Carry-on Luggage: c/o Heys | Kids Backpacks: Donut and Minions c/o Heys | Denim Jacket: Old Navy | V-Neck Sweater: c/o White House Black Market | Cardigan: c/o Ann Taylor | Leggings: Artizia | Sneakers: c/o Allbirds

Who’s ready to escape winter already? We got out before a pretty nasty cold spell hit the GTA and headed off to Hawaii with the family for a little R&R. It was the first time there for the kids, and to say they had a blast would be an understatement. From the beaches, to the mountains, to the Shave Ice – Hawaii has a little bit of something for everyone.

It’s always a struggle to pack for the family (who am I kidding – it’s a struggle to pack for myself), but now that the kids are a bit older it has gotten much easier (we left the stroller behind on this trip and didn’t miss it one bit). I packed them each a backpack (we love Hey’s roomy and way-too-cute styles), and filled them with lots of activities, colouring books, stickers, and of course way more snacks that I want to admit!

We love traveling with carry-on’s only and have been really getting into the swing of it on our last few trips. And who really wants to pay for checked luggage anyways and risk the airline losing it somewhere along the way? We feel so much more comfortable having all of our belongings right with us, plus it forces us to pack smart and leave all the unnecessary extras behind (easier said than done for a blogger, right?)!

While I can’t say we’ve mastered the art of the carry-on just yet, we have learned a thing or two over the years, and so I’m happy to share my Top 5 Packing Tips that hopefully will give you some inspiration for your next trip!

1. Not all carry-on luggage is equal. Be sure to select a carry-on suitcase that maximizes space and allows you to pack as much as possible inside. Our entire family is obsessed with the Hey’s Xtrak carry-on (so much so that we each have one)! The square size allows you to fit in WAY more than any other carry-on I’ve ever used, and of course the metal look is way too cool! ps. It also comes in two other sizes  (or a set of 3) if you’re as much in love with the collection as I am.
2. Roll your clothes. I’ve talked to some people who are averse to this packing suggestion, but it has worked SO well for me over the years and I can fit in SO many more clothes than I would be able to if they were folded flat. Please note this method of packing does not prevent wrinkles, but I’m an avid ironer so no matter how I pack you’ll find me ironing all my clothes anyways.
3. Pack your straw hat in your carry-on. I like to put my hat in the luggage first with the brim facing upwards, and then place my rolled clothes around the base of the hat and also inside of it. Then once your entire luggage is full of clothes, gently round down the sides of the hat around the clothes and tuck into the edge of the case. This keeps the shape of your hat in tack, and saves you from having to carry around a hat all day long.
4. Plan your outfits around one colour scheme. While you may want to bring lots of different colours, patterns and prints with you on your trip –  when it comes to smart-packing in a carry-on, the more coordinating pieces you have the more outfit options available to you. This ultimately means that even though you’re technically bringing less clothes than you would with a full-size suitcase, you can still make it appear like you didn’t skimp on packing at all. Win win!
5. Neutral shoes and bags go a long way! Similar to Tip #4, if you keep your shoes, bags, and accessories neutral then you need less of each and can maximize the space in your luggage minimize the weight. Depending on your destination, one to two pairs can go a long way if they match your travel wardrobe.