TRAVEL | How I Pack

Last year, I took a mission trip to Nicaragua. My flight in Orlando was delayed because Obama was flying through Miami and of course he would be in my section so I missed my connecting flight from Miami to Nicaragua. A lot of people missed their flights. Anyway, I arrived in Nicaragua and my check in luggage was not there. The only items in my carry on were 2 pairs of underwear, a pair of shoes, and one outfit change. I was in Nicaragua for a week and a half. My luggage didn't get to me until 2 days before I was supposed to leave. Thankfully I was at an orphanage so I borrowed some clothes from the workers there, but it was still inconvenient.

This time around I didn't want to take that chance and wanted to at least get 3 outfits in my carry on that could be interchanged and last me at least the first week. My carryon luggage is 19" so its somewhat small, but I was determined. I set aside the outfit I would wear on the plane. This would be worn for two days since I would be flying for that amount of time. Then I grouped my outfits together and rolled them together like so:

I then placed a pair of rain boots at the bottom of the suitcase, and then started placing each little log on top and then another pair of shoes on the side of my clothes. All my socks and underwear will go in the other section of the suitcase, and I will put my cameras in the corner of the suitcase. Voila! The remaining clothes will go in the checkin suitcase along with whatever gifts I am bringing.