Ultimate Argentina Packing Guide: Carry-On Only

Many people (especially my family) think I am crazy that I insist on traveling only with a carry-on bag.  To be perfectly honest, I have no 'cons' to report, only a solid 'pros' list.  Let me point out the obvious (maybe not so obvious to you) benefits:

1. You never have to worry if your bag will arrive at your destination - huge!  Though I have never had my bag lost, I am constantly paranoid that my luck will soon run out and I will be saying sayonara to my favorite pair of Greek sandals.
2. Packing light means you are carrying light.  I find it especially convenient when I am going to multiple destinations and getting in and out of various cars and planes...so nice to have something easy to carry and lift.
3. You are forced to be really mindful of your packing choices.  There is nothing worse than packing a bunch of 'options' and then not even using those clothes or shoes during your vacation.  It is far better to really think through everything you are packing as you literally have no room to waste.
   

**One Caveat: If you are headed to a cold destination, it is significantly more difficult to execute a carry-on only policy.  It can be done, but be prepared to wear a few layers on the plane. **

Mix-n-Match
Find a few tops and bottoms in a similar color palette that can mix together effortlessly and still look chic.  I took a few Splendid t-shirts in black, white, & gray to be paired with khaki shorts for a basic day outfit, printed Ikat shorts for a slightly more fashionable moment, and a short printed skirt that can work well for the day or a casual dinner.  The striped cotton camisole is a great layering piece that works with everything.

Dresses
I have always been a big fan of dresses, especially when I am traveling.  The reason is simple - you have a full outfit by just carrying one piece.  Doesn't get much easier than that!  And if I find something that fits well, like the Splendid dresses shown on the right, I will buy it in multiple colors.  These slip dresses are easy to layer with or just wear on their own. The fabric is also easy to maintain and you can just throw in a washing machine which is important if you are doing laundry along the way.

Versatile Layering Pieces
Between the 2 days of horseback riding I was going to be doing and some potentially cool evenings, I made sure to pack a pair of jeans and a few long sleeve tops.  The windbreaker was again really lightweight and functioned well on rainy days.

Going Out
I wanted to make sure I carried a few dresses for going out at night.  Between tango dancing, going to the Opera, and some nice dinners - I knew I would have plenty of occasions to wear them all,  Though they are a bit dressier, all the fabrics are still very light-weight and easy to use,

Working Out
Though the days were going to be filled with lots of walking, I really wanted to ensure I began the day with some light stretching and morning yoga.  This meant not only packing my yoga mat but at least 2 exercise outfits,  The waterproof shorts you see here were also great for when I went to Iguazu Falls as it tends to get quite wet there given the plethora of waterfalls surrounding you!

Essentials
It is the beginning of summer in Argentina but there were showers my first few days in Buenos Aires. So I packed a hat and glasses for the sunny days and a small umbrella that I could throw in my bag for the rainy days.  Sunblock is a must any day.  I always keep some hand sanitizer and ibuprofen at close reach - things you are really thankful to have but may not think about before you need them.

Bag within a Bag
I never, ever, ever travel without my Longchamp Le Pilage XL Travel Bag.  I love how it folds up so tiny making it perfect to throw into the carry-on. If I go shopping (which is always) and buy some fun goodies, I can easily expand my luggage for my return home.  I typically just check-in the roller bag and carry my Longchamp on the plane.  Even if you don't go shopping, the truth of the matter is that after traveling for a week - things inevitably expand!

Yoga Mat
Knowing I needed to take my yoga mat with me, I actually bought a yoga mat carrier to use for this trip.  But given I was taking a tote in addition to my carry-on roller, the yoga bag just seemed a bit challenging to manage with the other two pieces.  After a little brainstorming, I realized I could fold my yoga mat in a way that fit perfectly into my tote bag.  I remembered seeing these purse organizer things on QVC years ago and a light bulb moment happened. The folded yoga mat served as a really great way for me to compartmentalize all the things that usually get thrown inside my tote while also providing a little padding for fragile items like my laptop.  How cool is that!!!

For the Plane
Not to brag, but my plane game is pretty tight.  I have flown so many ridiculous amounts of times that I have a good system that works really well for me.  I literally need every single one of these things:

• Compression Socks: They make a significant difference on how your legs feel once you have arrived.
• Eye Mask: To ward off the sunlight coming into the plane because that one person by the window really wants to take a look at the clouds.
• Pashmina Scarf: Doubles as a blanket for when it invariably gets really cold on the plane.
• Ipad/Laptop: For entertainment and such.
• Headset: Most people prefer noise cancelling headphones.  I find them too large so prefer to take my iPhone headset which is significantly more comfortable than the free airplane earbuds.
• Binder: Printouts of all my confirmation letters, especially for my flights.
• Passport: At the end of the day, this is actually the ONLY thing you really need :)

I promise you, all these clothes including my toiletry bag did in fact fit in the carry-on bag show here. It can be done! Now, that I was so perfectly packed, it was time to actually head to Argentina and see some things...

Keep checking the VoyJoie Blog this month as we feature tons of great photos and information on my favorite experiences in Buenos Aires, Cordoba & Iguazu Falls.  My trusty travel luggage and the contents within, had me perfectly prepared for every amazing moment which I am so excited to share with you!