excited for you!

[@marleneschick4768]

OMG...we've stayed at hotel Maruonouchi too!

[@joannewilliams41]

So very excited for you and hope you are having the best time 🥰🥰 just love your vlogs and this one got me so excited for our Florida holiday in August 😃 am going to check all the links below - so many great tips thank you 😍😍

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yay! Thank you!

[@mjhadley2001]

I enjoyed watching your packing video!! We’re on a 10 night Celebrity cruise right now. I had to check a bag as there are no laundry facilities on board. I hope you have the most amazing Mediterranean cruise!

[@daylasimeone336]

So exciting Jen! Have an amazing time

[@gapch440]

Are you loving your Tumi backpack? I have three and they’re wonderful.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

YES. I’m fact I may get one in black as well just adore.

[@pamalatalley7262]

I have the Away Bigger carry-on. I haven't been brave enough to try it on a plane. I'm afraid it is too big for the overhead. Have you ever had to check it instead of carry it on?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Not once. And it's been on every large plane in the Delta system.

[@pamalatalley7262]

Thank you, I have two round trip Delta flights coming up. I will take it. The worst that can happen is I have to check it at the gate.

[@awalker916]

I have airplane slippers too! 😊 Great video as always!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you so much!

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

You are goals when it comes to international travel! 😂 Have an amazing trip!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

These comments are appreciated 😂❤️

[@willcooper6980]

Have a great cruise Jen.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thanks, Will!

[@trishsp3160]

Love these videos. Hope your trip is/was fantastic!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thanks, Trish!

[@ashlynneeley7302]

Enjoy your trip. I’m headed to the airport for a destination wedding this afternoon.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Have a great trip!

[@suzievision]

I know you’re an experienced traveller but it still boggles my mind how you get everything into just a carry-on and personal item lol. Have the best time on your cruise. Laughed a little at you having the paperwork but not the app because as a Brit it’s often hit and miss as to whether our luggage tags arrive in time before we leave for the cruise. They’ve started installing the new scanners that work with liquids in some uk airports but as you said no Heathrow or Gatwick grrr.

[@shannonjackson3316]

Have a great trip!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you Shannon!

[@marianaesterhuyse720]

Nice video!!! Do you have a link for your slippers please

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I don’t but they’re pretty basic I think I got them on Amazon and they’re Dearforms

[@HappyTravelVlogs]

Great video Jen!!! So excited for your trip!!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Thank you, Ana!

[@Jodiestime4travel]

How did you like your Tumi backpack? I haven’t been able to find a review of your trip using it.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I love it! I've used it on multiple trips now.

[@rhillyermiles]

Ahhh, tweezers, don't leave home without them, especially after 50! I am in NC and forgot mascara so I've gone without until tomorrow for the ride home. Yay for CVS! Also, stick shift on curvy mountain roads is the bomb, but only if you know how to downshift quicky! 😂😂😂

[@patdouglass4329]

Great video and tips! Over the years I've had tweezers, metal nail files and nail clippers removed from my carry on bags going through security checks. Now I only bring inexpensive ones when using carry on just in case they end up tossed.

[@eclairtreo]

@@patdouglass4329 Same here, especially in Charles DeGaulle

[@veronicamartini9659]

Great video with so many useful tips. I’m going to have to rewatch it and take notes! I’ve never travelled with just a carryon because I’m not sure if I could lift it and store it overhead. How much does your carryon weigh fully packed?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I don’t know I’ve never weighed it but yes you’d want to be sure you could lift it.

[@andyplans_843]

Excellent video

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Glad you liked it!

[@susanritzenthaler4502]

Love! Thank you for sharing. Does the Tumi backpack have a trolley sleeve like the Away totes? Have a fabulous trip!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yes it does!

[@docsmctink]

I’ve seen your method of laying clothing on top of each other…it seems to me the clothes would be more wrinkled….or do you find they will be ok. Thx! Have a wonderful time!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

They are less wrinkled and I first learned this method when I worked at the container store. It doesn’t work well for everything but for dresses and lighter fabrics it works great

[@kathyfenwick4612]

Great video!! We fly to Amsterdam end of July for Norweigan Fjords cruise & although we are flying direct from Minneapolis, free checked bag & the apple air tags, I am still contemplating doing carry on only but not sure since I will have a few layering pieces & rain jacket etc. i think i’m going to do a practice pack & see lol! & love your hair colour as well as your green top, green is a great colour on you!

[@donnabaardsen5372]

I lived in Norway for years. Be prepared for their stunning landscapes and breathtaking beauty. It never got old for me 🇺🇲🇧🇻

[@kathyfenwick4612]

@@donnabaardsen5372 awesome! I can’t wait! Three weeks today we will be sailing away out of Rotterdam port:) I know it is going to be beautiful!!❤️

[@lindarichards9913]

I never heard of solid sunscreen! I'm getting some for my next trip! Great tip!❤🎉

[@renee4495]

Question regarding Rx medications and labels… since the Rx bottles are always larger than I’m wanting to carry, do you think a picture of actual bottle and Rx label would work, then, the Rx pills themselves decanted to smaller pill box?

[@deniceking3454]

Ask your pharmacy if they have smaller bottles for the trip. Mine did, and I was able to put the RX label on the smaller bottle.

[@vbigelis1705]

Maybe I missed it-but do you take any kind of e-reader or book ? (Also a fan of the subtle beauty!)

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I do - it was still in my bedside table by I have a Kindle paperwhite and I love it!

[@kimberlyharding1467]

How do you feel the Bose Headphones fit with your neck pillow? I feel like some neck pillows are too big and push the headphones.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I talked specifically about that in a video and they worked GREAT! That eye mask worked with them too. I looked like an alien but it worked.😂

[@rhillyermiles]

Off to Google, Samantha, crap, what was the last name? With the QVC wallet bag ... QVC search should help!😊

[@rhillyermiles]

Brown! There you go. It's out of stock but was $19.99 when they had it! 😂😅

[@MiaHessMusic]

I wish totes like you showed had zippers!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

That would be great!

[@carolynwilson7806]

Do you think having the label off prescription medicine is sufficient? Or should it be the entire bottle?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Honestly I think even a picture of the label (with your doctor's information) is probably sufficient but I'm not an expert in that by any means so it may depend on the country?

[@donnabaardsen5372]

​@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge When traveling anywhere with prescription pain meds, it's absolutely crucial that they be in exactly the same bottle they're brought home from the pharmacy in.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@@donnabaardsen5372 good To know! Mine aren’t pain meds but great information!

[@donnabaardsen5372]

​@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Happy to provide it. An additional FYI: Many find out the hard way that having legitimately prescribed narcotic pain meds in unmarked, nonprescription bottles can result in being detained, and worst case scenario, arrested😮

[@LiveLoveLaugh22]

Did your suitcase meet the weight requirement? Thanks

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

They don't weigh your carry on on Delta Airlines (also the case on most large US carriers)

[@Joanv314]

Two week transatlantic cruise first week in November spain n Portugal. How much more would you take??

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I would take the same amount since you’re likely to have access to laundry

[@Joanv314]

No laundry on vacation lol. Any other ideas lol

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

@@Joanv314 Nope. I couldn't do carry on for two weeks if laundry wasn't an option. But good luck!!

[@mullins809]

Do you have a link for the slippers?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I do t but they’re from dearforms

[@CeeBee-outdoors]

Do your feet ever get hot walking around in leather sneakers?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I’ve honestly never noticed it so I guess nope

[@larissaagatep6451]

Was there a weight limit to your carry on bag?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

No, Delta (and most US carriers) don’t weigh carry ons

[@larissaagatep6451]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge so lucky. Asian flights usually have a 7 kilo weight limit 😭

[@annaallred6845]

Doesn’t your lotion go in your liquids bag?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Technically yes but as long as it's under the 3.4 ounces, you should be fine. I haven't fully separated out my liquids in many years.

[@marianneberghuis6809]

What is that make up “stack” that you have? Have fun on the cruise!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It’s from SubtlBeauty!

[@annaallred6845]

What sneaks are those?

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

CARIUMA leather and I love them!

[@anne-marie896]

I didn't see a link to the slippers...thank you for thevgreat tips.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I didn’t provide one as they are just normal slippers and honestly it’s a really individual thing. Hope you find some you love!